Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters

Job Description: Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures. Includes seismograph shooters.

Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters spend a lot of their time Handling and Moving Objects. They are naturally good at Manual Dexterity, Near Vision, Reaction Time, and Information Ordering. Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and Blasters are typically characterized as being Realistic and Investigative. They are usually very knowledgable about Public Safety and Security, Mathematics, and Mechanical and are skilled at Reading Comprehension and Monitoring.

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Work Activities

Handling and Moving Objects
  
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  
Performing General Physical Activities
  
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
  
Monitor Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
  
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
  
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
  
Controlling Machines and Processes
  
Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Material
  
Getting Information
  
Judging the Qualities of Things, Services, or People
  
Scheduling Work and Activities
  
Processing Information
  
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
  
Training and Teaching Others
  
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
  
Coaching and Developing Others
  
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
  
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
  
Thinking Creatively
  
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
  
Documenting/Recording Information
  
Analyzing Data or Information
  
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
  
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
  
Developing and Building Teams
  
Performing Administrative Activities
  
Communicating with Persons Outside Organization
  
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
  
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
  
Provide Consultation and Advice to Others
  
Developing Objectives and Strategies
  
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
  
Staffing Organizational Units
  
Assisting and Caring for Others
  
Interacting With Computers
  
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
  
Selling or Influencing Others
  
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  

Abilities

Manual Dexterity
  
Near Vision
  
Reaction Time
  
Information Ordering
  
Problem Sensitivity
  
Oral Comprehension
  
Visual Color Discrimination
  
Inductive Reasoning
  
Deductive Reasoning
  
Control Precision
  
Perceptual Speed
  
Finger Dexterity
  
Far Vision
  
Arm-Hand Steadiness
  
Oral Expression
  
Multilimb Coordination
  
Selective Attention
  
Category Flexibility
  
Flexibility of Closure
  
Visualization
  
Extent Flexibility
  
Written Comprehension
  
Depth Perception
  
Auditory Attention
  
Originality
  
Hearing Sensitivity
  
Fluency of Ideas
  
Trunk Strength
  
Time Sharing
  
Response Orientation
  
Speech Clarity
  
Static Strength
  
Speech Recognition
  
Rate Control
  
Written Expression
  
Speed of Closure
  
Stamina
  
Gross Body Equilibrium
  
Speed of Limb Movement
  
Glare Sensitivity
  
Gross Body Coordination
  
Number Facility
  
Mathematical Reasoning
  
Dynamic Strength
  
Memorization
  
Wrist-Finger Speed
  
Spatial Orientation
  
Sound Localization
  
Peripheral Vision
  
Night Vision
  

Interests

Realistic
  
Investigative
  
Conventional
  
Enterprising
  
Artistic
  
Social
  

Knowledge

Public Safety and Security
  
Mathematics
  
Mechanical
  
Law and Government
  
Customer and Personal Service
  
Engineering and Technology
  
Production and Processing
  
Administration and Management
  
Clerical
  
Transportation
  
Education and Training
  
Sales and Marketing
  
Design
  
English Language
  
Chemistry
  
Building and Construction
  
Personnel and Human Resources
  
Computers and Electronics
  
Physics
  
Economics and Accounting
  
Psychology
  
Geography
  
Communications and Media
  
Medicine and Dentistry
  
Telecommunications
  
Sociology and Anthropology
  
Biology
  
Therapy and Counseling
  
Philosophy and Theology
  

Wages

Wisconsin
$63,740  
 
Alaska
$61,420  
 
Connecticut
$56,430  
 
Nevada
$56,320  
 
New Mexico
$55,590  
 
Illinois
$53,800  
 
Arizona
$52,160  
 
California
$51,910  
 
Wyoming
$51,510  
 
Montana
$49,670  
 
Colorado
$49,010  
 
North Carolina
$48,910  
 
Oregon
$48,200  
 
Washington
$47,070  
 
Utah
$46,880  
 
Virginia
$46,490  
 
Tennessee
$46,450  
 
New York
$46,030  
 
Pennsylvania
$44,460  
 
Alabama
$43,540  
 
Maine
$42,460  
 
West Virginia
$42,440  
 
Texas
$41,380  
 
Kentucky
$40,840  
 
Indiana
$40,130  
 
Missouri
$38,000  
 
Iowa
$36,220  
 
Georgia
$35,190  
 
Oklahoma
$35,110  
 
Arkansas
$32,490  
 
Mississippi
$21,980  
 

Skills

Reading Comprehension
  
Monitoring
  
Critical Thinking
  
Coordination
  
Instructing
  
Active Listening
  
Time Management
  
Complex Problem Solving
  
Management of Personnel Resources
  
Judgment and Decision Making
  
Operation Monitoring
  
Operation and Control
  
Speaking
  
Active Learning
  
Troubleshooting
  
Mathematics
  
Learning Strategies
  
Writing
  
Systems Evaluation
  
Social Perceptiveness
  
Systems Analysis
  
Negotiation
  
Persuasion
  
Quality Control Analysis
  
Service Orientation
  
Equipment Selection
  
Equipment Maintenance
  
Repairing
  
Operations Analysis
  
Management of Material Resources
  
Science
  
Technology Design
  
Management of Financial Resources
  

Work Values

Support
  
Independence
  
Achievement
  
Working Conditions
  
Relationships
  
Recognition
  

Work Styles

Attention to Detail
  
Dependability
  
Integrity
  
Self Control
  
Stress Tolerance
  
Adaptability/Flexibility
  
Cooperation
  
Initiative
  
Analytical Thinking
  
Leadership
  
Achievement/Effort
  
Concern for Others
  
Independence
  
Persistence
  
Innovation
  
Social Orientation
  

Related University Degree Programs

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Telephone
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Contact With Others
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Time Pressure
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Consequence of Error
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Physical Proximity
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Letters and Memos
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Level of Competition
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Duration of Typical Work Week
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Degree of Automation
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Public Speaking
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Work Schedules
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Radiation
  

