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Occupation AtlasPile Driver Operators

O*NET · 47-2072.00

Pile Driver Operators

Operate pile drivers mounted on skids, barges, crawler treads, or locomotive cranes to drive pilings for retaining walls, bulkheads, and foundations of structures such as buildings, bridges, and piers.

Also called Diesel Pile Hammer Operator · Driving Inspector · Driving Operator · Hoisting Pile Driving Engineer · Hydraulic Pile Hammer Operator · Hydraulic Press-In Operator · Nozzle Operator · Pile Driver
8 more

Pile Driver Engineer · Pile Driver Operator · Pile Driving Inspector · Pile Driving Leadsman · Pile Driving Nozzleman · Pile Driving Operator · Pile Driving Technician · Vibratory Pile Driver

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

Compare with another occupationCompare with Wellhead Pumpers

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 Conventional3.61
  • I Investigative1.94
  • E Enterprising1.15
  • S Social1.02
  • 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 Diploma19%
  • High School Diploma or the equivalent53%
  • Post-Secondary Certificate21%
  • Some College Courses8%
Related work experience
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (38%)
On-site or in-plant training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 years (24%)
On-the-job training
Over 2 years, up to and including 4 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 Control4.13.8Level 4 looks like: Adjust the speed of assembly line equipment based on the product being assembled
  • Operations Monitoring4.03.6Level 4 looks like: Monitor machine functions on an automated production line
  • Equipment Maintenance3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Clean moving parts in production machinery
  • Monitoringbasic3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Proofread and correct a letter
  • Troubleshooting3.13.0Level 2 looks like: Identify the source of a leak by looking under a machine
  • Coordination3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Work with others to put a new roof on a house
  • Active Listeningbasic3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Take a customer's order
  • Critical Thinkingbasic2.93.0Level 2 looks like: Determine whether a subordinate has a good excuse for being late
  • Quality Control Analysis2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Inspect a draft email for errors (e.g., grammar, punctuation)
  • Time Management2.92.8Level 2 looks like: Keep a monthly calendar of appointments
  • Repairing2.82.9Level 2 looks like: Tighten a screw to get a door to close properly
  • Judgment and Decision Making2.82.5Level 2 looks like: Decide how scheduling a break will affect work flow
Show the other 23
  • Speakingbasic2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Greet tourists and explain tourist attractions
  • Complex Problem Solving2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Lay out tools to complete a job
  • Reading Comprehensionbasic2.52.3Level 2 looks like: Read step-by-step instructions for completing a form
  • Social Perceptiveness2.52.0Level 2 looks like: Notice that customers are angry because they have been waiting too long
  • Writingbasic2.31.9Level 2 looks like: Write down a guest's order at a restaurant
  • Instructing2.12.1Level 2 looks like: Instruct a new employee in the use of a timekeeping system
  • Equipment Selection2.11.9Level 2 looks like: Select a tool to adjust a loose part on a bicycle
  • Mathematicsbasic2.11.4Level 2 looks like: Count the amount of change to be given to a customer
  • Active Learningbasic2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Think about the implications of a news article for job opportunities
  • Service Orientation2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Ask customers if they would like a cup of coffee
  • Systems Analysis2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Determine how loss of a team member will affect the completion of a job
  • Systems Evaluation2.01.3Level 2 looks like: Determine why estimates for the time to complete a task are overly optimistic
  • Learning Strategiesbasic1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Learn a different method of completing a task from a coworker
  • Negotiation1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Present justification to a manager for altering a work schedule
  • Persuasion1.91.6Level 2 looks like: Solicit donations for a charity
  • Management of Personnel Resources1.91.4Level 2 looks like: Encourage a coworker who is having difficulty finishing a project
  • Management of Material Resources1.80.8
  • Management of Financial Resources1.50.5
  • Technology Design1.50.5
  • Sciencebasic1.40.4
  • Operations Analysis1.1—
  • Installation1.0—
  • Programming1.0—

Tasks

5 core

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

  1. Move hand and foot levers of hoisting equipment to position piling leads, hoist piling into leads, and position hammers over pilings.4.7
  2. Drive pilings to provide support for buildings or other structures, using heavy equipment with a pile driver head.4.6
  3. Move levers and turn valves to activate power hammers, or to raise and lower drophammers that drive piles to required depths.4.6
  4. Conduct pre-operational checks on equipment to ensure proper functioning.4.5
  5. Clean, lubricate, and refill equipment.4.3

Knowledge

Bodies of knowledge the work draws on.

