Hands-on
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Explore a possible path
Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas
Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.
How does this connect to your interests? →A look at the work
- Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
- Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives.
- Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
- Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them.
A selection of source-listed tasks; duties vary by role and employer.
Interests involved in this work
These source scores describe occupational work activities. They are separate from your personal test results.
7.0 / 7
Investigative
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Creative
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Helping people
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Enterprising
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Organizing
2023-11 · Machine Learning
Skills to explore
Source-reported importance on a 1–5 scale. Try a course, project or conversation to learn what these skills involve.
Operations Monitoring
Watching gauges, dials, or other indicators to make sure a machine is working properly.
2010-06
Operation and Control
Controlling operations of equipment or systems.
2010-06
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
2010-06
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
2010-06
Repairing
Repairing machines or systems using the needed tools.
2010-06
Monitoring
Monitoring/Assessing performance of yourself, other individuals, or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.
2010-06
Active Listening
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.
2010-06
Quality Control Analysis
Conducting tests and inspections of products, services, or processes to evaluate quality or performance.
2010-06
Troubleshooting
Determining causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
2010-06
Complex Problem Solving
Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
2010-06
Plan a small next step
Talk to someone doing this work, look for a supervised activity, and explore the subjects that interest you. Admission, licensing and current program requirements should be confirmed with the relevant institutions.
Source preparation category: Job Zone 2 of 5 · 2026-02. This category describes typical preparation, not your eligibility.
Related study fields
Source crosswalk connections are research leads, not required qualifications.
Explore all related study fields →Source & methodology
O*NET-SOC code 47-5011.00 · Database 31.0 · Retrieved Oct 14, 2026. Dates on individual observations describe their source periods.
How interest exploration matching works →Data: O*NET® 31.0 Database, U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration. Used under CC BY 4.0. StudyIndex normalizes the presentation and adds exploration features; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed or tested these additions.