Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

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This occupation is part of the Construction and Extraction cluster

About the Job

Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.

It is also Called

  • Back Up Worker
  • Cable Driller
  • Cable Tool Driller
  • Cable Tool Operator
  • Clean Out Driller
  • Core Drill Operator
  • Core Driller
  • Daylight Driller
  • Directional Driller
  • Drill Foreman

What They Do

  • Lower and explode charges in boreholes in order to start flow of oil from wells.
  • Dig holes, set forms, and mix and pour concrete, for foundations of steel or wooden derricks.
  • Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.
  • Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers in order to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.
  • Count sections of drill rod in order to determine depths of boreholes.
  • Push levers and brake pedals in order to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.
  • Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.
  • Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.
  • Maintain and adjust machinery in order to ensure proper performance.
  • Start and examine operation of slush pumps in order to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.

Interests

People who work in this occupation generally have the interest code: REC.

This means people who work in this occupation generally have Realistic interests, but also prefer Enterprising and Conventional environments.

Work Values

People who work in this occupation generally prize Support, but also value Relationships and Working Conditions in their jobs.

Things They Need to Know

  • Mechanical - Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.
  • Mathematics - Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.
  • Administration and Management - Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.
  • Education and Training - Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
  • Personnel and Human Resources - Knowledge of principles and procedures for personnel recruitment, selection, training, compensation and benefits, labor relations and negotiation, and personnel information systems.

Things They Need to Be Able to Do

  • Operation and Control - Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
  • Critical Thinking - Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
  • Operation Monitoring - Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
  • Monitoring - Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
  • Active Listening - Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
  • Instructing - Teaching others how to do something.
  • Speaking - Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Education Required

These occupations usually require a high school diploma.

Wages

In 2012, the average annual wage in California was $62,250.00 with most people making between $34,860.00 and $74,850.00

Outlook

2.73%
avg. annual growth

During 2010, this occupation employed approximately 1,100 people in California. It is projected that there will be 1,400 employed in 2020.

This occupation will have about 30 openings due to growth and about 20 replacement openings for approximately 50 total annual openings.

Common College Majors

Industries that Employ this Occupation

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