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Explosive Worker Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Sioux City, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Iowa City, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Waterloo, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Davenport, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Des Moines, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

Law Enforcement & Security

Clinton, IA

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Provide protective ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Cedar Rapids, IA

$17.25 - $22/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Clinton, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Iowa City, IA

$15.25 - $19.25/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Waterloo, IA

$16.25 - $20.75/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Davenport, IA

$16.50 - $21/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Sioux City, IA

$17.25 - $22/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

U.S. Navy

MASTER-AT-ARMS

Des Moines, IA

$17 - $21.75/hr

... Sailors working as the Navy's military police are equipped to handle any situation. Provide ... Handle and care and training for dogs that detect narcotics and explosives * Conduct waterborne ...

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All JobsExplosive Worker JobsExplosive Worker Jobs in Iowa

Explosive Worker information

See Iowa salary details

$8

$17

$27

How much do explosive worker jobs pay per hour?

As of May 29, 2026, the average hourly pay for explosive worker in Iowa is $17.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $14.23 and $19.86 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an Explosive Worker, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Explosive Worker, you need in-depth knowledge of handling, storing, and disposing of explosives, typically supported by specialized training and relevant certifications. Familiarity with safety protocols, detonating equipment, and regulatory compliance systems is essential. Attention to detail, strong problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work calmly under pressure are vital soft skills for this role. These competencies are crucial to ensure safety, prevent accidents, and maintain compliance with strict industry regulations.

What safety protocols do Explosive Workers typically follow during daily operations?

Explosive Workers adhere to strict safety protocols, including regular equipment checks, wearing specialized protective gear, and following detailed handling and storage procedures for explosive materials. They must participate in safety briefings before each shift and maintain clear communication with their team to ensure everyone is aware of the day's tasks and potential hazards. Adherence to federal and local regulations is critical, as is completing extensive safety training and certifications. These measures are essential for minimizing risks and ensuring a safe work environment.

What are Explosive Workers?

Explosive workers are professionals who handle, assemble, and detonate explosives for a variety of purposes, such as construction, demolition, mining, or manufacturing fireworks and ammunition. Their responsibilities include preparing explosive charges, following strict safety procedures, and ensuring compliance with regulations. These workers must be highly trained to minimize risks and often work closely with engineers and safety officials to carry out controlled explosions safely.

What is the difference between Explosive Worker vs Blaster?

AspectExplosive WorkerBlaster
CertificationsExplosive Worker Certification, OSHA safety trainingBlaster Certification, OSHA safety training
Work EnvironmentConstruction sites, mining, demolitionMining, quarrying, construction
Job RoleHandling, preparing, and placing explosivesDesigning, supervising, and executing blasting operations

Explosive Workers typically handle the preparation and placement of explosives, focusing on safety and compliance. Blasters often oversee the entire blasting process, including planning and supervision. While both roles require similar certifications and work in related environments, Blasters usually have additional responsibilities in planning and management.

What are popular job titles related to Explosive Worker jobs in Iowa? For Explosive Worker jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Explosive Worker jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Explosive Worker jobs in Iowa are:
Explosive Worker jobs near you
Infographic showing various Explosive Worker job openings in Iowa as of May 2026, with employment types broken down into 67% Full Time, and 33% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $36,589 per year, or $17.6 per hour.

Site Safety Lead

MSM Group North America Inc

Middletown, IA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 23 days ago

Job description

Position Summary
MSM North America is seeking a Site Safety Lead to provide on-site safety leadership, technical oversight, and regulatory compliance support in a high-hazard operational environment involving explosives and ammunition. This role serves as the primary technical authority for safety execution, explosives safety compliance, and risk mitigation at the site level.
This is an individual contributor role requiring deep, hands-on experience with explosives safety, site planning, and regulatory engagement. The Site Safety Lead works closely with operations, engineering, quality, and external stakeholders to ensure safe, compliant, and uninterrupted mission execution.
Key Responsibilities
Site Safety Oversight & Execution
  • Serve as the primary on-site authority for safety compliance and execution related to explosives and ammunition operations
  • Monitor daily operations to ensure adherence to approved safety plans, SOPs, and regulatory requirements
  • Conduct routine site inspections, safety assessments, and job hazard analyses (JHAs)
  • Identify unsafe conditions or practices and implement immediate corrective actions to mitigate risk
Explosives & Ammunition Safety
  • Ensure safe handling, storage, manufacturing, testing, and transportation of explosives and ammunition in accordance with applicable regulations and standards
  • Support explosives safety site planning activities, including quantity-distance (QD) analysis, facility layout reviews, and hazard classification
  • Review and approve explosives-related activities from a safety and compliance perspective prior to execution
  • Serve as the on-site technical advisor for explosives and ammunition safety matters
Regulatory Compliance & External Interface
  • Ensure compliance with applicable explosives safety, occupational safety, and environmental regulations
  • Interface with regulatory agencies, customers, and auditors during inspections, assessments, and information requests
  • Support pre-award, post-award, and ongoing compliance reviews related to explosives operations
  • Maintain accurate safety documentation, permits, site plans, and compliance records
  • Ensure compliance with FAR/DFARS requirements, including DFARS 252.223-7002
  • Ensure compliance with DoD Manual 4145.26
Incident Prevention, Investigation & Response
  • Lead investigations of incidents, near-misses, and safety findings related to explosives and ammunition
  • Perform root cause analyses and develop corrective and preventive action plans
  • Support emergency response planning, drills, and readiness for explosive-related hazards
  • Act as on-site safety representative during abnormal or emergency conditions
Training & Safety Culture
  • Deliver safety briefings, toolbox talks, and technical guidance related to explosives and ammunition safety
  • Support development and refinement of safety procedures, training materials, and site-specific safety plans
  • Reinforce a strong safety culture through visible engagement and technical credibility
Reporting & Continuous Improvement
  • Track safety metrics, compliance trends, and corrective action status
  • Provide regular safety updates and recommendations to site and corporate leadership
  • Support continuous improvement initiatives to reduce risk, improve compliance posture, and enhance operational safety
Qualifications
Education
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Safety, or a related technical field required
  • Advanced technical degree preferred
Experience
  • 7-10 years of progressive safety experience in environments involving explosives and ammunition
  • Demonstrated hands-on experience with explosives safety, energetics operations, and site-level compliance
  • Experience supporting safety execution in regulated, high-consequence operational environments
  • Prior experience serving as a site safety authority or explosives safety specialist strongly preferred
Certifications & Specialized Training (Preferred)
  • Explosives Safety Officer (ESO) or equivalent
  • OSHA 30-Hour (General Industry or Construction)
  • Formal training in explosives safety site planning, hazard analysis, and regulatory compliance
  • Relevant military, government, or industry explosives safety credentials
  • Ammunition & Explosives Safety Training for Defense Contractors
Skills & Competencies
  • Deep technical knowledge of explosives and ammunition safety practices
  • Strong understanding of regulatory compliance and audit expectations
  • Ability to assess risk, make sound safety decisions, and enforce requirements independently
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills
  • High attention to detail and situational awareness
  • Professional judgment and discretion in sensitive operational environments
Working Conditions
  • Work performed in environments involving explosives, ammunition, and other high-risk operations
  • Use of required personal protective equipment (PPE)
  • May require flexible hours or on-call support based on operational needs

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