Helpers--Extraction Workers

What the job really is

Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5081
• 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:

• Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
• Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
• Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
• Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
• Organize materials to prepare for use.
• Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.
• Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.
• Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.
• Load materials into well holes or into equipment, using hand tools.
• Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.
• Collect and examine geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices.
• Signal workers to start geological material extraction or boring.

Tools and technology

Google Docs, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Word, Bell reamers, Claw hammers, Compact tracked excavators, Core drill rigs, Cutting machines, Drilling mud tanks, Electrical detonators

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
• Helpers--Production Workers
• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Helpers--Carpenters
• Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
• Continuous Mining Machine Operators
• Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining

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: Helpers--Extraction Workers — 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.