Job Purpose
$$ELIGIBLE FOR QUARTERLY BONUSES$$200-500$$
COMPETITIVE PAY
The Licensed Blaster is responsible for the safe handling, placement, and detonation of commercial explosives, including dynamite, used to harden steel castings utilized in the production and assembly of railroad crossings and turnouts. This is a safety-sensitive position governed by Kentucky Revised Statutes (KRS 351.315) and 805 KAR Chapter 4. Strict compliance with all state and federal explosive regulations, company safety rules, and documentation requirements is mandatory.
Company Description
Progress Rail stands at the intersection of legacy and innovation—driving the future of rail with a pioneering spirit. Since its founding in 1983, the company has grown to become one of the world’s largest and most trusted providers of railroad products, services, and technologies. Today, Progress Rail delivers a comprehensive portfolio of cost-effective solutions to railway customers around the globe. From the rails themselves to the EMD® locomotives that ride them, the company’s products are in operation across more than 100 countries—powering progress and connecting communities. In 2006, Progress Rail joined Caterpillar Inc., further strengthening its ability to lead the rail industry with cutting-edge technology, unmatched expertise, and a commitment to excellence. At Progress Rail, the team is not just building the future of rail—they are making history every day.
Key Job Elements
Minimum duties and responsibilities
- Plan, design, and execute controlled blasting operations to achieve required casting hardening specifications.
- Determine blast layouts, charge quantities, and initiation timing in compliance with Kentucky law.
- Safely store, transport, handle, and detonate explosives per Kentucky and ATF regulations.
- Conduct pre-blast and post-blast inspections and establish exclusion zones, warnings, and all-clear signals.
- Complete, maintain, and sign required blast records for every detonation.
- Coordinate blasting activities with production, maintenance, and safety teams.
- Respond appropriately to misfires, abnormal blast results, or safety incidents.
- Safely prepare, handle, and work with explosives to harden castings used in railroad trackwork
- Inspect castings before and after blasting to verify quality and conformance to specifications
- Comply with all applicable OSHA, MSHA (if applicable), ATF, DOT, and railroad safety regulations
- Participate in safety meetings, audits, and training programs
- Collaborate with production, maintenance, engineering, and safety teams
- Maintain a clean, organized, and safe work environment
Education / Training
Qualifications, Experience, Education
- High school diploma or GED
- Must hold a valid Kentucky Blaster’s License issued by the Division of Mine Reclamation and Enforcement (DMRE).
- Minimum experience requirement: 24 months under supervision of a licensed blaster OR 12 months with approved formal training.
- License classification (full or limited) must match explosive quantities used in operations.
- License must be renewed every three (3) years.
- Full Kentucky Blaster’s License requires eight (8) hours of approved training annually.
- Failure to renew within five (5) years requires reapplication and retesting
- Knowledge of explosive safety and regulatory requirements
- Ability to read and follow written procedures and safety instructions
- Experience working with explosives in an industrial or manufacturing setting preferred
- Familiarity with quality inspections of hardened metal components
- Experience with regulatory compliance documentation
Qualifications and Experience
Essential and Physical Activities Functions
- Ability to safely handle, transport, and position commercial explosive materials, tools, and blasting equipment in accordance with regulatory and company safety requirements.
- Ability to lift, carry, push, and pull materials and equipment associated with blasting operations, including explosive components, initiation systems, and protective devices.
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, crouch, climb, and maintain balance for extended periods while performing blasting preparation, setup, and post blast inspections.
- Ability to use hands and arms for repetitive and precise movements, including connecting initiation systems, setting charges, handling tools, and completing blast documentation.
- Ability to visually inspect blast areas, equipment, and casting materials, including distinguishing warning signals, signage, gauges, and safety indicators.
- Ability to hear audible warnings, alarms, radio communications, and verbal instructions essential for blast coordination, emergency response, and area clearance.
- Ability to communicate clearly with coworkers, supervisors, and safety personnel through verbal, written, and radio communications.
Safety and Compliance
This position is safety sensitive. The essential functions include tasks that directly impact the safety of the employee, coworkers, and the public. Strict compliance with all safety policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements is mandatory.
Benefits
Compensation and benefits offered may vary depending on multiple individualized factors, job level, market location, job-related knowledge, skills, individual performance, and experience. Please note that salary is only one component of total compensation at Progress Rail.**
- Competitive Salary
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401(k) plan with up to 6% company match (no waiting period with immediate vesting)
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Medical/Dental/Vision/Life/Disability Insurance
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Supplemental Accident, Critical Care, and Hospital Insurance available along with an HDHP and HSA with seed money
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Flexible Spending Accounts
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Paid Vacation
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Paid Holidays
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Paid Time-Off (PTO)
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Employee Assistance Plan
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Education Assistance Program
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Employee Recognition Programs
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Site specific Production and Incentive Plans
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Site specific Step and Skill Level Wage Adjustment Plans
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Site Specific Relocation and Sign-on Bonus Programs
- Benefits eligibility varies by job position, full-time/part-time and regular/temporary status. The provisions of the plan documents control such benefits.
**Subject to position, eligibility, and plan guidelines.EEO
Progress Rail is an Equal Opportunity Employer, including Veterans and Individuals with Disabilities.
Job Category
Production - Hourly
PRS Facility Location
Decoursey, KY - Trackworks - 016
