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Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas

SOC 47-5011.00Job Zone 2 · Some Preparationv.26.05

Context coveredThis framework covers the inspection, maintenance, fluid control, repair, and safe operation of oil and gas derrick systems, from entry-level rig-floor tasks through organization-wide leadership of drilling operations.

Sources:O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.SkillsCrosswalkSkillsCrosswalk — O*NET enrichment + adjacency index. Opens in new tab.
Emerging
Entry / Apprentice
  1. Derrick inspection basics — recognize visible flaws and surface defects under direct supervisor guidance before a derrick is raised on a drilling site.
  2. Cleaning and oiling procedures — follow step-by-step protocols to clean and lubricate derrick components under close supervision on an active rig.
  3. Crown block installation — assist in positioning and bolting crown blocks to derrick posts under the direction of an experienced operator.
  4. Mud pump start-up — initiate pumps that circulate drilling mud through drill pipes following a written checklist on a supervised job site.
  5. Drilling fluid properties — identify basic viscosity and weight readings on mud samples using hand-held instruments under trainer oversight.
  6. Rig pump monitoring — listen to mud pumps at regular intervals and report unusual sounds or vibrations to a senior operator on shift.
  7. Harness and climbing device use — don and adjust personal fall-arrest harnesses and platform climbing devices following safety protocols before ascending the derrick.
  8. Basic hand tool use — select and apply wrenches, hammers, and other hand tools to minor pump and tank fittings under direct instruction on the rig floor.
  9. Safety hazard recognition — identify common rig-site hazards such as slick surfaces, overhead loads, and pressurized lines when completing entry-level inspection rounds.
  10. Equipment log entry — record inspection findings, fluid readings, and pump status in paper or electronic logs using word processing or spreadsheet software under supervision.
Developing
Mid-level / Established
  1. Pre-raise derrick inspection — conduct full visual and mechanical inspections of derrick structures before raising or lowering operations with minimal supervisor prompting.
  2. Drilling fluid control — adjust viscosity and weight of drilling mud by adding materials and rechecking measurements to maintain target specifications during active drilling.
  3. Pump and mud tank repair — diagnose and repair common faults in mud pumps and tank fittings, restoring normal operation with reduced oversight on a producing well site.
  4. Crown block alignment — independently position and bolt crown blocks to derrick posts, verifying plumb and load ratings before drilling operations resume.
  5. Mud circulation troubleshooting — identify loss-of-circulation events or pressure anomalies by cross-referencing pump gauges and pit volume readings during a drilling shift.
  6. Derrick lubrication schedule — plan and carry out routine cleaning and oiling tasks on a recurring maintenance schedule to keep the derrick in safe working condition.
  7. Harness and climbing device operation — position and align derrick elements at height using climbing devices and safety harnesses, adapting to weather or platform conditions.
  8. Rig pump vibration analysis — evaluate pump vibration patterns against normal baselines and initiate corrective action before equipment damage occurs.
  9. Verbal status reporting — communicate shift findings, fluid readings, and equipment status clearly to drillers and crew members during handover meetings on site.
  10. Maintenance record management — update spreadsheet-based maintenance logs and generate routine inspection reports using company software after each completed task.
Proficient
Senior / Expert IC
  1. Full derrick inspection program — autonomously inspect all structural elements, connections, and load-bearing components of a derrick, ordering specialist inspections when deficiencies exceed field-repair scope.
  2. Advanced fluid engineering — continuously optimize drilling fluid viscosity, weight, and chemical additives to address changing formation pressures and protect drill bit performance.
  3. Complex pump system repair — diagnose and rebuild multi-stage pump assemblies, replace worn liners and seals, and return full mud-circulation systems to service without external assistance.
  4. Non-routine crown block operations — manage crown block rigging and bolt-up on irregular or damaged derrick posts, applying engineering judgment to load distribution and structural integrity.
  5. Integrated systems monitoring — simultaneously track pump pressures, pit volumes, mud properties, and derrick structural data to detect and resolve compounding rig problems during high-pressure drilling intervals.
  6. Derrick erection and teardown coordination — direct the full sequence of raising or lowering a derrick, verifying each mechanical and safety checkpoint across the entire operation.
  7. High-altitude element positioning — lead precise alignment of derrick components at crown level in adverse wind or weather conditions, applying depth perception and arm-hand steadiness skills to critical fits.
  8. Root-cause problem solving — apply systematic troubleshooting to recurring mud system or pump failures, tracing faults to root causes and implementing permanent corrective measures.
  9. Quality control verification — apply structured quality-control analysis to inspect welds, bolted joints, and fluid system integrity against API and company standards on completed rig assemblies.
  10. Crew technical guidance — explain inspection methods, fluid control procedures, and repair techniques to newer operators during on-the-job training sessions on a working rig.
Advanced
Lead / Principal / Executive
  1. Derrick inspection program oversight — establish and enforce site-wide derrick inspection standards and ordering criteria, ensuring regulatory compliance across multiple rigs or a full drilling program.
  2. Drilling fluid strategy — develop mud-program specifications for new wells based on formation data, well design, and cost targets, directing the derrick and mud-engineering team throughout execution.
  3. Maintenance system design — design preventive-maintenance schedules and repair-priority frameworks for all pump, tank, and derrick equipment across a rig fleet, reducing unplanned downtime.
  4. Capital equipment decisions — evaluate derrick condition assessments and repair-versus-replace trade-offs, making final recommendations to operations management on major equipment investments.
  5. Workforce development — design and deliver structured training curricula covering inspection, fluid control, and derrick operations for apprentice and mid-level derrick operators across the organization.
  6. Incident investigation leadership — lead root-cause investigations of rig equipment failures or near-miss events, producing formal reports with corrective actions presented to senior management.
  7. Cross-functional hazard management — coordinate with drillers, safety officers, and well engineers to integrate derrick and mud-system risk controls into the overall well-operations risk framework.
  8. Performance metrics and reporting — define key performance indicators for derrick and mud-system reliability, analyze trend data using spreadsheet tools, and report findings to operations leadership.
  9. Regulatory and standards representation — represent the organization in discussions with regulatory bodies and industry working groups on derrick safety standards and equipment certification requirements.
  10. Organizational culture of safety — model and champion cautiousness, integrity, and attention to detail as cultural norms, influencing derrick crew behavior and decision-making at every level of the operation.

