What You'll Do

  • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
  • Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
  • Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
  • Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
  • Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
  • Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
  • Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
  • Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.

Essential Skills

Operations Monitoring 4.0/5
Operation and Control 3.88/5
Critical Thinking 3.5/5
Speaking 3.38/5
Monitoring 3.38/5
Repairing 3.38/5
Active Listening 3.25/5
Complex Problem Solving 3.25/5
Troubleshooting 3.25/5
Quality Control Analysis 3.25/5
Equipment Maintenance 3.12/5
Judgment and Decision Making 3.12/5

Career Fit Overview

Use this summary to sense whether the day to day rhythm and focus of this path line up with what energizes you.

Top passions

  • Maker: Building and fixing energizes you. You like tangible results and practical tools.
  • Organizer: Bringing order to data and processes satisfies you.
  • Analyst: Investigating problems and finding patterns keeps you engaged.

Common styles

Cautiousness, Dependability, Attention to Detail, Stress Tolerance, Perseverance

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Key Abilities

This career demands strong capabilities in the following areas:

Multilimb Coordination 4.0/5
Control Precision 3.88/5
Arm-Hand Steadiness 3.75/5
Manual Dexterity 3.75/5
Reaction Time 3.75/5
Problem Sensitivity 3.63/5
Static Strength 3.63/5
Extent Flexibility 3.63/5

Technologies & Tools

Microsoft Excel Microsoft Outlook Microsoft Word

Work Environment & Strengths

Common Strengths for This Career

  • Cautiousness (High importance: 4.67/5)
  • Dependability (High importance: 4.65/5)
  • Attention to Detail (High importance: 4.39/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 4.33/5)
  • Perseverance (High importance: 4.16/5)

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How to Become One

Little or no previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for this career. Training is provided on the job.

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Also Known As

This career is known by many different job titles across industries. Here are all the variations:

Derrick Hand Derrick Man Derrick Operator Derrick Worker Driller Drilling Motorman Floor Hand Fracturing Derrick Operator Gas Derrick Operator Oil Derrick Operator Rotary Derrick Operator Well Service Derrick Worker