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How an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster can use AI, task by task

O*NET 47-5032.00: Explosives Workers, Ordnance Handling Experts, and BlastersMedian pay $61,390/year (BLS, May 2025)27 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Place and detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials. May perform specialized handling, storage, and accounting procedures.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Blast Hole Driller, Blaster, Explosive Technician, Powderman, Unexploded Ordnance Quality Control Officer.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 6%AI-assist 13%Stays human 81%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 2 AI-ready, 3 AI-assist and 22 human-led tasks out of 27. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

AI can draft these 2

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

Compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.

Weekly

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to compile and keep gun and explosives records in compliance with local and federal laws.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Data: [surveillance, production, environment]
Format: [describe]

Draft entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Data log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you compile and keep gun and explosives records (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Format] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record operational or environmental data..

Document geological formations encountered during work.

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to document geological formations encountered during work.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Data: [surveillance, production, environment]
Format: [describe]

Draft entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Data log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you document geological formations.
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Format] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

O*NET work activity: Record operational or environmental data..

AI can help you prep these 3

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.

Daily

AI pre-checks against the rules; the sign-off stays with you.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI as a first-pass checker against a list of rules or standards. The final judgment and sign-off stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to examine blast areas to determine amounts and kinds of explosive charges needed and to ensure that safety laws are observed.

Context: We use Blaster's Tool and Supply Company Blaster's Calculator and Datavis DBS Designer; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
What I'm reviewing: [project, acquisition, operation]
Requirements: [regulations, standards, goals]

Make a requirement-by-requirement table with status and evidence. Make a table: requirement, met / not met / unclear, and the exact evidence.

10-minute exercise: Compliance determination

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you examine blast areas (today).
Step 2Fill in [What I'm reviewing] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Do your usual review too, and note what AI caught and what it missed. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

AI can miss things and sound sure about it. Use it to catch extra problems, not as the final check.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Determine operational compliance with regulations or standards.. Also involves: Select tools, equipment, or technologies for use in operations or projects..

Maintain inventory levels, ordering new supplies as necessary.

Weekly

AI preps the paperwork; approving and paying stay with you.

Show prompt & steps

AI can prep the paperwork, extract details from documents and make checklists. Approving, paying and verifying stay with you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to maintain inventory levels, ordering new supplies as necessary.

Context: We use Microsoft Excel.
Job: [describe]
Materials: [list]

Organize an order and delivery schedule. Point out anything missing or inconsistent and suggest a template I can reuse.

10-minute exercise: Ordering construction materials

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain inventory levels (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Materials] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Save the template and use it on the next one. Time both.

Personal, financial and health data shouldn't go into AI tools unless your employer has approved one for it.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Order construction or extraction materials or equipment..

Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.

AI generates options and references; taste and the final call are yours.

Show prompt & steps

Use AI to generate lots of options, references and rough mock-ups fast. The craft, the taste and the final call are what make it yours.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.

Context: We use Autodesk AutoCAD; the work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [blast, layout]
Conditions: [rock, constraints]

Generate pattern options to review. Give 10 quite different options from safe to bold, then develop the best 2.

10-minute exercise: Drill or equipment pattern

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you create and lay out designs.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Pick the idea that sparks something and develop it yourself for 5 minutes.

Check the usage rules for AI images and text in your field, and make sure the final work is original.

O*NET work activity: Develop equipment or component configurations..

These stay human 22

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Outdoors in all weather: every day · Hazardous conditions: every day · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Responsible for others' health and safety: very high responsibility

Insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.

Several times a day

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to insert, pack, and pour explosives, such as dynamite, ammonium nitrate, black powder, or slurries into blast holes; then shovel drill cuttings, admit water into boreholes, and tamp material to compact charges.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Material: [asphalt, terrazzo, concrete]
Area: [size]

List quantities, timing and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pour plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you insert, pack, and pour explosives.
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Area] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Pour materials into or on designated areas.. Also involves: Prepare explosives for detonation..

Measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.

Several times a day

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to measure depths of drilled blast holes, using weighted tape measures.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Site: [describe]
What to measure: [areas, placements]

Make a measuring sheet and calculations. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Site measuring sheet

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you measure depths of drilled blast holes.
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [What to measure] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Measure work site dimensions..

Place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to place explosive charges in holes or other spots; then detonate explosives to demolish structures or to loosen, remove, or displace earth, rock, or other materials.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [blasting, well, demolition]
Rules: [regulations, permit]

Summarize the regulated steps as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Explosives procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you place explosive charges (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge only. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare explosives for detonation.. Also involves: Operate detonation equipment..

Connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to connect electrical wire to primers, and cover charges or fill blast holes with clay, drill chips, sand, or other material.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [blasting, well, demolition]
Rules: [regulations, permit]

Summarize the regulated steps as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Explosives procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you connect electrical wire (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge only. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare explosives for detonation..

Assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to assemble and position equipment, explosives, and blasting caps in holes at specified depths, or load perforating guns or torpedoes with explosives.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Item: [vessel, sled, equipment]
Components: [list]

List assembly sequence and inspections. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Product or equipment assembly

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you assemble and position equipment and explosives (today).
Step 2Fill in [Item] and [Components] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Assemble products or production equipment.. Also involves: Prepare explosives for detonation.; Position construction or extraction equipment..

Place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to place safety cones around blast areas to alert other workers of danger zones, and signal workers as necessary to ensure that they clear blast sites prior to explosions.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Site: [roadwork, rebar deck]
Equipment: [signs, blocks, barriers]

List placement order and spacing. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Place safety equipment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you place safety cones around blast areas (today).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check placement against your traffic control or design plan. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Position safety or support equipment.. Also involves: Direct construction or extraction personnel..

Mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to mark patterns, locations, and depths of charge holes for drilling, and issue drilling instructions.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Material: [plate, foundation]
Blueprint: [key points]

List measuring and marking steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Reference point marking

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you mark patterns, locations and depths of charge holes (today).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Blueprint] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mark reference points on construction materials..

Drive trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to drive trucks to transport explosives and blasting equipment to blasting sites.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Load: [machine, material]
Truck and trailer: [describe]

List loading, securing and route checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Hauling equipment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you drive trucks (today).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Truck and trailer] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check height and weight limits on the route. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment..

Verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to verify detonation of charges by observing control panels, or by listening for the sounds of blasts.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Operation: [rig, pump, drill type]
Normal readings: [pressures, rates, sounds]

List warning signs, likely causes, first actions, and when to stop operations. Add a shift log.

10-minute exercise: Drilling and extraction watch list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you verify detonation of charges (today).
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Normal readings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare the stop rules with your site's safety procedures.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor extraction operations..

Move and store inventories of explosives, loaded perforating guns, and other materials, according to established safety procedures.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to move and store inventories of explosives, loaded perforating guns, and other materials, according to established safety procedures.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Route: [floors, rooms]
Items: [linens, supplies]

Plan a cart layout and route. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Moving supplies efficiently

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you move and store inventories of explosives and loaded perforating guns (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Route] and [Items] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Move materials, equipment, or supplies.. Also involves: Stock supplies or merchandise..

Tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to tie specified lengths of delaying fuses into patterns in order to time sequences of explosions.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [blasting, well, demolition]
Rules: [regulations, permit]

Summarize the regulated steps as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Explosives procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you tie specified lengths of delaying fuses (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge only.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare explosives for detonation..

Light fuses, drop detonating devices into wells or boreholes, or activate firing devices with plungers, dials, or buttons, in order to set off single or multiple blasts.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to light fuses, drop detonating devices into wells or boreholes, or activate firing devices with plungers, dials, or buttons, in order to set off single or multiple blasts.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [posthole, perforation]
Rules: [licence, permit]

Summarize regulated steps as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Blasting procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you light fuses and drop detonating devices (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Only follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge.

Importance 4.2/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate detonation equipment..

Lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to lay primacord between rows of charged blast holes, and tie cord into main lines to form blast patterns.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job: [blasting, well, demolition]
Rules: [regulations, permit]

Summarize the regulated steps as study notes. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Explosives procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lay primacord.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge only.

Importance 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare explosives for detonation..

Cut specified lengths of primacord and attach primers to cord ends.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to cut specified lengths of primacord and attach primers to cord ends.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Material: [carpet, vinyl]
Room: [layout]

Plan seams and cuts. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Carpet or vinyl cutting

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cut specified lengths of primacord (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Room] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Cut carpet, vinyl or other flexible materials.. Also involves: Prepare explosives for detonation..

Repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to repair and service blasting, shooting, and automotive equipment, and electrical wiring and instruments, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Equipment: [miner, excavator]
Tasks: [teeth, oil, adjustments]

List maintenance steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Excavation equipment upkeep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you repair and service blasting.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Tasks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 3.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain extraction or excavation equipment..

Set up and operate short-wave radio or field telephone equipment to transmit and receive blast information.

