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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas - 47-5011.00

O*NET-SOC Description

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

Sample of Reported Job Titles

  • Derrick Hand
  • Derrick Man
  • Derrick Operator
  • Derrick Worker
  • Floor Hand

SOC Occupation Groups

Related Occupations

Tasks

  • Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
  • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
  • Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  • Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
  • Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
  • Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
  • Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
  • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
  • Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
  • Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.
  • String cables through pulleys and blocks.
  • Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
  • Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.

Detailed Work Activities

  • Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
  • Clean equipment or facilities.
  • Direct construction or extraction personnel.
  • Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
  • Install drilling equipment.
  • Maintain drilling equipment.
  • Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly.
  • Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.
  • Monitor extraction operations.
  • Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
  • Operate pumps or compressors.
  • Position construction or extraction equipment.
  • Prepare operational reports.
  • Train construction or extraction personnel.

Military Crosswalk Titles

  • Cannon Crewmember (Army - Enlisted)
  • Cavalry Scout (Army - Enlisted)
  • Combat Engineer (Army - Enlisted)
  • Equipment Operator (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Pavements and Construction Equipment (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pavements and Construction Equipment Apprentice (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pavements and Construction Equipment Craftsman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pavements and Construction Equipment Helper (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Pavements and Construction Equipment Journeyman (Air Force - Enlisted)
  • Water Well Drilling Technician (Navy - Enlisted)
  • Wheeled Vehicle Mechanic (Army - Enlisted)

Apprenticeship Crosswalk Titles

No information available.

DOT Crosswalk Titles

  • Rotary Derrick Operator