AI-at-Work Competency Framework

Sources:Anthropic Economic IndexAnthropic Economic Index — release_2026_03_24. Opens in new tab.Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Authoritative source data identified for 998 occupations

How a worker at each mastery level uses, directs, and evaluates AI tools in this occupation. Each statement cites its evidence inline; click a citation chip to verify the source.

Emerging
  1. AI-assisted anomaly alerts — monitors AI-generated drilling parameter dashboards (pressure, flow rate, mud weight) to flag deviations from normal ranges, while relying on experienced crew for final interpretation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
Developing
  1. Sensor data triage — feeds real-time derrick sensor outputs into an AI monitoring tool to prioritize which equipment readings require immediate physical inspection, then conducts the hands-on check personally Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Drilling fluid control support — uses AI-recommended viscosity and weight adjustments as a starting reference, then applies operational judgment to confirm or override the suggestion based on observed well conditions Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Proficient
  1. Predictive maintenance scheduling — directs an AI system to analyze pump cycle data and vibration logs, translating its fault-probability outputs into concrete repair work orders for mud tanks and related equipment Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Inspection report generation — dictates derrick inspection findings to an AI transcription and summarization tool, then reviews and certifies the structured output before it enters the safety record WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Operational decision escalation — evaluates AI-flagged drilling anomalies against site-specific context (formation type, rig history, crew capacity) and decides independently whether to halt operations or adjust parameters Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Advanced
  1. AI integration oversight — evaluates the fitness of AI monitoring platforms for derrick operations, identifying where automation feasibility is meaningful (routine sensor trending) versus where physical presence and craft knowledge remain irreplaceable Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab. WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  2. Cross-system data orchestration — coordinates AI tools that ingest simultaneous feeds from crown block load sensors, mud pit levels, and pump pressure gauges, synthesizing their outputs into a unified operational picture communicated clearly to the drill crew WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab..
  3. Crew AI-readiness coaching — trains less experienced operators to interact with AI monitoring interfaces correctly, correcting over-reliance on automated alerts and reinforcing the critical-thinking practices needed when AI outputs conflict with field observation Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab..
Evidence pack
SAFI positioning
Top skill: Operations Monitoring
Score: 62.1 / 100
precision: category_estimate
WEF cluster
Technology Use, Monitoring and Control
technology_use_monitoring_control
Sources:Jadhav & Danve, 2026Skill Automation Feasibility Index — Jadhav & Danve, 2026 (arXiv:2604.06906). Opens in new tab.WEF Skills TaxonomyWEF Skills Taxonomy 2021 — Building a Common Language for Skills at Work. Opens in new tab.

Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework

Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Subscriber feature

Ten durable-skill domains mapped to four proficiency/role levels for each occupation. Each statement is aligned to the Pathsmith taxonomy, derived from trusted grounding data and mapped to occupation-specific O*NET tasks and skills.

1Communication8 statements
Emerging
  1. Rig status reporting — relays basic derrick inspection findings to supervisor using standard field terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crew radio communication — transmits pump startup and shutdown signals to floor crew using established call-and-response protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Mud system briefing — communicates viscosity and weight readings to drillers during shift handoff with clear numerical specificity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Maintenance documentation — records pump repair actions and equipment faults in rig logs using accurate mechanical terminology Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Abnormality escalation — reports vibration anomalies and mud pump irregularities to toolpushers with precise timing, location, and severity details Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-crew coordination — conveys crown block positioning requirements to derrick crew members during raised-structure operations using height and alignment cues Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crew safety briefing — leads pre-tour derrick inspection debriefs, synthesizing structural findings and operational risks into actionable crew guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Incident documentation leadership — authors detailed after-action reports for equipment failures, translating technical observations into clear corrective narratives for management review Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
2Leadership8 statements
Emerging
  1. Task ownership — takes personal responsibility for completing assigned derrick cleaning and oiling duties without prompting from supervisors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Peer alerting — notifies adjacent crew members of identified derrick flaws or unsafe equipment states before work proceeds Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Inspection initiative — orders or initiates derrick inspections independently when operational conditions change, without waiting for supervisory direction Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Junior guidance — demonstrates proper harness fitting and platform climbing device use to new derrick hands during hands-on field orientation Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Shift accountability — takes ownership of rig pump and mud system performance across full tour, directing corrective action when monitoring reveals deviations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crown block rigging leadership — directs positioning and alignment of derrick elements, assigning specific roles to crew members during critical overhead work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Derrick operations mentorship — develops less-experienced operators in full derrick inspection and mud system management, building crew technical depth across multiple tours Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Safety culture stewardship — establishes and reinforces inspection and maintenance standards at the crew level, modeling accountability that influences rig-wide operational culture Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
3Metacognition8 statements
Emerging
  1. Skill gap recognition — identifies personal knowledge limits in mud weight calculation and seeks clarification from driller before adjusting drilling fluid Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Task sequencing awareness — reflects on the correct order of inspection steps before ascending derrick structure to reduce error risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Error pattern tracking — notices recurring pump vibration issues and connects them to specific operational conditions to inform future monitoring focus Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Learning transfer — applies mechanical repair techniques learned on mud tanks to troubleshoot similar pump components without step-by-step guidance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Decision review — evaluates own viscosity adjustment decisions against drill performance outcomes to refine future fluid management judgment Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Monitoring strategy calibration — adjusts personal inspection frequency and focus based on derrick age, weather exposure, and recent fault history Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Expertise modeling — articulates the reasoning behind complex mud system diagnostics decisions to trainees, making implicit technical knowledge explicit and transferable Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Continuous improvement planning — self-assesses technical performance across tours and sets specific skill development targets aligned with emerging drilling technologies Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
4Critical Thinking8 statements
Emerging
  1. Flaw identification — distinguishes visual signs of derrick structural compromise from normal wear during routine inspection walks Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Reading interpretation — applies mud weight specification charts to determine whether current drilling fluid falls within acceptable operational range Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Pump diagnostics — evaluates listen-and-check data from mud pumps to differentiate minor vibration from indicators of impending mechanical failure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fluid analysis — assesses viscosity and density test results against borehole depth and formation data to determine required fluid adjustments Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Root cause analysis — traces drill bit overheating or inefficient cuttings removal back to specific pump circulation failures or fluid composition errors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Inspection prioritization — evaluates multiple concurrent derrick condition indicators and ranks repair urgency based on structural risk and operational continuity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Systems-level evaluation — integrates mud system performance data, pump mechanical condition, and borehole feedback to form comprehensive drilling fluid management recommendations Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Failure prediction modeling — applies pattern recognition from historical derrick and pump fault data to anticipate equipment failure before observable symptoms emerge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
5Collaboration8 statements
Emerging
  1. Floor crew coordination — responds to floor crew signals during pipe handling operations and adjusts derrick-level actions to maintain synchronized workflow Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Shared inspection effort — participates in crew-wide derrick inspection tasks, completing assigned sections reliably so collective assessment is comprehensive Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Multi-role mud system teamwork — coordinates with mud engineers and drillers to align fluid viscosity adjustments with active drilling parameters Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Maintenance collaboration — works alongside mechanics to repair pumps and mud tanks, sharing diagnostic observations and dividing repair tasks efficiently Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Crown block rigging teamwork — executes coordinated positioning of derrick elements with crew members, maintaining real-time communication to ensure precise alignment and safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Shift transition handoff — partners with incoming derrick operator to transfer complete system status, outstanding issues, and pending maintenance tasks with no informational gaps Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Cross-discipline integration — bridges communication between derrick operations, drilling engineering, and maintenance teams to resolve complex rig system issues requiring multi-department input Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Team performance elevation — identifies and addresses collaboration breakdowns within derrick crew workflows, facilitating corrective conversations that restore operational cohesion Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
6Character8 statements
Emerging
  1. Inspection honesty — reports all observed derrick flaws accurately and completely, including minor defects, without minimizing findings to avoid additional work Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Equipment stewardship — maintains derrick cleanliness and lubrication on schedule, treating rig assets with consistent care regardless of supervisory presence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Safety compliance consistency — follows all harness and climbing device protocols during every derrick ascent, without deviation based on time pressure or routine familiarity Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Accountability in repair — acknowledges when a completed pump repair does not meet operational performance standards and initiates rework without being directed Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Ethical hazard reporting — escalates identified structural derrick risks through proper channels even when doing so creates operational delays or production pressure conflicts Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Professional reliability — completes mud system monitoring duties at required intervals throughout full shift, maintaining quality of attention regardless of tour length or fatigue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Integrity under pressure — maintains accurate equipment condition reporting and refuses to defer legitimate safety concerns when facing schedule pressure from supervisors or contractors Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Role model conduct — consistently demonstrates accountability, precision, and safety discipline at a standard that establishes behavioral norms for the derrick crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
7Creativity8 statements
Emerging
  1. Field improvisation — identifies a workable temporary fix for a minor pump leak using available rig materials when standard replacement parts are not immediately accessible Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Inspection angle variation — experiments with different vantage points and lighting approaches to detect derrick flaws not visible from standard inspection positions Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Maintenance sequencing innovation — reorganizes the order of pump and mud tank repair steps to reduce downtime while maintaining full safety and quality standards Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fluid management adaptation — develops a modified viscosity adjustment approach when standard drilling fluid behaves unexpectedly in a new formation type Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Problem-solving under constraint — engineers a workable crown block alignment solution when standard positioning equipment is partially unavailable, using available rigging in a non-standard configuration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Monitoring system refinement — proposes an improved personal checklist for mud pump vibration monitoring that captures early-warning indicators missed by standard inspection protocols Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Operational process innovation — designs and pilots an improved derrick inspection sequence that reduces inspection time while increasing fault-detection reliability across crew Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-system creative integration — develops a novel approach to coordinating mud circulation timing with drill pipe operations that improves borehole cooling efficiency beyond standard practice Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
8Growth Mindset8 statements
Emerging
  1. Feedback receptivity — accepts driller correction on mud weight adjustment technique and applies the specific guidance on the next fluid control iteration Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. New equipment openness — engages with unfamiliar pump model documentation and asks clarifying questions rather than defaulting to assumptions based on prior equipment experience Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Skill expansion effort — voluntarily practices crown block bolt-setting technique during slower operational periods to build precision beyond current performance level Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Setback recovery — returns to full inspection rigor after a missed flaw incident, treating the error as diagnostic data rather than a reason to reduce future effort Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Technical learning pursuit — seeks out manufacturer specifications and field engineering guidance to deepen understanding of drilling fluid chemistry beyond task-level knowledge Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Cross-training engagement — actively works to understand floor crew and driller responsibilities so derrick-level decisions better support overall rig performance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Mastery orientation — systematically pursues advanced mechanical and fluid systems knowledge, treating each new drilling environment as an opportunity to expand operational expertise Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Mentorship-driven growth — uses teaching interactions with junior operators as a mechanism to identify and address gaps in own procedural understanding Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
9Mindfulness8 statements
Emerging
  1. Auditory attention — maintains focused listening to mud pump sounds during monitoring intervals, filtering ambient rig noise to detect subtle vibration changes Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Pre-climb check habit — pauses before each derrick ascent to consciously verify harness fit and climbing device attachment before committing to the climb Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Sustained monitoring attention — maintains consistent pump and system check frequency across long shifts without attention degrading due to repetition or fatigue Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Stress-aware decision-making — recognizes when time pressure from drilling operations is affecting inspection thoroughness and consciously slows personal pace to maintain standard Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. Height-environment composure — maintains deliberate, controlled movement and focused attention while positioning derrick elements at elevation, preventing reactive errors from exposure-related stress Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Fluid system presence — monitors mud circulation with sustained, undivided attention during critical drilling phases where fluid parameter drift carries high consequence Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Crew attention culture — models and reinforces a mindful approach to derrick inspection and pump monitoring across the crew, normalizing deliberate attention as a safety standard Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Emotion regulation under emergency — maintains composed, methodical action during derrick structural alerts or pump system failures, preventing panic-driven decisions that escalate risk Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
10Fortitude8 statements
Emerging
  1. Physical persistence — completes full derrick inspection duties in adverse weather conditions, maintaining thoroughness despite physical discomfort from height and temperature exposure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Uncertainty tolerance — continues systematic pump monitoring during ambiguous equipment behavior without abandoning process while diagnostic clarity is pending Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Developing
  1. Extended operation endurance — sustains full derrick maintenance and monitoring performance across 12-hour tours without reduction in inspection quality or safety compliance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Repair persistence — continues troubleshooting a resistant pump or mud tank repair through multiple failed fix attempts without abandoning the task or cutting corners Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Applying
  1. High-elevation composure — executes crown block positioning and bolt-setting tasks at the top of derrick structures with steady concentration despite height, isolation, and physical exposure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
  2. Crisis stability — maintains structured diagnostic and corrective response during unexpected mud system failures, sustaining performance under simultaneous operational and time pressure Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab. O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
Exceeding
  1. Resilience modeling — demonstrates sustained high performance through extended drilling campaigns with equipment challenges and harsh conditions, setting a crew standard for perseverance Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
  2. Courageous hazard intervention — halts unsafe derrick operations and stands firm on the decision despite production pressure, accepting personal consequence to protect crew safety Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.
Sources:Pathsmith Durable SkillsPathsmith Durable Skills Framework — America Succeeds + CompTIA. Opens in new tab.O*NET v30.2O*NET Resource Center — Occupational Information Network, v30.2 (Sept 2025). Opens in new tab.
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O*NET enrichment · skillscrosswalk.com

