Rock Splitters, Quarry

What the job really is

Separate blocks of rough dimension stone from quarry mass using jackhammers, wedges, or chop saws.

At a glance

• Sector: Construction & Extraction
• O*NET-SOC code: 47-5051
• O*NET job zone: 2 — some preparation
• Work sample tasks on file: 9
• Tools and technologies listed: 12

What you actually do

Work sample tasks recorded for this occupation:

• Locate grain line patterns to determine how rocks will split when cut.
• Remove pieces of stone from larger masses, using jackhammers, wedges, and other tools.
• Insert wedges and feathers into holes, and drive wedges with sledgehammers to split stone sections from masses.
• Mark dimensions or outlines on stone prior to cutting, using rules and chalk lines.
• Cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.
• Set charges of explosives to split rock.
• Drill holes along outlines, using jackhammers.
• Drill holes into sides of stones broken from masses, insert dogs or attach slings, and direct removal of stones.
• Cut grooves along outlines, using chisels.

Tools and technology

Autodesk AutoCAD, Facebook, Microsoft Excel, Microsoft Office software, Microsoft PowerPoint, Microsoft Project, Microsoft Word, SAP software, Aerial personnel lifts, Air hammers, Apache HTTP Server, Cape chisels

What employers expect you to already be comfortable with.

Where this job leads

Related occupations — the usual moves up and sideways:

• Stone Cutters and Carvers, Manufacturing
• Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
• Foundry Mold and Coremakers
• Sawing Machine Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Wood
• Cutters and Trimmers, Hand
• Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
• Construction Laborers
• Cement Masons and Concrete Finishers

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

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Check this against the source

O*NET OnLine: Rock Splitters, Quarry — 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.