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Mining Blaster Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

Sr. Blaster

Davenport, IA

$17 - $22.50/hr

Supervises personnel at the customer site/blast area. * Develops and maintains positive work ... This position will be exposed to dust, noise, oil and other mining elements. Austin Powder is an ...

Sr. Blaster

Davenport, IA · On-site

$17 - $22.50/hr

Supervises personnel at the customer site/blast area. * Develops and maintains positive work ... This position will be exposed to dust, noise, oil and other mining elements. Austin Powder is an ...

Blast Crew

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Quick Supply Co. has serviced mining, quarrying and construction customers with integrity and expertise for over eight decades. Our goal is to partner with our customers to ensure optimal blasting ...

Blast Crew

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$25 - $27/hr

Quick Supply Co. has serviced mining, quarrying and construction customers with integrity and expertise for over eight decades. Our goal is to partner with our customers to ensure optimal blasting ...

Blast Crew

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$17.50 - $22.25/hr

Quick Supply Co. has serviced mining, quarrying and construction customers with integrity and expertise for over eight decades. Our goal is to partner with our customers to ensure optimal blasting ...

Senior Mine Engineer

Nevada, IA · On-site

$120 - $180/hr

The position will require you to supervise the survey team, the short range and drill and blast ... Ability to carry out cost analysis to establish unit mining cost and cut off grades. * Completing ...

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Assists in the blasting process including laying out drill patterns and loading shots. * Becomes ... Familiarity and knowledge of mining and aggregates industry. * No prior full-time experience ...

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Assists in the blasting process including laying out drill patterns and loading shots. * Becomes ... Familiarity and knowledge of mining and aggregates industry. * No prior full-time experience ...

Production Management Associate

Ames, IA · On-site

$14.75 - $18.50/hr

Assists in the blasting process including laying out drill patterns and loading shots. * Becomes ... Familiarity and knowledge of mining and aggregates industry. * No prior full-time experience ...

Mining Blaster information

See Iowa salary details

$13

$19

$32

How much do mining blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 11, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining blaster in Iowa is $19.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.25 and $21.44 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a mining blaster, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Mining Blaster, you need a strong understanding of explosives handling, safety regulations, and mining operations, typically backed by relevant certifications or licenses. Familiarity with blasting caps, detonators, specialized drilling equipment, and digital blast design software is often required. Attention to detail, problem-solving, and clear communication are crucial soft skills for ensuring safe and effective blasting activities. These skills and qualities are vital to minimize risks, comply with legal standards, and achieve efficient extraction of resources.

What is a mining blaster?

Mining Blasters are skilled professionals responsible for safely handling, placing, and detonating explosives to break rock or earth in mining operations. They assess geological conditions, calculate explosive requirements, and ensure all safety protocols are followed to protect workers and equipment. Their work is crucial for extracting minerals efficiently while minimizing risks to people and the environment. Mining Blasters typically require certification and specialized training to perform their duties safely and legally.

What is the difference between Mining Blaster vs Driller?

AspectMining BlasterDriller
Required CertificationsBlasting certifications, safety trainingDrilling licenses, safety certifications
Work EnvironmentUnderground or open-pit mines, blasting sitesMining sites, drilling locations
Job RolePrepares and detonates explosives to break rockOperates drilling equipment to create blast holes
Industry UsageCommon in mining, quarryingCommon in mining, construction

Mining Blasters and Drillers work closely in mining operations, but their roles differ. Blasters focus on explosive detonation, requiring specific blasting certifications, while Drillers operate equipment to prepare for blasting. Both roles are essential for efficient mining and share similar safety training requirements.

What are some common challenges faced by mining blasters, and how can they be addressed?

Mining Blasters often face challenges such as working in hazardous environments, adhering to strict safety protocols, and coordinating closely with drilling and engineering teams to ensure precise timing and placement of blasts. Managing environmental impacts and minimizing vibrations or fly-rock are also key concerns. These challenges can be addressed through ongoing safety training, effective communication with team members, and staying updated on technological advancements in blasting techniques and equipment.
What are popular job titles related to Mining Blaster jobs in Iowa? For Mining Blaster jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Mining Blaster jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Mining Blaster jobs in Iowa are:
Infographic showing various Mining Blaster job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $40,986 per year, or $19.7 per hour.

$17 - $22.50/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 4 days ago


Job description

Join the Family - Come work for an exciting company offering great benefits, challenging opportunities, and colleagues who feel more like family.

Key Responsibilities and Duties
  • Maintains a safe and healthy work environment by complying with MSHA, OSHA, ATF, & DOT regulations within the work area.

  • Reviews drill patterns and diagrams, determines product and shot layout necessary to meet customer needs.

  • Performs all necessary duties to prepare designated area for blasting including verification of blast shelter, blast equipment, drill pattern stemming, face, and blast area.

  • Supervises personnel at the customer site/blast area.

  • Develops and maintains positive work relationships with the current customer base to increase market share and ensure growth, including pricing or budget controls.

  • Communicates blast details with all personnel on job site and performs duties necessary to prepare and detonate shot.

  • Conducts Pre/Post Shot Safety Audit at every shot service event.

  • Completes necessary paperwork/shot report documentation as per Austin Powder policy.

  • Ensures Austin Powder is compliant with customers' policies/procedures.

  • Coordinates the handling of all customer issues, blast area incidents, and/or public concerns related to the event with appropriate APC personnel.

  • Communicates regularly with the sales representative and/or Location Manager regarding customer accounts, as required by the location.

  • Complies with Austin Powder Company inventory management procedures.

  • Completes and maintains necessary paperwork or software programs as required by company policies and procedures, Department of Transportation, or other federal or state agencies.

  • Maintains current working knowledge of vehicles and equipment used in shot service.

  • Manages daily operations to ensure assets are maintained and operated in a safe, professional manner at the customer's site.

  • Other duties as assigned.

Education and Experience
  • 21+ years old as required by ATF
  • High school or equivalent (GED) degree

  • Minimum 5 years of certified blasting experience

  • Must be technically capable of blasting any quarry or mine serviced by the location.

  • Must possess the following certifications upon hire or acquire within 12 months of hire:

  • Austin Powder Company Blasting Certification

  • State Blaster's License, as required.

  • CDL Class A with Hazmat endorsements - preferred

  • MSHA Safety

  • First Aid Certification

Skills and Knowledge
  • Ability to add, subtract, multiply, and divide in all units of measure.

  • Ability to solve practical problems and deal with situations where only limited standardization exists.

  • Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.

  • Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, product bulletins, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals.

  • Ability to proficiently operate blasting software and equipment including: 2D Profiler, ABS, Seismograph, Global Position System, Electronic Blast Report.

Work Environment

This position involves working in the great outdoors in all-weather conditions, lifting and carrying approximately 50 pounds and doing a variety of hands-on physical tasks. This position will be exposed to dust, noise, oil and other mining elements.

Austin Powder is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to ensuring equal employment opportunities for all job applicants and employees. Employment decisions are based upon job-related reasons regardless of an applicant's race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, age, national origin, disability, marital status, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by law. Austin Powder also participates in E-Verify.

This contractor and subcontractor shall abide by the requirements of 41 CFR 60-1.4(a), 60-300.5(a) and 60-741.5(a). These regulations prohibit discrimination against qualified individuals based on their status as protected veterans or individuals with disabilities, and prohibit discrimination against all individuals based on their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, and for inquiring about, discussing or disclosing compensation. Moreover, these regulations require that covered prime contractors and subcontractors take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or veteran status.