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Mining Blaster Jobs in Washington (NOW HIRING)

Mining Blaster information

See Washington salary details

$15

$23

$39

How much do mining blaster jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 21, 2026, the average hourly pay for mining blaster in Washington is $23.76, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.62 and $25.87 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

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 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 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 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.

How to become a mining blaster in the mines?

To become a mining blaster, you typically need to complete a certified blasting training program and obtain a blasting license or certification, which varies by region. Experience with explosives, safety procedures, and knowledge of mining operations are essential, along with adherence to strict safety regulations and sometimes a minimum age requirement.

What are popular job titles related to Mining Blaster jobs in Washington?

For Mining Blaster jobs in Washington, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Mining Blaster jobs in Washington look for?

The top searched job categories for Mining Blaster jobs in Washington are:

Infographic showing various Mining Blaster job openings in Washington 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 $49,423 per year, or $23.8 per hour.

Senior Geotechnical Engineer - TS/SCI Poly Required

Leidos

Reston, VA • On-site

Full-time

Posted 7 days ago


Leidos rating

8.3

Company rating: 8.3 out of 10

Based on 152 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

79th of 495 rated business services


Job description

Leidos is seeking a Senior Geotechnical Engineer to join our Analysis Solutions Group in Reston, Virginia. This highly specialized role supports critical national security missions through advanced geologic and geotechnical analysis of underground, hardened, and complex infrastructure facilities.
As a senior member of a multidisciplinary team, you will apply your expertise in geology, geotechnical engineering, geomechanics, and subsurface characterization to help reverse engineer and assess facilities in some of the world's most challenging environments. You will support the development of innovative methodologies, analytical processes, and emerging technologies used to characterize, model, and assess above- and below-ground structures and their surrounding geology.
This position offers the opportunity to solve complex technical problems, conduct cutting-edge analysis, contribute to technology development efforts, and directly support high-priority government missions. The successful candidate will serve as a trusted technical advisor and subject matter expert, working in a fast-paced, mission-focused environment alongside leading scientists, engineers, analysts, and government personnel.
What You'll Do
  • Serve as a senior technical expert in geotechnical engineering, engineering geology, and subsurface characterization.
  • Conduct advanced geotechnical assessments using open-source information, commercial and classified imagery, intelligence reporting, and geospatial data to characterize geological and engineering properties of sites and facilities.
  • Analyze soil, rock, and geologic conditions to support the assessment of underground and hardened infrastructure.
  • Utilize geospatial technologies, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise, along with vector and raster datasets, to evaluate and document site geology and geotechnical conditions.
  • Develop technical assessments, reports, and briefings that clearly communicate findings, risks, and conclusions to customers and stakeholders.
  • Provide scientific, technical, and systems engineering support for the development of innovative technologies, sensors, and methodologies used to identify, characterize, and assess geotechnical conditions in denied or difficult-to-access environments.
  • Plan and execute field investigations, surveys, and data collection efforts within the United States and internationally.
  • Apply geological expertise to projects involving borehole investigations, soil characterization, fault analysis, rock mass characterization, and subsurface engineering assessments.
  • Conduct field research and produce detailed technical documentation to support mission requirements.
  • Lead the development of new technical approaches, analytical methods, and operational solutions that advance mission capabilities.
  • Brief senior government officials, technical leaders, and mission stakeholders on emerging trends, analytical findings, and technical assessments.

Required Qualifications
  • Clearance Required: Candidates for consideration MUST possess an active, current Top Secret/SCI clearance WITH polygraph, and the ability and willingness to maintain this clearance while holding this position.
  • Bachelor's degree in Engineering Geology, Geology, Mining Engineering, Geotechnical Engineering, or a related discipline.
  • 12+ years of relevant experience, or master's degree with 10+ years of relevant experience.
  • Strong background in:
    • Geomechanics
    • Geotechnical engineering
    • Field geophysics
    • Computer modeling and simulation
    • Tunnel and slope stability analysis
    • Rock mass characterization

  • Advanced proficiency with geotechnical engineering software, including:
    • PLAXIS
    • SLOPE/W (GeoStudio)
    • Slide
    • LPILE
    • gINT

  • Experience with GIS technologies, including ArcGIS Pro and ArcGIS Enterprise, and familiarity with MATLAB.
  • Experience conducting geotechnical investigations, field data collection, and technical research.
  • Working knowledge of drilling operations, core logging, mining operations, tunnel design and construction, trenchless technologies, and subsurface engineering analysis.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to brief senior government officials and technical audiences.
  • Demonstrated ability to apply advanced scientific and engineering principles across complex technical programs and mission areas.

Preferred Qualifications
  • Professional Geologist (PG) or Professional Engineer (PE) license.
  • Military, defense, or intelligence community experience.
  • Experience applying remote sensing technologies to geological or geotechnical analysis.
  • Knowledge of weapons effects and the response of geologic materials to blast, shock, and other dynamic loading conditions.
  • Experience conducting and processing geologic and geophysical investigations, including:
    • Seismic surveys
    • Ground Penetrating Radar (GPR)
    • Other subsurface sensing technologies

Why Leidos?
At Leidos, you'll work on some of the nation's most challenging and impactful technical problems. This role offers the opportunity to combine advanced geotechnical expertise, innovative technology development, and intelligence-driven analysis to support missions of strategic importance. You'll collaborate with leading experts across multiple disciplines while helping shape solutions to some of the most complex subsurface and infrastructure challenges facing the national security community.
If you're a technical leader with a passion for geotechnical analysis, underground structures, and mission-focused innovation, we invite you to join our team and make a lasting impact.
#ASBA
#Snakehead
If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo - because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 - and moving faster than anyone else dares.
Original Posting:
August 14, 2026
For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00
The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.

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About Leidos

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

At Leidos, we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customers' success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainable practices. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

Reston, VA, US

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