Explosives Operator

Full Job Description

This is a Direct Hire Authority (DHA) solicitation utilizing the DHA for Domestic Defense Industrial Base Facilities and the Major Range and Test Facilities Base Positions to recruit and appoint qualified candidates to positions in the competitive service.

About the Position: Operate automatic machines and performs hand assembly operations in a production line environment which involve a limited number of operations and require judgment and manual skill.

Who May Apply: US Citizens Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community; student; social).

You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. There is no specific length of training or experience required.

However, you must be able to demonstrate, through experience shown in your written application materials that you possess the sufficient knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully perform the work of this position without more than normal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications (Screen Out Element): Ability to do the work of a(n) Explosives Operator ~ without more than normal supervision.

The ability to operate an automatic single operation machine with few controls to assemble or disassemble ammunition, explosives, ammunition components, or fused projectiles in a production type environment.

- Failure to meet this Screen out Element will result in an ineligible rating. Physical Effort: Explosives operators may sometimes be required to lift items weighing over 60 pounds.

They may push or pull hand trucks or other items weighing several hundred pounds.

All lifts over 50 pounds will be assisted with a two person lift or using a mechanical handling equipment lifting device.

The two person lift limit is 100 pounds and will only be used for single event, non-routine lifts. The work requires sitting, walking, bending, reaching, crouching, and long periods of standing.

Endurance and eye-hand coordination are required to work at a set pace and rhythm for long periods.

Working Conditions: The work is usually performed indoors or outdoors in covered areas or passageways, which provide some protections. Work areas are usually well lighted and ventilated.

Some operations cause uncomfortable steam and heat in the work area. Operators are required to stand on floors made of concrete, lead, or conductive composition.

They wear protective clothing such as specially treated coveralls, respirators, and goggles on many assignments.

They are frequently exposed to moisture and wet floors as a result of cleanup operations in powder areas. They are exposed to the possibility of explosion and flash fire.

There is a chance of injuries ranging from loss of life or limbs to burns, cuts, bruises, sprains, and nausea Major Duties:

• Operate automatic machines such as a vacuum machine to draw off powder charges or a pull-apart machine to break down fixed cartridge ammunition for reloading or demilitarization.
• Know the cycle of operation of automatic machines and the sequence of hand procedures to load, operate, and unload a hydraulic defusing machine.
• Operate a vacuum unit to draw off powder from explosives containers, exercise knowledge of munitions to prevent or to neutralize powder spills and assure all powder has been removed from in order to completely neutralize the item.
• Handle the fuse and fused projectile safety and quickly, load and operate the machine, and observe the machine for indications of malfunction.
• Receive, stow, issue and rewarehouse ammunition (live and inert) and its components.