BlissPoint Analytics

Occupation AtlasHelpers--Extraction Workers

O*NET · 47-5081.00

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.

Also called Blaster Helper · Blasting Helper · Boring Machine Operator Helper · Bottom Hole Pressure Recording Operator Helper · Churn Driller Helper · Clean Out Driller Helper · Clean-Out Driller Helper · Coal Loader
52 more

Continuous Miner Operator Helper · Core Drill Operator Helper · Core Driller Helper · Cutter Operator Helper · Cutting Machine Operator Helper · Derrick Hand · Derrick Helper · Derrickman Helper · Drill Helper · Driller Helper · Driller's Assistant · Drilling Assistant · Extraction Tech · Extraction Tech (Extraction Technician) · Gravity Prospecting Observer Helper · Hammerer Helper · Horizontal Earth Boring Machine Operator Helper · Jack Setter · Joy Operator Helper · Loading Machine Operator Helper · Longwall Machine Operator Helper · Machine Helper · Mine and Quarry Miner · Mine Laborer · Mine Milling Worker · Mine Tailings Worker · Miner Assistant · Miner Helper · Mining Helper · Ore Digger · Powder Carrier · Powderman · Pumper Helper · Raise Bore Helper · Rig Builder Helper · Roof Bolter Helper · Roof Observer · Rotary Drill Operator Helper · Rotary Driller Helper · Rotary Helper · Roughneck · Salt Miner · Sandfill Operator · Seismic Prospecting Observer Helper · Seismograph Helper · Shale Planer Operator Helper · Shooter Helper · Shot Core Drill Operator Helper · Shot Crew Helper · Test Borer Helper · Tunnel Mucker · Wash Driller Helper

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

Compare with another occupationCompare with Sailors and Marine Oilers

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 Conventional3.69
  • I Investigative2.14
  • S Social1.79
  • E Enterprising1.58
  • 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.

  • High School Diploma or the equivalent97%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate2%
  • Associate's Degree or other 2-year degree2%
Related work experience
None (56%)
On-site or in-plant training
Up to and including 1 month (50%)
On-the-job training
Over 1 month, up to and including 3 months (47%)

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.

  • Monitoringbasic3.83.1Level 4 looks like: Monitor a meeting and revise the agenda to ensure important topics are discussed
  • Operations Monitoring3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Equipment Maintenance3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Operation and Control3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Navigate the settings on an office printer to print on both sides of the paper
  • Repairing3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Replace a faulty hydraulic valve
  • Troubleshooting3.43.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Coordination3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Critical Thinkingbasic3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Equipment Selection3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Quality Control Analysis3.12.6Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Judgment and Decision Making3.02.6Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Active Learningbasic2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Complex Problem Solving2.92.6Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Speakingbasic2.92.4Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Social Perceptiveness2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Learning Strategiesbasic2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Time Management2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Mathematicsbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Management of Personnel Resources2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Instructing2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Writingbasic2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Service Orientation2.42.0Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Persuasion2.12.0Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Systems Analysis2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Negotiation2.01.9Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Management of Material Resources2.01.5Level 2 looks like: Reserve a room for a management meeting
  • Systems Evaluation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Technology Design1.81.0Level 2 looks like: Adjust exercise equipment for use by a customer
  • Management of Financial Resources1.80.9
  • Sciencebasic1.40.5
  • Installation1.3—
  • Operations Analysis1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

9 core · 5 supplemental

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

  1. Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.4.3
  2. Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.4.1
  3. Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.4.0
  4. Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.3.9
  5. Organize materials to prepare for use.3.9
  6. Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.3.9
  7. Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.3.8
  8. Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.3.6
  9. Load materials into well holes or into equipment, using hand tools.3.5
Show the other 5
  1. Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.4.3
  2. Signal workers to start geological material extraction or boring.3.8
  3. Collect and examine geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices.3.8
  4. Dismantle extracting and boring equipment used for excavation, using hand tools.3.7
  5. Dig trenches.3.4

