47-5023.00Apprenticeship

Earth Drillers

Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Career Cluster:Construction
Job Family:Construction and Extraction
Job Zone:Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed
Industry:Construction
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Technology Tools

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Key Tasks

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

Skills

Operations Monitoring
75%
Operation and Control
72%
Equipment Maintenance
56%
Critical Thinking
56%
Monitoring
53%
Troubleshooting
50%
Speaking
50%
Equipment Selection
50%
Active Listening
50%
Complex Problem Solving
50%
Quality Control Analysis
50%
Coordination
50%
Time Management
47%
Repairing
47%
Judgment and Decision Making
47%
Instructing
44%
Reading Comprehension
44%
Active Learning
44%
Social Perceptiveness
41%
Persuasion
35%
Management of Personnel Resources
35%
Writing
35%
Service Orientation
35%
Mathematics
31%
Systems Analysis
31%
Negotiation
31%
Learning Strategies
31%
Systems Evaluation
28%
Operations Analysis
22%
Management of Material Resources
22%
Installation
22%
Technology Design
22%
Management of Financial Resources
19%
Science
16%
Programming
0%

Knowledge

Mechanical
63%
Administration and Management
58%
Public Safety and Security
58%
Transportation
58%
Design
52%
Mathematics
50%
Production and Processing
48%
Law and Government
46%
Customer and Personal Service
45%
English Language
44%
Engineering and Technology
44%
Education and Training
42%
Administrative
34%
Physics
32%
Geography
30%
Psychology
28%
Chemistry
27%
Building and Construction
25%
Telecommunications
25%
Biology
21%
Medicine and Dentistry
20%
Economics and Accounting
19%
Communications and Media
17%
Personnel and Human Resources
16%
Sales and Marketing
15%
Computers and Electronics
12%
Therapy and Counseling
11%
Sociology and Anthropology
10%
Foreign Language
10%
History and Archeology
8%
Philosophy and Theology
8%
Fine Arts
0%
Food Production
0%

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Abilities

Control Precision
75%
Reaction Time
72%
Arm-Hand Steadiness
72%
Multilimb Coordination
72%
Manual Dexterity
69%
Depth Perception
66%
Near Vision
63%
Rate Control
63%
Perceptual Speed
60%
Far Vision
56%
Hearing Sensitivity
56%
Visualization
56%
Deductive Reasoning
56%
Problem Sensitivity
56%
Oral Comprehension
56%
Information Ordering
56%
Finger Dexterity
53%
Inductive Reasoning
53%
Visual Color Discrimination
53%
Written Expression
50%
Auditory Attention
50%
Oral Expression
50%
Flexibility of Closure
50%
Speech Clarity
50%
Written Comprehension
50%
Selective Attention
50%
Category Flexibility
47%
Speech Recognition
47%
Time Sharing
47%
Response Orientation
47%
Fluency of Ideas
44%
Speed of Closure
44%
Spatial Orientation
41%
Trunk Strength
41%
Extent Flexibility
35%
Static Strength
35%
Glare Sensitivity
35%
Originality
35%
Stamina
31%
Mathematical Reasoning
31%
Gross Body Equilibrium
31%
Wrist-Finger Speed
31%
Memorization
28%
Sound Localization
25%
Night Vision
25%
Peripheral Vision
25%
Number Facility
25%
Explosive Strength
22%
Dynamic Strength
22%
Speed of Limb Movement
19%
Gross Body Coordination
19%
Dynamic Flexibility
3%

Work Activities

Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials
90%
Controlling Machines and Processes
88%
Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment
86%
Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment
80%
Getting Information
78%
Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events
74%
Handling and Moving Objects
72%
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
72%
Performing General Physical Activities
71%
Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
71%
Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates
70%
Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards
63%
Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People
60%
Assisting and Caring for Others
60%
Thinking Creatively
58%
Training and Teaching Others
57%
Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others
56%
Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information
56%
Scheduling Work and Activities
54%
Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge
54%
Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others
53%
Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates
52%
Monitoring and Controlling Resources
51%
Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others
50%
Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work
50%
Documenting/Recording Information
48%
Performing for or Working Directly with the Public
47%
Developing Objectives and Strategies
47%
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
47%
Processing Information
47%
Selling or Influencing Others
47%
Developing and Building Teams
47%
Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
44%
Analyzing Data or Information
43%
Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment
43%
Communicating with People Outside the Organization
42%
Coaching and Developing Others
40%
Providing Consultation and Advice to Others
35%
Performing Administrative Activities
28%
Working with Computers
20%
Staffing Organizational Units
15%

Work Context

Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

How often does this job require wearing common protective or safety equipment such as safety shoes, glasses, gloves, hearing protection, hard hats or life-jackets?

94%

Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

How much does this job require using your hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools or controls?

92%

Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

How frequently does your job require face-to-face discussions with individuals and within teams?

88%

Freedom to Make Decisions

How much decision making freedom, without supervision, does the job offer?

88%

Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous equipment?

85%

Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable

How often does this job require working exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting or uncomfortable?

84%

Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

How often does this job require working outdoors, exposed to all weather conditions?

84%

Exposed to Contaminants

How often does this job require working exposed to contaminants (such as pollutants, gases, dust or odors)?

81%

Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

How much does this job require making repetitive motions?

80%

Spend Time Standing

How much does this job require standing?

78%

Determine Tasks, Priorities and Goals

How much freedom does the worker have in determining the tasks, priorities, or goals of the job?

77%

Duration of Typical Work Week

Number of hours typically worked in one week.

77%

Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

How often does this job require exposure to whole body vibration (like operating a jackhammer or earth moving equipment)?