-40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-A lot of freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-About half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  

-Completely automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Constant contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others about half the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Contact with others most of the time-

Contact With Others
  

-Continually or almost continually-

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  

-Every day-

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Telephone
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  

-Extremely competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Extremely important-

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  

-Extremely serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Fairly important-

Deal With External Customers
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Fairly serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-High responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Highly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Highly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-I don't work near other people (beyond 100 ft.)-

Physical Proximity
  

-I work with others but not closely (e.g., private office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Important-

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  

-Important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Irregular (changes with weather conditions, production demands, or contract duration)-

Work Schedules
  

-Less than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-Less than half the time-

Spend Time Sitting
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  

-Limited freedom-

Freedom to Make Decisions
  
Structured versus Unstructured Work
  

-Limited responsibility-

Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  
Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  

-Minor results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderate responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Moderate results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Moderately automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Moderately close (at arm's length)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Moderately competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-More than 40 hours-

Duration of Typical Work Week
  

-More than half the time-

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Spend Time Sitting
  

-Never-

Exposed to Radiation
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance
  
Public Speaking
  
Electronic Mail
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Spend Time Sitting
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Telephone
  
Spend Time Walking and Running
  
Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Letters and Memos
  
Spend Time Bending or Twisting the Body
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Time Pressure
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Spend Time Standing
  
Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  

-No contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-No freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-No responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-No results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Not at all automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Not at all competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Not important at all-

Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Not serious at all-

Consequence of Error
  

-Occasional contact with others-

Contact With Others
  

-Once a month or more but not every week-

Public Speaking
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Telephone
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Time Pressure
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Electronic Mail
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  

-Once a week or more but not every day-

Time Pressure
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Electronic Mail
  
Letters and Memos
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Telephone
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Public Speaking
  

-Once a year or more but not every month-

Deal With Unpleasant or Angry People
  
Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection
  
Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions
  
Frequency of Conflict Situations
  
Letters and Memos
  
Deal With Physically Aggressive People
  
Indoors, Environmentally Controlled
  
Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings
  
Outdoors, Under Cover
  
In an Enclosed Vehicle or Equipment
  
Exposed to High Places
  
Public Speaking
  
Exposed to Whole Body Vibration
  
In an Open Vehicle or Equipment
  
Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting
  
Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled
  
Electronic Mail
  
Exposed to Hazardous Equipment
  
Frequency of Decision Making
  
Exposed to Contaminants
  
Exposed to Disease or Infections
  
Time Pressure
  
Sounds, Noise Levels Are Distracting or Uncomfortable
  
Face-to-Face Discussions
  
Outdoors, Exposed to Weather
  
Very Hot or Cold Temperatures
  
Exposed to Radiation
  
Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets
  
Exposed to Hazardous Conditions
  
Telephone
  

-Regular (established routine, set schedule)-

Work Schedules
  

-Seasonal (only during certain times of the year)-

Work Schedules
  

-Serious-

Consequence of Error
  

-Slightly automated-

Degree of Automation
  

-Slightly close (e.g., shared office)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Slightly competitive-

Level of Competition
  

-Some freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very close (near touching)-

Physical Proximity
  

-Very high responsibility-

Responsible for Others' Health and Safety
  
Responsibility for Outcomes and Results
  

-Very important-

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks
  
Work With Work Group or Team
  
Coordinate or Lead Others
  
Deal With External Customers
  
Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment
  
Importance of Being Exact or Accurate
  

-Very important results-

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results
  

-Very little freedom-

Structured versus Unstructured Work
  
Freedom to Make Decisions
  

-Very serious-

Consequence of Error
  

Task Ratings

Education Training Experience

-On-Site or In-Plant Training-

None
  
Up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-On-the-Job Training-

None or short demonstration
  
Anything beyond short demonstration, up to and including 1 month
  
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  

-Related Work Experience-

None
  
Over 3 months, up to and including 6 months
  
Over 6 months, up to and including 1 year
  
Over 1 year, up to and including 2 years
  
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years
  
Over 4 years, up to and including 6 years
  

-Required Level of Education-

Less than a High School Diploma
  
High School Diploma (or GED or High School Equivalence Certificate)
  
Post-Secondary Certificate - awarded for training completed after high school (for example, in Personnel Services, Engineering-related Technologies, Vocational Home Economics, Construction Trades, Mechanics and Repairers, Precision Production Trades)
  
Some College Courses
  
Associate's Degree (or other 2-year degree)