Role Title:

Senior Drill and Blast Supervisor

Reports to:

Drill and Blast Superintendent

Job Type:

Full Time, Regular

Location:

Helvetia, Az

Purpose of Role:
Reporting directly to the Drill and Blast Superintendent, the Senior Drill and Blast Supervisor provides overall operational leadership, technical oversight, and high-level coordination for site-wide drilling and blasting activities. This role goes beyond daily shift oversight to drive continuous improvement, design optimization, budget performance, and team mentorship. The position ensures all drilling, loading, and blasting activities are executed safely, cost-effectively, and in strict compliance with technical designs and regulatory standards to achieve overall Mine Operations production objectives.

ROLE ACCOUNTABILITIES:

Leadership & Personnel Management

• Senior Operational Leadership: Oversee site-wide coordination for the entire drilling and blasting program, mentoring junior supervisors, drillers, and blast crews to maximize pattern adherence, equipment utilization, and shift efficiency
• Direct and indirect supervision of drill crews, blast crews, and junior field supervisors/foremen
• Managing schedule approvals and timecards
• Conducting formal performance evaluations, career planning, and skill development for field personnel
• Administer disciplinary action as needed

Technical Operations & Blast Execution

• Pattern Quality Control: Direct the quality control of drill pattern execution and collaborate with engineering to optimize fragmentation, heave, and wall stability while minimizing ground vibration and air overpressure
• Blast Performance & Explosive Oversight: Oversee advanced loading practices and complex tie-in procedures, ensuring strict quality management of ANFO, bulk emulsion products, and initiation systems.
• Engineering Integration & Technical Design: Provide field-level input for blast design improvements, partnering with Mine Engineering, Geology, and Geotechnical teams to refine patterns based on varying rock types and wall-control requirements.

Fleet & Equipment Management

• Asset Availability & Fleet Optimization: Partner with maintenance and equipment vendors to maximize drill rig operational readiness, minimize downtime, and manage major maintenance scheduling.

Safety & Regulatory Compliance

• Safety & Regulatory Leadership: Serve as a champion for safety culture, leading field safety audits, incident investigations, risk assessments, and compliance checks in accordance with MSHA and ATF standards.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND EDUCATION:

• Education: A high school education or equivalent is required
• Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of supervisory experience in drilling and blasting activities in an open pit environment
• Leadership: Proven track record of leading, mentoring, and developing junior supervisors and multidisciplinary crews in a high-volume production environment
• Safety Excellence: Deep familiarity with MSHA regulations (current MSHA preferred). Ability to obtain Employee Possessor status

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:

• Advanced expertise in drill pattern design, blasting sequences, and geological/geotechnical principles
• High technical proficiency in electronic and non-electric initiation systems, bulk emulsion delivery, and ANFO applications
• Solid understanding of clearing, guarding, blocking, and perimeter safety protocols
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, financial management, and continuous improvement
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and site operational reporting software

NOTE: This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive. Employees may perform other related duties as needed to meet the ongoing needs of the organization.

Other Requirements:

Physical - The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl; and taste or smell. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities may be required for this position.

Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The work environment will necessitate work near moving mechanical parts and outside weather conditions such as hot and/or dry conditions. Work will be conducted in locations where noise, fumes, dust, toxic or caustic chemicals, and vibration may exist.

Employee must be able to prove that he/she has a current and valid driver's license.