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Derrick Operators, Oil & Gas

Also called: Derrick Hand, Derrick Man, Floor Hand, Derrick Operator

What they do:
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud through drill hole.
On the job, you would:
  • Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  • Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks in order to maintain proper working conditions.
  • Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.

Knowledge

Engineering and Technology
  • mechanical
Math and Science
  • arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, or statistics
Arts and Humanities
  • English language
Education and Training
  • teaching and course design

Skills

Basic Skills
  • thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
  • keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Problem Solving
  • noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it

Abilities

Hand and Finger Use
  • hold or move items with your hands
  • keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
  • use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
  • quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Endurance
  • exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Hearing and Speech
  • pay attention to one sound while there are other distracting sounds

Personality

People interested in this work like activities that include
practical, hands-on problems and solutions.
They do well at jobs that need:
  • Dependability
  • Cooperation
  • Stress Tolerance
  • Concern for Others
  • Self Control
  • Attention to Detail

Technology

Examples of the technology used in this career will be available soon.

Education

Education: (rated 1 of 5)
some high school or
high school diploma
usually needed

Get started on your career:

Find Training Find Certifications

Job Outlook

Below Average Outlook
New job opportunities are less likely in the future.
Salary
$45,220
per year, on average
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See more details at O*NET OnLine about derrick operators, oil and gas.