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Occupation AtlasRotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

O*NET · 47-5012.00

Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas

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.

Also called Blast Driller · Cable Driller · Cable Tool Driller · Clean Out Driller · Core Drill Operator · Core Driller · Daylight Driller · Directional Drill Operator
30 more

Directional Driller · Drill Hand · Drill Operator · Driller · Drilling Field Operator · Drilling Field Professional · Drilling Machine Operator · Drilling Rig Operator · Fracturing Rotary Drill Operator · Gas Operations Management Professional (Gas Ops Management Professional) · Gas Ops Management Professional · Geotechnical Driller · Motor Man · Natural Gas Shothole Driller · Oil Operations Management Professional (Oil Ops Management Professional) · Oil Ops Management Professional · Oil Rig Driller · Oil Well Cable Tool Driller · Oil Well Cable Tool Operator · Oil Well Driller · Prospecting Driller · Relief Driller · Rig Operator · Rotary Drill Operator · Rotary Driller · Rotary Rig Engine Operator · Shot Hole Driller · Sonic Driller · Spud Driller · Well Driller

Job Zone 2 — Some Preparation NeededHolland code RCI35 skills on file

Compare with another occupationCompare with Hoist and Winch Operators

Job Zone

  1. 1
  2. 2
  3. 3
  4. 4
  5. 5

Zone 2: Some Preparation Needed

Some preparation. Usually a high school diploma, some previous work-related skill or experience, and a few months to a year of training with experienced workers.

Job Zone is O*NET's rating of how much education, experience and training an occupation typically needs — a property of the work, not of anyone doing it.

Occupational interest profile

RCIRealistic · Conventional · Investigative — the three strongest interests, in order

  • R Realistic7.00
  • C Conventional3.78
  • I Investigative3.04
  • E Enterprising2.20
  • S Social1.16
  • A Artistic1.00

RIASEC (Holland) interests on O*NET's 0–7 scale: what the work draws on, not what any individual prefers. Hover a row for what each dimension means.

Education and experience

The education level respondents say the job requires, and the most common answer for experience and training.

  • Less than a High School Diploma31%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent29%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate9%
  • Some College Courses22%
  • Bachelor's Degree9%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (31%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (30%)
On-the-job training
Over 4 years, up to and including 10 years (22%)

Typically associated skills

All 35 O*NET skills, most important first. Importance (1–5) says how much a skill matters here; level (0–7) says how much of it the work calls for, with O*NET's example of a nearby level. Neither is a proficiency rating of a person.

  • Operation and Control3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.5Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.63.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate customer complaints and determine appropriate responses
  • Monitoringbasic3.53.3Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Instructing3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Instruct a coworker in how to operate a software program
  • Active Listeningbasic3.42.9Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Coordination3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Speakingbasic3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Complex Problem Solving3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Redesign a floor layout to take advantage of new manufacturing techniques
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Quality Control Analysis3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Assess new parts for precision and accuracy to specifications
Show the other 23
  • Repairing3.03.3Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Equipment Maintenance3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Learning Strategiesbasic3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Identify an alternative approach to help trainees who are having difficulties
  • Troubleshooting3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Writingbasic3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Time Management2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Allocate the time of subordinates to projects for the coming week
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Direct the activities of a road repair crew with minimal disruption of traffic flow
  • Active Learningbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Persuasion2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Negotiation2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Social Perceptiveness2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Equipment Selection2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Service Orientation2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Mathematicsbasic2.41.9Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Systems Analysis2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Operations Analysis1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Select a printer for an office
  • Management of Material Resources1.61.1Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Technology Design1.40.5
  • Management of Financial Resources1.3—
  • Sciencebasic1.3—
  • Installation1.1—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

18 core · 3 supplemental

What people in this occupation do, as O*NET records it, core tasks first by importance (1–5).

  1. Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.4.8
  2. Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.4.8
  3. Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.4.8
  4. Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.4.7
  5. Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.4.6
  6. Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.4.6
  7. Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.4.6
  8. Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.4.5
  9. Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.4.5
  10. Direct rig crews in drilling and other activities, such as setting up rigs and completing or servicing wells.4.5
  11. Monitor progress of drilling operations, and select and change drill bits according to the nature of strata, using hand tools.4.4
  12. Repair or replace defective parts of machinery, such as rotary drill rigs, water trucks, air compressors, and pumps, using hand tools.4.4
Show the other 9
  1. Clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.4.4
  2. Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools.4.3
  3. Remove core samples during drilling to determine the nature of the strata being drilled.4.1
  4. Cap wells with packers, or turn valves, to regulate outflow of oil from wells.4.1
  5. Line drilled holes with pipes, and install all necessary hardware, to prepare new wells.4.1
  6. Bolt together pump and engine parts, and connect tanks and flow lines.3.9
  7. Plug observation wells, and restore sites.4.1
  8. Position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.3.8
  9. Lower and explode charges in boreholes to start flow of oil from wells.3.7