  • Building and Construction4.15.4Level 4 looks like: Fix a plumbing leak in the ceiling
  • Mechanical3.74.8Level 4 looks like: Replace a valve on a steam pipe
  • Mathematics3.63.6Level 4 looks like: Analyze data to determine areas with the highest sales
  • Transportation3.54.0Level 4 looks like: Drive a semi-truck through a busy city
  • Engineering and Technology3.44.3Level 4 looks like: Design a custom office chair
  • Public Safety and Security3.43.7Level 4 looks like: Inspect a building site for safety violations
  • Design3.23.7Level 4 looks like: Design plans for remodeling a kitchen
  • Production and Processing3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Supervise an appliance assembly line
Show all 33
  • Administration and Management2.93.2Level 4 looks like: Monitor progress of a project to ensure timely completion
  • Customer and Personal Service2.82.9
  • English Language2.82.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Physics2.72.9
  • Education and Training2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Show someone how to bowl
  • Administrative2.31.5Level 1 looks like: Direct phone calls to the appropriate staff member
  • Geography2.31.8Level 1 looks like: Know the capital of the United States
  • Chemistry2.12.1Level 1 looks like: Use a common household bug spray
  • Law and Government2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Describe the length of a U.S. presidential term
  • Psychology2.12.0Level 1 looks like: Monitor several children on a playground
  • Communications and Media1.91.4Level 1 looks like: Write a thank you note
  • Economics and Accounting1.91.0Level 1 looks like: Answer billing questions from credit card customers
  • Personnel and Human Resources1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Fill out a medical claim form
  • Computers and Electronics1.81.5Level 1 looks like: Operate a media player to watch a training video
  • Sales and Marketing1.71.0Level 1 looks like: Sell cakes at a bake sale
  • Sociology and Anthropology1.70.3Level 1 looks like: Identify two cultures in a story as being different
  • Telecommunications1.60.8Level 1 looks like: Send an email
  • Therapy and Counseling1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Put ice on a sprained ankle
  • Medicine and Dentistry1.50.8Level 1 looks like: Use a band-aid
  • Biology1.3—
  • Foreign Language1.2—
  • Food Production1.1—
  • History and Archeology1.1—
  • Philosophy and Theology1.1—
  • Fine Arts1.0—

Abilities

Enduring capacities the work calls for.

