Blaster's Helper

Job summary

The Blaster's Helper assists with the safe handling, loading, and initiation of explosives in an open-pit mining environment. They are responsible for pattern preparation, stemming of drill holes, and ensuring all blasting activities comply with safety legislation.

Job details

Skeena Gold + Silver Limited is a Canadian mining company with a portfolio of exploration and development projects located in northwest British Columbia, Canada. Our current focus is on the revitalization of the high-grade, past-producing Eskay Creek gold-silver mine. Skeena is committed to leading the industry in reconciliation, diversity, and inclusion and we work in close collaboration with our Indigenous partners, leveraging their traditional knowledge and respect for the land. As a Skeena employee, you will become part of a dynamic, innovative, and results-driven work environment. Together, alongside colleagues of diverse backgrounds and experience you will help us operate safely, protect the environment, positively contribute to our local communities and build a state of the art mine in Canada. Come join our team to be a part of this amazing opportunity! Job Title: Blaster’s Helper Reporting to the Supervisor, Drill & Blast, the Blaster’s Helper is responsible for assisting with the safe handling, loading, initiation, and post-blast evaluation of explosives in an open-pit mining environment. The Blaster’s Helper assists the Blaster with pattern preparation, loading and stemming of drill holes. Responsibilities (including but not limited to): Blasting Operations & Execution * Perform all blasting activities in compliance with Mine Health and Safety legislation and company standards * Load blast holes in accordance with approved blast designs and instructions * Conduct tie-in of blasting patterns using non-electric and electronic initiation systems * Install primers, boosters, detonators, and stemming materials correctly and safely Explosives Handling & Site Preparation * Safely receive, transport, store, and handle explosives, detonators, and related blasting materials * Verify blast hole depth, condition, and suitability prior to loading * Ensure blast areas, magazines, and work sites are maintained in a clean, secure, and organized condition Safety, Compliance & Communication * Participate in pre-shift meetings, toolbox talks, and Job Hazard Analyses (JHAs) * Follow all safety procedures, risk controls, and operational protocols related to blasting activities * Maintain clear communication with supervisors and team members throughout blasting operations Additional Duties * Perform all other duties as reasonably assigned The Ideal Candidate Education / Qualifications: * Valid driver’s license and clean driving record suitable for site vehicle use * 3 years’ experience in an open-pit mining environment Experience / Skills * Knowledge of blasting standards and regulations * Knowledge of explosives products and initiation systems * Commitment to continuous improvement in blast performance and safety * Zero‑harm mindset with consistent adherence to company safety policies, SOPs, and JHAs/FLHAs * Ability to work 12‑hour shifts, rotations (days/nights), weekends, holidays, and overtime as required * Capable of working in remote, rugged, and variable weather conditions, including cold, heat, precipitation, and reduced visibility Work Location & Conditions This is a site-based camp job at Eskay Creek Mine site. This position involves working at a remote mine site on a 15 days on/13 days off rotation. The Eskay Creek Revitalization Project is located within the Coast Mountains of Northwestern British Columbia and Tahltan Territory. Ground transportation will be provided from local communities to the Eskay Creek Site facilities. For those applicants located elsewhere in western Canada, flight transportation from major urban centers will be provided to the Terrace or Smithers airports, from which shuttles will provide transportation to the Eskay Creek Camp facilities. Travel time and expenses are subject to Skeena’s Travel Policy. There will be exposure to extreme temperatures in all seasons including working outdoors in snow, mud, ice, and water conditions, walking to and from different locations on uneven ground, prolonged periods of standing and physically handling/lifting/moving heavy objects. Compensation The expected hourly rate range for this position is CAD $36-$40, in line with the competitive job market for such roles carried out in British Columbia. Salary ranges are guidelines and any job offer received by a candidate will be determined on a number of factors such as relevant education, training, and/or experience. All Applicants MUST be legally entitled to work in Canada. Priority hiring consideration will be given to Indigenous Nations members who reside within the territories our projects are located. We thank all candidates for their interest, however, only those considered for an interview will be contacted.

What you’ll do

The Blaster's Helper assists with the safe handling, loading, and initiation of explosives in an open-pit mining environment. They are responsible for pattern preparation, stemming of drill holes, and ensuring all blasting activities comply with safety legislation.

Requirements

Candidates must have at least 3 years of experience in an open-pit mining environment and a valid driver's license. The role requires the ability to work 12-hour shifts in remote, rugged conditions and a commitment to strict safety protocols.

Listed skills

• Continuous Improvement · Preferred
• Loading · Preferred
• Collaboration · Preferred
• preparation · Preferred
• materials · Preferred
• Compliance · Preferred
• Clear Communication · Preferred
• clean driving record · Preferred
• safety · Preferred
• Communication · Preferred
• Development · Preferred
• Consistent · Preferred

Other relevant skills

Identified from the job description. Confirm important requirements above.

• Blasting operations
• Explosives handling
• Mine health and safety
• Drill hole loading
• Pattern preparation
• Non-electric initiation systems
• Electronic initiation systems
• Job hazard analysis
• Safety compliance
• Site maintenance
• Heavy equipment operation
• Risk control
• Explosives Handling
• Good Driving Record
• Safety Procedures
• Valid Driver's License
• Reconciliation
• Communication
• Continuous Improvement Process
• Innovation
• Job Safety Analysis
• Operations

Job areas

• Trades
• Energy
• Manufacturing
• Security & Safety
• Driver Helper
• Miner / Mining Worker
• Miners and Quarriers
• Helpers--Extraction Workers