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical3.94.9Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.83.7Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Administration and Management3.32.9
  • Education and Training3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Lead a quality improvement seminar
  • Personnel and Human Resources3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Interview applicants for an administrative position
  • Chemistry2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Use the proper concentration of chlorine to purify a water source
  • Public Safety and Security2.82.6
  • Production and Processing2.72.5Level 1 looks like: Put a computer back into its packing materials
Show all 33
  • Transportation2.72.6
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Install a door lock
  • English Language2.61.7Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Psychology2.52.7
  • Customer and Personal Service2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Process a customer's dry-cleaning drop off
  • Physics2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Administrative2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Building and Construction2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Communications and Media2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Law and Government2.11.4Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Geography2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Medicine and Dentistry2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Therapy and Counseling1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Computers and Electronics1.71.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Design1.61.3Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Economics and Accounting1.6—
  • Sales and Marketing1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Telecommunications1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Biology1.4—
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • History and Archeology1.2—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.2—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • Food Production1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.03.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Problem Sensitivity4.03.5Level 4 looks like: Notice from a subtle difference in a client's mood that something is bothering them
  • Near Vision3.93.4Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.83.0Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Manual Dexterity3.83.4Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Multilimb Coordination3.83.5Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Information Ordering3.63.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.63.8Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
Show all 52
  • Oral Expression3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Give instructions to a lost motorist
  • Finger Dexterity3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Deductive Reasoning3.43.4Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Inductive Reasoning3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Determine the prime suspect based on crime scene evidence
  • Rate Control3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Selective Attention3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Written Expression3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Write a job recommendation for a subordinate
  • Auditory Attention3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Category Flexibility3.13.1Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Perceptual Speed3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Reaction Time3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Speech Clarity3.12.6
  • Speech Recognition3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Written Comprehension3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Visualization3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Depth Perception2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Merge a car into traffic on a city street
  • Static Strength2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Time Sharing2.93.0Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.92.8
  • Far Vision2.83.0Level 2 looks like: Read a roadside billboard
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Trunk Strength2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Extent Flexibility2.62.9Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Number Facility2.62.3Level 3 looks like: Calculate a discounted price
  • Response Orientation2.62.9Level 2 looks like: When a doorbell and phone ring at the same time, quickly select which to answer first
  • Dynamic Strength2.52.5Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.8Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.52.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Originality2.52.6Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Speed of Closure2.52.4Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Stamina2.42.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Memorization2.32.5Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Spatial Orientation2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Use the floor plan to locate a store in a mall
  • Glare Sensitivity2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Night Vision2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Peripheral Vision1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Wrist-Finger Speed1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Sound Localization1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Explosive Strength1.1—
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.0—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.64.9Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.55.1Level 4 looks like: Operate a drilling rig
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.36.0Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Getting Information4.24.1Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.5Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.25.7
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.14.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
Show all 41
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.14.9Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings3.94.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Training and Teaching Others3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.84.1Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.74.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.64.2Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Processing Information3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Developing and Building Teams3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others3.33.4Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.34.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.23.9Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.24.3Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Performing Administrative Activities3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Complete tax forms for a small business
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.13.5Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.03.7Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Staffing Organizational Units3.02.8
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.93.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.93.1Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.83.4Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.83.1Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.72.7
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.63.0Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.62.6
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.02.3Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Working with Computers1.61.1Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database

Work context

The conditions most characteristic of the work, on O*NET's 1–5 context scale.

  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions5.0
  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.9
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.9
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.9
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.8
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Impact of Decisions on Co-workers or Company Results4.6
  • Importance of Being Exact or Accurate4.6
  • Work Outcomes and Results of Other Workers4.6

Technology

12 tools

Software used in this work. In demand: among the tools job postings for this occupation name most. Hot: often named in job postings across the economy.

Hot (6)

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Word
  • Python
  • Salesforce software
  • SAP software
Other tools (6)
  • CAPSHER Technology SureTec
  • Drillingsoftware DrillPro
  • Drillingsoftware Tubular Database
  • Pason WellView Field Solution
  • Schlumberger Petrel E&P
  • Structure query language SQL

Related occupations

O*NET's own list of the occupations most related to this one, closest first.

  1. Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
  2. Helpers--Extraction Workers
  3. Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas
  4. Roustabouts, Oil and Gas
  5. Wellhead Pumpers
  6. Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
  7. Drilling and Boring Machine Tool Setters, Operators, and Tenders, Metal and Plastic
  8. Continuous Mining Machine Operators
  9. Petroleum Pump System Operators, Refinery Operators, and Gaugers
  10. Dredge Operators

ESCO equivalents

From the official ESCO–O*NET crosswalk, strongest match first. A broader occupation takes in this one; a narrower one is a part of it.

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA), used under the CC BY 4.0 license; O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. ESCO occupations and skills are from the European Commission's ESCO classification, and the occupation crosswalk is the official ESCO–O*NET mapping by the ESCO Secretariat with USDOL/ETA. This service uses the ESCO classification of the European Commission. BlissPoint Analytics has modified all or some of this information: skill, task and descriptor ratings are rounded to one decimal, and ESCO occupations show Job Zone and interests copied from a crosswalked O*NET occupation. USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.