Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas

Specific duties and responsibilities regularly performed in this occupation.

• Move levers, depress foot pedals, and turn dials to operate power machinery, such as power shovels, stripping shovels, scraper loaders, or backhoes.89
• Set up or inspect equipment prior to operation.89
• Become familiar with digging plans, machine capabilities and limitations, and efficient and safe digging procedures in a given application.86
• Observe hand signals, grade stakes, or other markings when operating machines so that work can be performed to specifications.85
• Operate machinery to perform activities such as backfilling excavations, vibrating or breaking rock or concrete, or making winter roads.81
• Receive written or oral instructions regarding material movement or excavation.76
• Move materials over short distances, such as around a construction site, factory, or warehouse.75
• Direct workers engaged in placing blocks or outriggers to prevent capsizing of machines when lifting heavy loads.75
• Measure and verify levels of rock or gravel, bases, or other excavated material.75
• Create or maintain inclines or ramps.73
• Lubricate, adjust, or repair machinery and replace parts, such as gears, bearings, or bucket teeth.71
• Direct ground workers engaged in activities such as moving stakes or markers, or changing positions of towers.69

Developed capacities that facilitate learning or the more rapid acquisition of knowledge.

• Operation and Control78

  Controlling operations of equipment or systems.

• Operations Monitoring66

  Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.

• Monitoring53

  Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

• Active Learning50

  Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

• Active Listening50

  Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.

• Complex Problem Solving50

  Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

• Coordination50

  Adjusting actions in relation to others' actions.

• Critical Thinking50

  Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

• Equipment Maintenance50

  Performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.

• Equipment Selection50

  Determining the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.

• Judgment and Decision Making50

  Considering the relative costs and benefits of potential actions to choose the most appropriate one.

• Persuasion50

  Persuading others to change their minds or behavior.

Organized sets of principles and facts that apply in general domains.

• Mechanical56

  Knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance.

• Building and Construction54

  Knowledge of materials, methods, and the tools involved in the construction or repair of houses, buildings, or other structures such as highways and roads.

• Public Safety and Security49

  Knowledge of relevant equipment, policies, procedures, and strategies to promote effective local, state, or national security operations for the protection of people, data, property, and institutions.

• English Language41

  Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, and rules of composition and grammar.

• Mathematics41

  Knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications.

• Administration and Management35

  Knowledge of business and management principles involved in strategic planning, resource allocation, human resources modeling, leadership technique, production methods, and coordination of people and resources.

• Design35

  Knowledge of design techniques, tools, and principles involved in production of precision technical plans, blueprints, drawings, and models.

• Customer and Personal Service32

  Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.

• Transportation32

  Knowledge of principles and methods for moving people or goods by air, rail, sea, or road, including the relative costs and benefits.

• Education and Training31

  Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

• Engineering and Technology28

  Knowledge of the practical application of engineering science and technology. This includes applying principles, techniques, procedures, and equipment to the design and production of various goods and services.

• Production and Processing24

  Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, costs, and other techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture and distribution of goods.

Enduring attributes of the individual that influence performance.

• Control Precision78

  The ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.

• Multilimb Coordination78

  The ability to coordinate two or more limbs (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.

• Depth Perception75

  The ability to judge which of several objects is closer or farther away from you, or to judge the distance between you and an object.

• Manual Dexterity72

  The ability to quickly move your hand, your hand together with your arm, or your two hands to grasp, manipulate, or assemble objects.

• Reaction Time72

  The ability to quickly respond (with the hand, finger, or foot) to a signal (sound, light, picture) when it appears.

• Arm-Hand Steadiness69

  The ability to keep your hand and arm steady while moving your arm or while holding your arm and hand in one position.

• Far Vision69

  The ability to see details at a distance.

• Rate Control69

  The ability to time your movements or the movement of a piece of equipment in anticipation of changes in the speed and/or direction of a moving object or scene.

• Response Orientation69

  The ability to choose quickly between two or more movements in response to two or more different signals (lights, sounds, pictures). It includes the speed with which the correct response is started with the hand, foot, or other body part.

• Near Vision66

  The ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer).

• Spatial Orientation66

  The ability to know your location in relation to the environment or to know where other objects are in relation to you.

• Auditory Attention63

  The ability to focus on a single source of sound in the presence of other distracting sounds.

General types of job behaviors occurring on multiple jobs.

• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment91

  Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.

• Controlling Machines and Processes85

  Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).

• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials85

  Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.

• Handling and Moving Objects80

  Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.

• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates77

  Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.

• Getting Information77

  Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.

• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings76

  Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.

• Making Decisions and Solving Problems75

  Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.

• Performing General Physical Activities73

  Performing general physical activities includes doing activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.

• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards72

  Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.

• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events72

  Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.

• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment68

  Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.

Personal characteristics that can affect how well someone performs a job.

• Dependability81

  A tendency to be reliable, responsible, and consistent in meeting work-related obligations.

• Cautiousness77

  A tendency to be careful, deliberate, and risk-avoidant when making work-related decisions or doing work.

• Attention to Detail52

  A tendency to be detail-oriented, organized, and thorough in completing work.

• Stress Tolerance44

  A tendency to cope and function effectively in stressful situations at work.

