Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

What the job really is

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

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5011
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 12
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• 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.
• Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
• Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.

Tools and technology

Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Adjustable wrenches, Air hoists, Balance beam scales, Ball peen hammers, Blowout prevention equipment, Borehole casings, Breakout tongs, Casing elevators, Casing slips

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
• Helpers--Extraction Workers
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Wellhead Pumpers
• Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
• Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
• Hoist and Winch Operators

Getting in

O*NET assigns this occupation job zone 2 (some preparation). The related occupations above are the realistic routes in and out.

Find openings

Browse the verified job sources directory, or explore more occupations.

Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas — the authoritative public-domain profile this page is derived from, including the full task list, reported skills and the wage estimates for your region.

Derived and rewritten from the public-domain O*NET database (U.S. Department of Labor / Employment and Training Administration). Figures are observations, not promises — always confirm salary, licensing and visa requirements with the employer and the relevant authority.