Derrick Operator Job Description
The Derrick Operator rigs derrick equipment and operates pumps to circulate mud through drill hole.
The Tasks of the Derrick Operator:
- The Derrick Operator inspects derricks, or orders their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
- The Derrick Operator inspects derricks for flaws, and cleans and oils derricks in order to maintain proper working conditions.
- The Derrick Operator controls the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
- The Derrick Operator repairs pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
- The Derrick Operator sets and bolts crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
- The Derrick Operator listens to mud pumps and checks regularly for vibration and other problems, in order to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
- The Derrick Operator starts pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill-cuttings.
- The Derrick Operator positions and aligns derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
- The Derrick Operator supervises crew members, and provides assistance in training them.
- The Derrick Operator guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators.
The Derrick Operator must have knowledge of machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair, and maintenance. The Derrick Operator needs knowledge of arithmetic, algebra, geometry, calculus, statistics, and their applications. The Derrick Operator needs knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar. The Derrick Operator needs knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurements of training effects.
The Derrick Operator Skills and Abilities
- The Derrick Operator needs mechanical skills. This includes performing routine maintenance on equipment and determining when and what kind of maintenance is needed.
- The Derrick Operator needs active listening skills. This includes 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.
- The Derrick Operator needs the ability to repair machines or systems using the needed tools.
- The Derrick Operator needs the skill of operation and control. This includes controlling operations of equipment or systems.
- The Derrick Operator needs the skill of monitoring. This includes the ability to watch gauges, dials, or other indicators. They must also be able to determine causes of operating errors and deciding what to do about it.
- The Derrick Operator needs the ability to instruct others on how to perform their job functions.
- The Derrick Operator must determine the kind of tools and equipment needed to do a job.
- The Derrick Operator adjusts actions in relation to others’ actions.
- The Derrick Operator must have the ability to use critical thinking. This includes using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
- The Derrick Operator must have the ability to coordinate two or more limbs while sitting, standing, or lying down. It does not involve performing the activities while the whole body is in motion.
- The Derrick Operator must have the ability to quickly and repeatedly adjust the controls of a machine or a vehicle to exact positions.
- The Derrick Operator must have the ability to keep hand and arm steady while moving the arm or while holding the arm and hand in one position.
- The Derrick Operator must be able to quickly respond with the hand, finger or foot to signal with sound, light, or picture when it becomes necessary.
- The Derrick Operator needs the ability to bend, stretch, twist or reach with body, arms or legs on a continuous basis.
- The Derrick Operator needs the ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing there is a problem.
- The Derrick Operator must have the ability to exert maximum muscle force to lift, push, pull or carry objects in order to do their job functions.
- The Derrick Operator needs 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.