Title:  Drill and Blast Manager

Job Summary

The Drill and Blast Production Manager  is responsible for managing the day-to-day Drill and Blast mining operations of the site to the company’s business requirements and within statutory limits.

Job Responsibilities 

• Oversee the safe, efficient and productive operation of the drill & blast department under the direct supervision of the Senior Manager of Production.
• Develop, implement, and maintain departmental budget.  Including performing cost tracking and analysis.
• Design and implement blast designs that ensure optimum fragmentation.  Collaborate with fellow production managers, supervisors, and contractors to ensure information is shared and needs are understood.
• Research, test, and evaluate new products and technology when authorized by management.
• Oversee contractors associated with the drill & blast department.
• Directly supervise and mentor supervisors, team leaders, and other salaried staffs dedicated to the drill & blast department.  This includes setting annual goals and managing career development with these individuals. 
• Ensure professional development and oversee training programs in conjunction with the training department.
• Ensure health and environmental practices are compliant, aligned with best practice and continually improved.
• Ensure alignment of drill & blast strategy with the production needs and the strategy of other production areas. 
• Provide leadership regarding company policies, initiatives and objectives.

Leadership abilities:

• Self motivated individual who acts with integrity and strength of character
• Respectful treatment of all employees
• Open and transparent communication including  information sharing
• Foster a positive work environment
• Recognize and develop skills and abilities in others
• Listen and encourage the transfer of information, suggestions, and concerns

Physical Requirements

Physical Requirements - Surface Environment 

• Must have the ability to stand for up to 4 hours per shift
• Must have the ability to be seated for up to 4 hours to operate equipment or vehicles
• Must have the ability to work from elevated positions, walk/climb up and down stairs/steps and climb on/off equipment and ladders
• Must have the ability to wear required protective footwear, hearing and eye protection, and other personal protective equipment as required by Company and MSHA
• Must have the ability to perform repetitive hand and wrist motions (push, pull, twist, handle), and have rapid reflex movements of the arms/legs and good hand to eye coordination
• Must have the ability to lift/raise 10 – 50 lbs. without mechanical assistance frequently during the work shift
• Must have the ability to work in extreme conditions, including but not limited to changing weather conditions, dust, mud, varying levels of noise from low to high decibels, varying degrees of light/dark, in and around artificial light, and in a confined work area
• Must have the ability to work various shifts (required shifts include days, evening and nights, with rotating schedules, weekends and holidays).

Physical Requirements - Office

• Must have the ability to sit for up to 8 hours
• Must be able to use a computer and communicate effectively in various forms, including email and by phone
• Must have the ability to review paper and electronic documents and complete computer entry of data from paper documents
• Must be able to find, remove and return files to/from file cabinets and discuss issues by telephone and in person
• Must be able to operate copier, fax machine, etc.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS Degree in Mining Engineering or related field is preferred, but not required.
• Minimum ten years relevant drill & blast experience in a related field.
• Minimum five years supervisory experience in a surface mine setting.
• Background in and in-depth working knowledge of surface mining operations, equipment and applicable mining regulations desired.
• Understanding of drill patterns and drill hole depths policy and procedures.
• Must have or is willing to obtain a Mine Foreman’s Certificate.
• Must have or is willing to obtain a Wyoming Blaster’s Certification.
• Understanding and experience with computer generated blast patterns and associated software.
• Ability to be on call nights, weekends, and holidays as needed.