76%

Contact With Others

How much does this job require the worker to be in contact with others (face-to-face, by telephone, or otherwise) in order to perform it?

75%

Consequence of Error

How serious would the result usually be if the worker made a mistake that was not easily correctable?

74%

Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results

What results do your decisions usually have on other people or the image or reputation or financial resources of your employer?

71%

Frequency of Decision Making

How often is the worker required to make decisions that affect other people, the financial resources, and/or the image and reputation of the organization?

69%

Health and Safety of Other Workers

How much responsibility is there for the health and safety of others in this job?

68%

In an Open Vehicle or Operating Equipment

How often does this job require working in an open vehicle or operating equipment (like a tractor)?

68%

Exposed to Minor Burns, Cuts, Bites, or Stings

How often does this job require exposure to minor burns, cuts, bites, or stings?

66%

Importance of Being Exact or Accurate

How important is being very exact or highly accurate in performing this job?

66%

Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures

How often does this job require working in very hot (above 90 F degrees) or very cold (below 32 F degrees) temperatures?

65%

Telephone Conversations

How often do you have telephone conversations in this job?

65%

Exposed to Extremely Bright or Inadequate Lighting Conditions

How often does this job require working in extremely bright or inadequate lighting conditions?

63%

Exposed to Hazardous Conditions

How often does this job require exposure to hazardous conditions?

59%

In an Enclosed Vehicle or Operate Enclosed Equipment

How often does this job require working in a closed vehicle or operate enclosed equipment (like a car)?

59%

Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers

How responsible is the worker for work outcomes and results of other workers?

59%

Exposed to Cramped Work Space, Awkward Positions

How often does this job require working in cramped work spaces that requires getting into awkward positions?

57%

Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

How important is it to work with or contribute to a work group or team in this job?

57%

Spend Time Bending or Twisting Your Body

How much does this job require bending or twisting your body?

56%

Time Pressure

How often does this job require the worker to meet strict deadlines?

50%

Pace Determined by Speed of Equipment

How important is it to this job that the pace is determined by the speed of equipment or machinery? (This does not refer to keeping busy at all times on this job.)

49%

Spend Time Walking or Running

How much does this job require walking or running?

49%

Exposed to High Places

How often does this job require exposure to high places?

48%

Coordinate or Lead Others in Accomplishing Work Activities

How important is it to coordinate or lead others (not as a supervisor or team leader) in accomplishing work activities in this job?

46%

Physical Proximity

To what extent does this job require the worker to perform job tasks physically close to other people?

42%

Importance of Repeating Same Tasks

How important are continuous, repetitive, physical activities (like key entry) or mental activities (like checking entries in a ledger) to performing this job?

41%

Deal With External Customers or the Public in General

How important is it to deal with external customers (as in retail sales) or the public in general (as in police work) in this job?

40%

Level of Competition

To what extent does this job require the worker to compete or to be aware of competitive pressures?

39%

Written Letters and Memos

How frequently does your job require written letters and memos?

38%

Dealing With Unpleasant, Angry, or Discourteous People

How frequently does the worker have to deal with unpleasant, angry, or discourteous individuals as part of the job requirements?

34%

Work Schedules

How regular are the work schedules for this job?

34%

Conflict Situations

How frequently are there conflict situations the employee has to face in this job?

31%

Spend Time Kneeling, Crouching, Stooping, or Crawling

How much does this job require kneeling, crouching, stooping or crawling?

31%

Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working in an environment that is not environmentally controlled (like a warehouse without air conditioning)?

30%

Wear Specialized Protective or Safety Equipment such as Breathing Apparatus, Safety Harness, Full Protection Suits, or Radiation Protection

How often does this job require wearing specialized protective or safety equipment such as breathing apparatus, safety harness, full protection suits, or radiation protection?

30%

Spend Time Keeping or Regaining Balance

How much does this job require keeping or regaining your balance?

28%

Spend Time Sitting

How much does this job require sitting?

28%

Spend Time Climbing Ladders, Scaffolds, or Poles

How much does this job require climbing ladders, scaffolds, poles, etc.?

25%

Degree of Automation

How automated is the job?

22%

Outdoors, Under Cover

How often does this job require working outdoors, under cover (like in an open shed)?

22%

Indoors, Environmentally Controlled

How often does this job require working indoors in an environmentally controlled environment (like a warehouse with air conditioning)?

20%

E-Mail

How frequently does your job require you to use E-mail?

18%

Public Speaking

How frequently does your job require public speaking (one speaker with an audience)?

10%

Dealing with Violent or Physically Aggressive People

How frequently does this job require the worker to deal with physical aggression of violent individuals?

9%

Exposed to Disease or Infections

How often does this job require exposure to disease/infections?

8%

Exposed to Radiation

How often does this job require exposure to radiation?

3%

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

73%

Less than high school diploma

15%

Post-secondary certificate

12%

Interests

Realistic

Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, t

100

Conventional

Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or hum

45

Investigative

Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the f

43

Enterprising

Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertis

12

Social

Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

3

Artistic

Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts,

2

Work Styles

Dependability
79%
Cautiousness
75%
Attention to Detail
68%
Perseverance
57%
Stress Tolerance
51%
Integrity
43%
Self-Control
42%
Self-Confidence
38%
Achievement Orientation
34%
Adaptability
30%
Initiative
18%
Cooperation
17%
Intellectual Curiosity
15%
Optimism
10%
Tolerance for Ambiguity
5%
Sincerity
2%

Work Values

Support
67%
Independence
50%
Working Conditions
36%
Achievement
33%
Relationships
33%
Recognition
22%

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