• Perseverance34

  A tendency to exhibit determination and resolve to perform or complete tasks in the face of difficult circumstances or obstacles at work.

• Self-Confidence30

  A tendency to believe in one's work-related capabilities and ability to control one's work-related outcomes.

• Achievement Orientation27

  A tendency to establish and maintain personally challenging work-related goals, set high work-related standards, and exert high effort toward meeting those goals and standards.

• Self-Control27

  A tendency to remain calm and composed and to manage emotions effectively in response to criticism or difficult situations at work.

• Integrity26

  A tendency to be honest and ethical at work.

• Adaptability14

  A tendency to be open to and comfortable with change, new experiences, or ideas at work.

• Cooperation12

  A tendency to be pleasant, helpful, and willing to assist others at work.

• Initiative8

  A tendency to be proactive and take on extra responsibilities and tasks that may fall outside of one's required work role.

Holland's six occupational interest types (RIASEC) this work tends to attract.

• Realistic100

  Work involves designing, building, or repairing of equipment, materials, or structures, engaging in physical activity, or working outdoors. Realistic occupations are often associated with engineering, mechanics and electronics, construction, woodworking, transportation, machine operation, agriculture, animal services, physical or manual labor, athletics, or protective services.

• Conventional43

  Work involves following procedures and regulations to organize information or data, typically in a business setting. Conventional occupations are often associated with office work, accounting, mathematics/statistics, information technology, finance, or human resources.

• Investigative23

  Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.

• Artistic0

  Work involves creating original visual artwork, performances, written works, food, or music for a variety of media, or applying artistic principles to the design of various objects and materials. Artistic occupations are often associated with visual arts, applied arts and design, performing arts, music, creative writing, media, or culinary art.

• Enterprising0

  Work involves managing, negotiating, marketing, or selling, typically in a business setting, or leading or advising people in political and legal situations. Enterprising occupations are often associated with business initiatives, sales, marketing/advertising, finance, management/administration, professional advising, public speaking, politics, or law.

• Social0

  Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.

Physical and social factors that influence the nature of work.

• Wear Common Protective or Safety Equipment such as Safety Shoes, Glasses, Gloves, Hearing Protection, Hard Hats, or Life Jackets

  • Every day94%

• Spend Time Using Your Hands to Handle, Control, or Feel Objects, Tools, or Controls

  • Continually or almost continually83%

• Duration of Typical Work Week

  • More than 40 hours81%
  • 40 hours19%

• Face-to-Face Discussions with Individuals and Within Teams

  • Every day77%
  • Once a week or more but not every day11%

• Work With or Contribute to a Work Group or Team

  • Extremely important63%
  • Very important21%
  • Important16%

• Contact With Others

  • Constant contact with others66%
  • Contact with others most of the time17%

• Exposed to Contaminants

  • Every day75%

• Exposed to Whole Body Vibration

  • Every day71%
  • Once a month or more but not every week13%

• Frequency of Decision Making

  • Every day66%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%
  • Never14%

• Outdoors, Exposed to All Weather Conditions

  • Every day64%
  • Once a week or more but not every day13%
  • Once a year or more but not every month12%

• Spend Time Making Repetitive Motions

  • Continually or almost continually46%
  • More than half the time32%
  • About half the time13%

• Exposed to Hazardous Equipment

  • Every day46%
  • Once a week or more but not every day32%
  • Once a month or more but not every week11%

Education levels O*NET survey respondents in this occupation most often reported having.

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Less than high school diploma
• Post-secondary certificate

Specific software and technology tools commonly used on the job.

• Electronic mail software

  Email software, Google Gmail, Microsoft Outlook

• Presentation software

  Microsoft PowerPoint

• Industrial control software

  Machine control systems, Machine monitoring software

• Spreadsheet software

  Microsoft Excel

• Office suite software

  Microsoft Office software

• Operating system software

  Microsoft Windows

• Word processing software

  Microsoft Word

Organizations related to this occupation, such as industry and licensing bodies.

• MHI
• Warehousing Education and Research Council
• International Union of Operating Engineers
• National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators

Occupations that call for similar work and worker requirements.

• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Construction Laborers
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Mining Machine Operators
• Heavy Vehicle and Mobile Equipment Service Technicians and Mechanics
• Crane and Tower Operators
• Industrial Truck and Tractor Operators
• Mining Machine Operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Construction equipment operators except paving, surfacing, and tamping equipment operators
• Riggers
• Maintenance Workers, Machinery
• Industrial and Refractory Machinery Mechanics
• Millwrights
• Rail-Track Laying and Maintenance Equipment Operators
• Conveyor operators and tenders, and hoist and winch operators
• Miscellaneous agricultural workers, including animal breeders

More specific, granular versions of the Work Activities above.

• Operate excavation equipment.
• Inspect material-moving equipment to detect problems.
• Maintain professional knowledge or certifications.
• Signal others to coordinate vehicle movement.
• Receive information or instructions for performing work assignments.
• Direct material handling or moving activities.
• Move materials, equipment, or supplies.
• Measure product or material dimensions.
• Verify information or specifications.
• Assemble temporary equipment or structures.
• Maintain work equipment or machinery.
• Maintain material moving equipment in good working condition.

Registered apprenticeship program titles associated with this occupation.

• Dragline Operator