# Tasks & work activities — derrickhand

Source: O*NET 30.3, occupation 47-5023.00 (Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas).

## Task statements

- **[Core]** Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
- **[Core]** Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
- **[Core]** Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
- **[Core]** Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
- **[Core]** Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
- **[Core]** Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
- **[Core]** Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
- **[Core]** Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
- **[Core]** Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
- **[Core]** Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.
- **[Core]** Record drilling progress and geological data.
- **[Core]** Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.
- **[Core]** Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.
- **[Core]** Document geological formations encountered during work.
- **[Supplemental]** Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.
- **[Supplemental]** Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings.
- **[Supplemental]** Operate water-well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore, and dig for water wells or for environmental assessment purposes.
- **[Supplemental]** Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.
- **[Supplemental]** Withdraw drill rods from holes, and extract core samples.
- **[Supplemental]** Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.
- **[Supplemental]** Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.
- **[Supplemental]** Design well pumping systems.
- **[Supplemental]** Disinfect, reconstruct, and redevelop contaminated wells and water pumping systems, and clean and disinfect new wells in preparation for use.
- **[Supplemental]** Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.
- **[Supplemental]** Signal crane operators to move equipment.
- **[Supplemental]** Inspect core samples to determine nature of strata, or take samples to laboratories for analysis.
- **[Supplemental]** Fabricate well casings.
- **[Supplemental]** Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.
- **[nan]** Monitor drilling operations, by checking gauges and listening to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.

## Detailed work activities

- Assemble products or production equipment.
- Clean equipment or facilities.
- Collect geological samples.
- Decontaminate equipment or sites to remove hazardous or toxic substances.
- Design energy production or management equipment or systems.
- Determine appropriate locations for operations or installations.
- Develop equipment or component configurations.
- Drill holes in earth or rock.
- Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment.
- Fabricate parts or components.
- Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.
- Install drilling equipment.
- Maintain drilling equipment.
- Measure work site dimensions.
- Monitor extraction operations.
- Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment.
- Operate drilling equipment.
- Operate pumps or compressors.
- Position construction or extraction equipment.
- Pour materials into or on designated areas.
- Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning.
- Record operational or environmental data.
- Remove debris or vegetation from work sites.
- Review blueprints or specifications to determine work requirements.
- Select construction equipment.
- Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning.