Derrick Operator / Oil / Gas

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

O*NET reports this occupation under titles such as: Derrick Hand; Derrick Man; Derrick Operator; Derrick Worker; Derrickhand; Derrickman; Floor Hand; Rig Hand; Roughneck

Tasks

• Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
• Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
• Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
• Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
• Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
• Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
• Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
• Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
• Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
• Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.
• Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers.
• Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
• Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables.
• String cables through pulleys and blocks.

Knowledge

• Mechanical
• Mathematics
• English Language
• Education and Training

Skills

• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Monitoring
• Active Listening

Abilities

• Multilimb Coordination
• Control Precision
• Arm-Hand Steadiness
• Manual Dexterity
• Reaction Time
• Problem Sensitivity
• Static Strength
• Extent Flexibility
• Trunk Strength
• Stamina
• Depth Perception
• Hearing Sensitivity
• Auditory Attention
• Oral Expression
• Deductive Reasoning
• Flexibility of Closure
• Selective Attention
• Gross Body Equilibrium
• Far Vision
• Speech Clarity
• Oral Comprehension
• Inductive Reasoning
• Perceptual Speed
• Visualization
• Finger Dexterity
• Response Orientation
• Gross Body Coordination
• Near Vision
• Speech Recognition
• Information Ordering
• Rate Control
• Speed of Limb Movement
• Visual Color Discrimination
• Category Flexibility
• Speed of Closure