CAMP MINDEN — With the help of the Minden-South Webster Chamber of Commerce, Explosive Service International, the contractor slated to carry out the disposal of nearly 16 million pounds of M6 artillery propellant at Camp Minden, will begin interviewing to fill 25 positions starting next week.
Jason Poe, vice president of ESI, says the chamber has been extremely helpful in providing ways to get the word out. In fact, he says, 16 people are already lined up to be interviewed for the position of explosive technicians next week.
“Jerri (de Pingre) and I have been working together and I’ve got 16 local people to interview next week,” he said. “We’ve been working with the chamber to try to hire as many local people as possible. I’ve committed to hiring as many local people as I can.”
He says he and his company made a promise to the citizens of Webster Parish to hire as many local companies and employees as possible to conduct the work throughout the disposal project.
“We’re using all local contractors from our electricians to the plumber, metal buildings, trailer houses, anything I can do to hire locals,” he said.
For those who wish to apply, Poe says they must meet certain qualifications. He prefers potential applicants to have experience in explosives and/or some type of military background. Applicants must also be able to pass a random and annual drug screen as well as be free of any criminal record. He says they must also be able to pass a fit-for-duty physical.
ESI will be conducting another round of interviews in the near future, he said. The target date for employees to begin work is around Feb. 1. ESI licensed explosives technicians will be providing training, Poe said.
“We will also be providing site specific safety training to everyone on site that we employ,” he added.
The pollution abatement system is nearing completion, Poe said; however, they are waiting for the contained burn chamber to arrive so they can connect the system to the chamber.
The chamber is expected to arrive at Camp Minden Jan. 8. The first live fire is slated for Feb. 27.
For anyone who meets these qualifications and is interested in applying, Poe says to email him at jpoe@explosiveserviceintl.com, or his office manager Dina Bearden at dina@explosiveserviceintl.com.