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

Dependability, Cooperation, Stress Tolerance, Concern for Others, Self-Control

Want a personal read on fit. Take the free assessment and see your exact compatibility with this career and many related roles.

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 & Style

Common Styles for This Career

  • Dependability (High importance: 4.3/5)
  • Cooperation (High importance: 4.05/5)
  • Stress Tolerance (High importance: 3.93/5)
  • Concern for Others (High importance: 3.88/5)
  • Self-Control (High importance: 3.83/5)

Want to see how YOUR work style matches this career?

Take Free 15-Min Assessment →

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.

Similar Careers to Explore

Electrical Power-Line Installers and Repairers

100.0% similar profile

Agricultural Equipment Operators

99.9% similar profile

Fishing and Hunting Workers

99.9% similar profile

Continuous Mining Machine Operators

99.9% similar profile

Motorboat Mechanics and Service Technicians

99.9% similar profile

Riggers

99.9% similar profile

Construction Laborers

99.8% similar profile

Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators

99.8% similar profile

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