Derrick Operators, Oil and Gas: Career & Application Guide

What do derrick operators, oil and gas do?

Rig derrick equipment and operate pumps to circulate mud or fluid through drill hole.

This describes a U.S. occupation, not a live vacancy. Individual employers may use different titles and requirements.

O*NET reports these titles for this occupation. Compare the responsibilities in each posting before treating titles as equivalent.

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.
Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment.
Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings.

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