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Mechanical4.04.4Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • English Language3.52.7
  • Transportation3.33.3Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Mathematics3.02.8
  • Administration and Management2.92.6
  • Education and Training2.92.6
  • Public Safety and Security2.93.3Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Customer and Personal Service2.82.9
Show all 33
  • Production and Processing2.82.9
  • Engineering and Technology2.62.9
  • Personnel and Human Resources2.51.9Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Chemistry2.42.2Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Physics2.42.5Level 1 looks like: Use a crowbar to pry open a box
  • Building and Construction2.22.5Level 1 looks like: Choose the proper type of wood for adding a deck onto a house
  • Economics and Accounting2.21.7Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Law and Government2.21.9Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Sales and Marketing2.21.8Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Administrative2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Computers and Electronics2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Design2.01.6Level 1 looks like: Draw a straight line 4 3/16 inches long
  • Geography1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Telecommunications1.90.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Communications and Media1.81.2Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Biology1.61.0Level 1 looks like: Feed domestic animals
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Psychology1.51.3Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Foreign Language1.4—
  • Food Production1.3—
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.2—
  • Therapy and Counseling1.2—
  • Fine Arts1.0—
  • History and Archeology1.0—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Manual Dexterity4.03.3Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.93.1Level 4 looks like: Thread a needle
  • Control Precision3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Multilimb Coordination3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.83.9Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Far Vision3.63.4Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Near Vision3.63.1Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Problem Sensitivity3.63.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
Show all 52
  • Static Strength3.63.9Level 4 looks like: Pull a 40-pound sack of fertilizer across the lawn
  • Trunk Strength3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Shovel snow for half an hour
  • Depth Perception3.43.4Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Finger Dexterity3.43.3Level 4 looks like: Attach small dials to audio equipment on an assembly line
  • Rate Control3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Information Ordering3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Oral Comprehension3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Understand a television commercial
  • Selective Attention3.33.0Level 2 looks like: Answer a business call with coworkers talking nearby
  • Auditory Attention3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Listen for your flight announcement at a busy airport
  • Deductive Reasoning3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Extent Flexibility3.13.6Level 4 looks like: Reach for a box on a high warehouse shelf
  • Hearing Sensitivity3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Diagnose what's wrong with a car engine from its sound
  • Perceptual Speed3.12.8Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Response Orientation3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
  • Stamina3.13.0Level 4 looks like: Climb 6 flights of stairs
  • Visualization3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Imagine how to place paper in a printer so that the letterhead comes out on top
  • Dynamic Strength3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Flexibility of Closure3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Coordination3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Gross Body Equilibrium3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Oral Expression3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Spatial Orientation3.02.9Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
  • Speech Recognition3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Category Flexibility2.92.9Level 3 looks like: Classify flowers according to size, color, and smell
  • Speech Clarity2.92.4Level 1 looks like: Call numbers in a bingo game
  • Glare Sensitivity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Time Sharing2.82.8Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.82.6
  • Written Comprehension2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Fluency of Ideas2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Memorization2.52.1Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Speed of Closure2.52.1Level 3 looks like: Recognize a song after hearing only the first few notes
  • Originality2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Peripheral Vision2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.42.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Sound Localization2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Written Expression2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Number Facility2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Explosive Strength1.91.1Level 2 looks like: Hit a nail with a hammer
  • Night Vision1.91.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.50.5

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Handling and Moving Objects4.86.3Level 7 looks like: Load boxes on an assembly line
  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.76.1Level 7 looks like: Operate a precision milling machine
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.75.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.65.4Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates4.55.0Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards4.44.3Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.45.0Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Performing General Physical Activities4.45.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems4.25.0Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.24.6Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
  • Getting Information4.13.3Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies4.04.5Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others4.04.2Level 4 looks like: Interpret how foreign tax laws apply to U.S. exports
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources4.04.9Level 4 looks like: Work as a chef responsible for ordering food for the menu
  • Assisting and Caring for Others3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Help a medical patient find in-home assistance or healthcare
  • Coaching and Developing Others3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Provide on-the-job training for administrative workers
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.94.6Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events3.93.7Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Processing Information3.94.3Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.84.0Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Analyzing Data or Information3.74.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.74.3Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Developing and Building Teams3.64.1Level 4 looks like: Lead an assembly team in an automobile plant
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.64.3Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates3.53.9Level 4 looks like: Manage a small team of employees in a dynamic workplace
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.53.8Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Make repairs by removing and replacing circuit boards
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Get two subordinates to agree about vacation schedules
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.44.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Thinking Creatively3.43.6Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Training and Teaching Others3.43.1Level 4 looks like: Teach a social sciences course to high school students
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization3.33.5Level 4 looks like: Present information to potential clients about available services
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Specify the furniture and equipment for a new school
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others3.23.6Level 4 looks like: Recommend a new software package to increase operational efficiency
  • Performing Administrative Activities2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others2.62.5Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units2.42.0Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Working with Computers2.22.0Level 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.

  • Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets5.0
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.9
  • Exposed to Sounds, Noise Levels that are Distracting or Uncomfortable4.8
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.8
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.7
  • Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions4.7
  • Indoors, Not Environmentally Controlled4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.5
  • Exposed to Very Hot or Cold Temperatures4.4
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.4

Technology

5 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 (5)

  • Google Docs
  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Office software
  • Microsoft Outlook
  • Microsoft Word

Related occupations

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

  1. Helpers--Installation, Maintenance, and Repair Workers
  2. Helpers--Production Workers
  3. Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and Gas
  4. Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
  5. Helpers--Carpenters
  6. Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
  7. Continuous Mining Machine Operators
  8. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  9. Helpers--Painters, Paperhangers, Plasterers, and Stucco Masons
  10. Helpers--Brickmasons, Blockmasons, Stonemasons, and Tile and Marble Setters

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.

Closest occupations

Compare any occupation →

Other O*NET occupations whose importance ratings on the 35 skills both rate are nearest to this one's, with the biggest differences named. A plain rule, not a hidden score.

Use this in your own job architecture

BlissPoint Organization Viewer can link a role directly to this occupation and suggest these skills as that role's starting requirements.

Try it free →

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.