Southeast Road Builders (SERB) is one of the companies within Colaska Inc., the Colas USA subsidiary that operates throughout the state of Alaska. Established in Haines in 1977, SERB is a well-recognized name in the local community. Offering tailored civil construction services to all, SERB is proud of its reputation of providing excellent customer satisfaction. To learn more about the Colaska Family of Companies, visit www.colaska.com.
The Colas USA Family of Companies provides competitive pay, outstanding benefits, career advancement opportunities, professional education, and extensive training for every employee. We pride ourselves on upholding the highest standards of safety, environmental conservation, and ethical conduct as we strive to grow our infrastructure products and services through empowering and developing our people, fostering innovation, utilizing new technology, and maximizing vertical integration at all levels of the company’s value chain. To learn more about the Colas USA Family of Companies, please visit www.colasusa.com.
Job Summary
The Assistant Blasting Superintendent supports the Drill & Blast Superintendent in executing all drilling and blasting activities, ensuring safe, efficient, and cost-effective operations. This role acts as the second-in-command for blasting operations, helping translate blast designs into field execution, supervising crews, and maintaining regulatory compliance.
Main Responsibilities
Operational Execution
- Assist in implementing daily and weekly drill & blast plans aligned with production targets.
- Oversee field execution of blast designs, ensuring accuracy in drilling, loading, and timing.
- Coordinate closely with drilling, operations, and geology teams.
- Monitor blast outcomes (fragmentation, vibration, fly rock) and recommend improvements.
- Ensure proper initiation systems and sequencing are applied.
Safety & Compliance Leadership
- Enforce all safety procedures related to explosives handling and blasting operations.
- Ensure compliance with MSHA, OSHA, state, and company blasting regulations.
- Conduct pre-blast risk assessments and safety briefings.
- Lead or assist incident investigations and corrective action plans.
- Promote a strong safety culture among crews and contractors.
Crew Supervision & Development
- Supervise blasting crews, drill operators, and contractors in the field.
- Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and training.
- Support workforce planning, scheduling, and shift coordination.
- Ensure adherence to work standards, procedures, and production expectations.
Blast Design & Technical Support
- Assist the Superintendent in blast design, pattern layout, and timing sequences.
- Interpret geological conditions to optimize drilling and explosives usage.
- Utilize blasting software and monitoring tools (if applicable).
- Recommend improvements to reduce cost and improve fragmentation efficiency.
Qualifications
Education
- Bachelor’s degree in Mining Engineering, Civil Engineering, or related field (preferred)
OR - Equivalent field experience in drilling and blasting operations
Experience
- 4–8 years of experience in drill & blast operations
- Prior lead or supervisory experience preferred
- Experience in mining, quarrying, or heavy civil blasting environments
Certifications
- Valid Blaster’s License (preferred)
- MSHA certification (or equivalent regulatory training)
- Explosives handling certification
Colas Inc. and its subsidiaries are an Equal Opportunity Employer. For details on the specifics of this commitment, please click here to view the EEO document. If you are an individual with a disability and require a reasonable accommodation to:
- to meet the requirements of the role in which you are applying
- complete any part of the application process
- access or use the online application process and need an alternative method for applying
Please contact Colas Inc. at 973-290-9082 or send an email to ColasRecruiter@colasinc.com.