  • Control Precision4.14.0Level 4 looks like: Adjust farm tractor controls
  • Depth Perception4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a crane to move materials from a truck bed to the ground
  • Multilimb Coordination4.04.0Level 4 looks like: Operate a forklift truck in a warehouse
  • Reaction Time3.94.0Level 4 looks like: Press a button to stop operation when a warning light goes off
  • Manual Dexterity3.63.0Level 4 looks like: Pack oranges in crates as quickly as possible
  • Problem Sensitivity3.53.0Level 2 looks like: Recognize that an unplugged lamp won't work
  • Rate Control3.53.4Level 4 looks like: Keep up with a car that changes speed
  • Response Orientation3.43.8Level 4 looks like: Use either the brake or gas pedal when your vehicle is skidding
Show all 52
  • Arm-Hand Steadiness3.32.9Level 2 looks like: Light a candle
  • Selective Attention3.33.1Level 4 looks like: Watch security monitors for intruders throughout the night shift
  • Deductive Reasoning3.12.9Level 2 looks like: Know that a stalled car can coast downhill
  • Far Vision3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Read the slides on a presentation from across a room
  • Speech Recognition3.12.4Level 2 looks like: Recognize the voice of a coworker
  • Visualization3.13.3Level 4 looks like: Follow a diagram to assemble a metal storage cabinet
  • Auditory Attention3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Listen to a lecture while people nearby are talking
  • Finger Dexterity3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Put coins in a parking meter
  • Inductive Reasoning3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Decide what to wear based on the weather report
  • Information Ordering3.02.8Level 2 looks like: Follow the correct steps to make change
  • Near Vision3.03.0Level 2 looks like: Read indicators on the dashboard of a car
  • Oral Comprehension3.03.1Level 4 looks like: Understand a coach's oral instructions for a sport
  • Oral Expression3.02.9Level 2 looks like: Place an order at a restaurant drive-thru
  • Spatial Orientation3.02.8Level 3 looks like: Find your way through a dark room without hitting anything
  • Glare Sensitivity2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Drive on a familiar road on a cloudy day
  • Perceptual Speed2.92.9Level 2 looks like: Sort mail according to ZIP codes with no time pressure
  • Speech Clarity2.92.6
  • Dynamic Strength2.82.4Level 2 looks like: Use pruning shears to trim a bush
  • Extent Flexibility2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Reach to adjust the radio in a car
  • Gross Body Coordination2.82.3Level 2 looks like: Get in and out of a truck
  • Hearing Sensitivity2.82.8Level 2 looks like: Notice a doorbell ringing
  • Static Strength2.82.6
  • Time Sharing2.82.9Level 3 looks like: Watch street signs while driving at 30 miles an hour
  • Category Flexibility2.62.1Level 2 looks like: Sort paintbrushes based on length
  • Peripheral Vision2.62.8Level 2 looks like: Keep in step while marching in a band
  • Trunk Strength2.62.6Level 2 looks like: Sit up in an office chair
  • Wrist-Finger Speed2.62.3Level 2 looks like: Use a screwdriver to twist in a screw
  • Flexibility of Closure2.42.4Level 2 looks like: Detect that your phone is ringing while at a concert
  • Gross Body Equilibrium2.42.1Level 2 looks like: Stand on a ladder
  • Speed of Limb Movement2.32.0Level 2 looks like: Saw through a thin piece of wood
  • Stamina2.32.1Level 1 looks like: Walk 1/4 mile
  • Written Comprehension2.32.4Level 2 looks like: Understand signs on the highway
  • Mathematical Reasoning2.11.3Level 1 looks like: Determine how much 20 oranges will cost when they are priced at 5 for 4 dollars
  • Number Facility2.11.1Level 1 looks like: Add 2 and 7
  • Visual Color Discrimination2.11.6Level 1 looks like: Separate laundry into colors and whites
  • Fluency of Ideas2.02.0Level 2 looks like: Name four different uses for a screwdriver
  • Sound Localization2.01.8Level 2 looks like: Listen to a sound system to determine which speaker is working
  • Speed of Closure2.01.8
  • Written Expression2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Write a note to remind someone to take food out of the freezer
  • Memorization1.91.3Level 1 looks like: Remember the number on your bus to be sure you get back on the right one
  • Originality1.91.9Level 2 looks like: Use a credit card to open a locked door
  • Night Vision1.81.5Level 2 looks like: Read street signs at dusk (just after sunset)
  • Explosive Strength1.50.8
  • Dynamic Flexibility1.3—

Work activities

Kinds of activity the work is made of.

