Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas
Earth drillers (except oil and gas) operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap subsurface water and salt deposits, remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. This includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.
The person on a rig who is responsible for the good drilling process is known as the driller. They are the ones who supervise the crew and the running of the rig itself. Moreover, they monitor things like pressure build-ups and gas levels, with safety being of utmost importance.
Drillers are one of the very few people with the authority to shut down the well if an emergency occurs.
To apply for the driller job description, one will need to be at least eighteen years old, undergo and pass a pre-employment medical examination, and drug and alcohol clearance.
There are two main well control certifications, with many companies wanting at least one. These are from the International Association of Drilling Contractors and the International Well Control Forum.
The average geotechnical driller salary depends on where the rig is based and includes other factors such as remoteness and the harshness of environmental conditions.
To be successful in an assistant driller’s job responsibilities, skills are arguably more important than specific qualifications, with a lot of the experience required to accelerate one’s ranks on a rig. Typically, excellent communication skills, steady hands, great coordination, and good critical thinking are the essential skills for a well-performing driller.
Qualifications
Every career requires an element of study and academic qualification, and there can be several study routes and pathways you can take. In following any academic pathway you will study subjects that contribute to the specialised knowledge required to achieve your career goals. These qualifications provide a future employer with the evidence that you have the desired knowledge, understanding and experience of their industry, so it’s important to consider the various types of qualifications available to you and to understand how they can boost your career and create opportunities for you.
- Diploma Drilling and Well Head operation
- ITI Course Fitter-Drilling
Tasks
- Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.
- Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
- Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
- Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
- Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
- Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
- Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.
- Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
- Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
- Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
Progression Routes
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