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Source anchors that ground each statement

Related titles
Derrick Hand · Derrick Man · Derrick Operator · Derrick Worker · Driller · Drilling Motorman · Floor Hand · Fracturing Derrick Operator · Gas Derrick Operator · Oil Derrick Operator · Rotary Derrick Operator · Well Service Derrick Worker
RAPIDS apprenticeships
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O*NET skills
Operations MonitoringOperation and ControlCritical ThinkingRepairingSpeakingMonitoringQuality Control AnalysisActive ListeningComplex Problem SolvingTroubleshootingJudgment and Decision MakingEquipment MaintenanceCoordinationManagement of Personnel Resources
Knowledge domains
MechanicalMathematicsEnglish LanguageEducation and Training
Abilities
Multilimb CoordinationControl PrecisionArm-Hand SteadinessManual DexterityReaction TimeProblem SensitivityExtent FlexibilityStatic StrengthDepth PerceptionHearing Sensitivity
Work styles
CautiousnessDependabilityAttention to DetailStress TolerancePerseveranceIntegrity
Technology
Spreadsheet softwareElectronic mail softwareWord processing software
Tasks · seed anchors for statements
  1. Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered.
  2. Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions.
  3. Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid.
  4. Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
  5. Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks.
  6. Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly.
  7. Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings.
  8. Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices.
CIP education codes
46.0504

Sources: O*NET v30.2 (CC BY 4.0), SkillsCrosswalk.com, LER.me, Anthropic Economic Index, SAFI (Jadhav & Danve, 2026), WEF Skills Taxonomy 2021, Pathsmith Durable Skills Framework. © 2026 EBSCOed.