  • Controlling Machines and Processes4.75.9
  • Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials4.65.1Level 4 looks like: Inspect equipment in a chemical processing plant
  • Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment4.65.5Level 4 looks like: Drive an 18-wheel tractor-trailer
  • Handling and Moving Objects4.45.7
  • Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment4.35.3Level 4 looks like: Change the oil on a tractor
  • Getting Information4.23.6Level 4 looks like: Review a budget
  • Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events4.24.2Level 4 looks like: Judge the suitability of food products for an event
  • Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings4.14.7Level 4 looks like: Test electrical circuits
Show all 41
  • Making Decisions and Solving Problems3.94.5Level 4 looks like: Select the location for a major retail store
  • Performing General Physical Activities3.95.4Level 4 looks like: Paint the outside of a house
  • Processing Information3.83.8Level 4 looks like: Calculate the adjustments for insurance claims
  • Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates3.73.6Level 4 looks like: Report the results of a sales meeting to a supervisor
  • Documenting/Recording Information3.53.1Level 4 looks like: Document the results of a crime scene investigation
  • Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards3.53.6Level 4 looks like: Evaluate a complicated insurance claim for compliance with policy terms
  • Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work3.54.1Level 4 looks like: Plan and adjust a personal to-do list according to changing demands
  • Thinking Creatively3.44.1Level 4 looks like: Adapt popular music for a high school marching band
  • Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge3.33.8Level 4 looks like: Keep current on changes in maintenance procedures for repairing sports cars
  • Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information3.23.5Level 4 looks like: Estimate the time required to evacuate a city in the event of a major disaster
  • Training and Teaching Others3.22.9
  • Developing Objectives and Strategies3.13.1Level 4 looks like: Develop the plan to complete the merger of two organizations over a 3-year period
  • Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People3.13.4Level 4 looks like: Determine the value of property lost in a fire
  • Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships3.03.4Level 4 looks like: Maintain good working relationships with almost all coworkers and clients
  • Scheduling Work and Activities3.03.0Level 4 looks like: Prepare the work schedule for salesclerks in a large retail store
  • Analyzing Data or Information2.83.2Level 4 looks like: Determine the interest cost to finance a new building
  • Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others2.73.2Level 4 looks like: Organize the cleanup crew after a major sporting event
  • Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others2.72.3Level 1 looks like: Interpret a blood pressure reading
  • Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment2.62.3Level 1 looks like: Specify the lighting for a work area
  • Assisting and Caring for Others2.52.2Level 1 looks like: Help a coworker complete an assignment
  • Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Work occasionally as a backup supervisor
  • Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others2.52.5Level 1 looks like: Apologize to a customer who complains about waiting too long
  • Coaching and Developing Others2.42.4Level 1 looks like: Show a coworker how to operate a piece of equipment
  • Providing Consultation and Advice to Others2.42.6
  • Communicating with People Outside the Organization2.31.7Level 1 looks like: Have little contact with people outside the organization
  • Developing and Building Teams2.32.2Level 1 looks like: Encourage two coworkers to stick with a tough assignment
  • Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment2.32.0Level 1 looks like: Use display settings to adjust a television picture
  • Performing for or Working Directly with the Public2.21.6Level 1 looks like: Check tickets at a concert
  • Working with Computers2.11.7Level 1 looks like: Enter employee information into a database
  • Monitoring and Controlling Resources2.02.0Level 1 looks like: Work as a server responsible for keeping track of utensils
  • Performing Administrative Activities1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Complete routine paperwork
  • Selling or Influencing Others1.81.4Level 1 looks like: Convince a coworker to assist with an assignment
  • Staffing Organizational Units1.60.9Level 1 looks like: Work in a position that has minimal staffing requirements

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 Uncomfortable4.8
  • Health and Safety of Other Workers4.7
  • Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams4.6
  • Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls4.6
  • Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team4.6
  • Contact With Others4.5
  • Exposed to Contaminants4.5
  • Exposed to Hazardous Equipment4.4

Technology

6 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 (1)

  • Microsoft Excel
Other tools (5)
  • Email software
  • Global positioning system GPS software
  • GRL Engineers Wave Equation Analysis Program GRLWEAP
  • Pile Dynamics Case Pile Wave Analysis Program CAPWAP
  • Pile Dynamics Pile Driving Analyzer PDA

Related occupations

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

  1. Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
  2. Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
  3. Excavating and Loading Machine and Dragline Operators, Surface Mining
  4. Hoist and Winch Operators
  5. Paving, Surfacing, and Tamping Equipment Operators
  6. Mobile Heavy Equipment Mechanics, Except Engines
  7. Loading and Moving Machine Operators, Underground Mining
  8. Riggers
  9. Construction Laborers
  10. Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment 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.