Daily

Human connection. Use AI only before and after, to prepare.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: Use AI before and after, not during. Prepare talking points, practise a hard conversation, or turn your notes into a follow-up.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to set up and operate short-wave radio or field telephone equipment to transmit and receive blast information.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
System: [radio, switchboard, intercom]
Call types: [routine, emergency]

Write clear call scripts, radio procedure words, and how to stay calm on emergency calls. Then play a caller so I can practice.

10-minute exercise: Radio and switchboard calls

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up (today).
Step 2Fill in [System] and [Call types] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Practise one emergency call out loud and check the procedure words match your agency's.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Operate communications equipment or systems..

Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Site: [roof, road, lot]
Debris: [snow, water, vegetation]

Plan clearing steps and equipment. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Site clearing plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you operate machines.
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Debris] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

O*NET work activity: Remove debris or vegetation from work sites..

Set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, and drills, in order to bore charge holes.

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to set up and operate equipment such as hoists, jackhammers, and drills, in order to bore charge holes.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Hole: [blasting, anchoring, foundation]
Ground: [rock, soil]

List setup, bit choice, depth checks and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Drilling plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up.
Step 2Fill in [Hole] and [Ground] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the drill plan with your blaster or engineer.

O*NET work activity: Drill holes in earth or rock..

Signal crane operators to move equipment.

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to signal crane operators to move equipment.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Equipment: [crane, hoist, truck]
Task: [lift, pour]

Summarize standard signals and safety rules. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Crane signal refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you signal crane operators.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Task] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

O*NET work activity: Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning..

Insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to insert waterproof sealers, bullets, and/or powder charges into guns, and screw gun ports back into place.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Equipment: [paver, sander]
Material: [asphalt, sandpaper]

List loading steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Equipment loading

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you insert waterproof sealers, bullets and powder charges (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Material] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Load materials into construction equipment.. Also involves: Assemble products or production equipment..

Clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Facility: [pens, cages, grounds]
Animals or crops: [type]

Make a cleaning and disinfecting routine. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pen and facility cleaning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean, gauge, and lubricate gun ports.
Step 2Fill in [Facility] and [Animals or crops] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Clean equipment or facilities.. Also involves: Maintain extraction or excavation equipment..

Lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.

Monthly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to lower perforating guns into wells, using hoists; then use measuring devices and instrument panels to position guns in correct positions for taking samples.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Machine: [crane, excavator, drill]
Site hazards: [power lines, other equipment]

List positioning steps and clearances. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Equipment positioning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lower perforating guns.
Step 2Fill in [Machine] and [Site hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check clearances from power lines with a spotter.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Position construction or extraction equipment.. Also involves: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Operations Monitoringimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
  • Operation and Controlimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Active Listeningimportance 3.9/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Monitoringimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Reading Comprehensionimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Writingimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Monitoring and Controlling Resources

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

  • Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas75% human-led · Same preparation · $60,190/yr · usually high school diplomaSkills to build: Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Control, Operations Monitoring
  • Pile Driver Operators100% human-led · Same preparation · $73,300/yr · usually high school diplomaSkills to build: Equipment Maintenance, Operation and Control
  • Manufactured Building and Mobile Home Installers86% human-led · Same preparation · usually less than high schoolSkills to build: Repairing, Quality Control Analysis
  • Roof Bolters, Mining100% human-led · Same preparation · $78,540/yr · usually high school diplomaSkills to build: Equipment Maintenance, Repairing, Quality Control Analysis

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Operate drones for aerial survey of blast sites and for post-blast damage assessment.

New in O*NET

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as an explosives worker / ordnance handling expert / blaster. Part of my job is to operate drones for aerial survey of blast sites and for post-blast damage assessment.

Context: The work draws on law and government, public safety and security and transportation.
Job details: [drones: materials, specs, model numbers, site conditions]

Make me a pre-job checklist to operate drones (tools, materials, safety steps), the key measurements or calculations to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job when I'm done. Flag anything to check against the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Pre-job checklist: drones

Step 1Before you next operate drones, put the real materials, specs and site conditions in [Job details].
Step 2Walk through its pre-start, lockout and safety checks for the real machine or vehicle, and fix anything that doesn't match your operator's manual. Add the steps only experience teaches.
Step 3After the job, log it with the 3-line template and note one thing to do faster or safer next time.

New O*NET task (05/2025). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so it was labelled by hand.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (62% of workers)

  • High school or less 67%
  • Certificate or some college 29%
  • Associate's 4%
  • On-the-job training: 6–12 months
  • Related experience: 1–2 years

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

Autodesk AutoCADESRI ArcGIS softwareMicrosoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft OutlookMicrosoft PowerPointMicrosoft Word