How to Be Drilling Laborer - Job Description, Skills, and Interview Questions

Apr 21, 2023 / 5 Minutes Read / By Albert

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Drilling laborers are an essential part of the oil and gas industry, as the work they do is critical for the production of natural resources. The primary job of these workers is to operate and maintain drilling rigs, which use powerful machinery to drill deep into the earth. This drilling process is necessary to access oil and gas reserves, and it requires a high level of technical knowledge and skill.

As a result, successful drilling laborers must possess a combination of physical strength, mechanical aptitude, and safety awareness. Furthermore, they must be able to work long hours in all weather conditions, as well as handle hazardous materials safely. In return for their hard work and dedication, drilling laborers can expect to receive competitive wages and benefits.

Steps How to Become

Obtain a high school diploma or equivalent. Most employers prefer applicants with at least a high school education or equivalent.
Enroll in a vocational or trade school program to become certified in drilling operations. The program should include instruction in safety, drilling procedures, equipment maintenance and operations.
Gain some experience in the drilling industry by applying for entry-level positions with drilling companies. These jobs may include helping to move equipment and supplies, cleaning up drilling sites and assisting with other tasks as needed.
Submit your application for a drilling laborer position. You will be expected to have knowledge of safety protocols, basic mathematics, and be able to work long hours in extreme weather conditions.
Take a physical exam to prove you are physically fit for the job.
Follow the on-site safety protocols and procedures set forth by your employer. This may include wearing protective clothing, taking regular breaks and adhering to any other safety regulations in place.
Complete any additional training or certifications required by your employer. This may include attending safety seminars, learning how to operate specific machinery, or becoming certified as a crane operator.
Maintain your certifications and licenses and stay up-to-date on safety regulations and procedures in the industry.

Drilling laborers must stay updated and efficient in order to keep their projects progressing steadily. To do this, they should attend seminars and conferences related to their field, read trade publications to stay informed about the latest advances in drilling technology, and continuously work to improve their skills and knowledge. Additionally, they should use the most up-to-date tools and equipment, and stay on top of relevant safety regulations and procedures. By staying informed and efficient, drilling laborers can ensure that their projects move forward with minimal downtime, enabling them to meet their deadlines and ensure success.

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Job Description

Operate drilling machinery to bore holes in materials such as rock, earth, and concrete.
Monitor drill operations to ensure that drilling reaches the desired depth, angle, and location.
Set up and maintain drilling equipment, including securing components and connecting hoses and pipes.
Collect and analyze samples of soil, rock, and other material from drill sites.
Remove cuttings from the drill hole and transport them to designated disposal areas.
Prepare drilling sites by clearing away obstructions and preparing the surface for drilling.
Record measurements and other data from drill sites in logbooks or on computers.
Observe safety regulations and use protective equipment when operating machinery.
Troubleshoot problems with drilling machinery and make repairs or adjustments as necessary.
Assist with the installation of underground pipes and cables at drill sites.

Skills and Competencies to Have

Ability to operate and maintain drilling equipment
Knowledge of safety protocols and procedures
Ability to read and understand technical drawings
Ability to lift heavy objects
Excellent communication skills
Ability to work independently or in a team
Ability to troubleshoot and problem solve
Knowledge of basic math and measurement
Ability to work in extreme weather conditions
Ability to follow instructions precisely

Drilling laborers are responsible for a variety of tasks related to the drilling process, making them an essential part of any well-run drilling operation. The most important skill for a drilling laborer to possess is the ability to read and understand blueprints. This skill allows the drilling laborer to accurately measure and cut pipes and other materials needed for the job, as well as use the necessary tools to assemble and secure them.

Having a working knowledge of safety protocols is also essential in this role. A drilling laborer must be able to identify and assess any potential hazards associated with their work environment, as well as follow safety protocols and procedures to ensure the safety of themselves and their team. manual dexterity is key, as drilling laborers are often required to use hand tools and power tools on a daily basis.

Finally, the ability to think critically and plan ahead is important, as drilling laborers must be able to anticipate issues and problems before they arise in order to complete their tasks efficiently.

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Frequent Interview Questions

What experience do you have operating heavy machinery?
What safety protocols do you follow when working on a drilling site?
How would you respond to an emergency situation on a drilling site?
What challenges have you faced in the past while working on a drilling site?
Describe a time when you had to complete a difficult task while working on a drilling site.
How do you handle working in difficult weather conditions?
What techniques do you use to stay organized and productive on the job?
How do you ensure that tasks are completed in a timely manner?
Describe how you would collaborate with other workers on a drilling site.
How do you stay up to date with the latest safety regulations and procedures in the drilling industry?

Common Tools in Industry

Hammer. Used for pounding, driving and extracting nails, screws and other fasteners. (eg: Claw Hammer)
Drill. Used for making holes in wood, metal, and other materials. (eg: Electric Drill)
Wrench. Used for turning nuts and bolts. (eg: Socket Wrench)
Chisel. Used for cutting and shaping wood and stone. (eg: Wood Chisel)
Saw. Used for cutting wood and other materials. (eg: Handsaw)
Screwdriver. Used for turning screws. (eg: Phillips Screwdriver)
Level. Used to check surface levelness and plumbness. (eg: Laser Level)
Pliers. Used for gripping and manipulating objects. (eg: Needle Nose Pliers)
Shovel. Used for digging and scooping material. (eg: Round Point Shovel)
Tape Measure. Used for measuring distances. (eg: 25-foot Tape Measure)

Professional Organizations to Know

American Association of Drilling Engineers (AADE)
International Association of Drilling Contractors (IADC)
National Drilling Association (NDA)
Society of Petroleum Engineers (SPE)
American Petroleum Institute (API)
Offshore Technology Conference (OTC)
International Petroleum Industry Environmental Conservation Association (IPIECA)
International Well Control Forum (IWCF)
International Association of Oil and Gas Producers (OGP)
Society of Petroleum Evaluation Engineers (SPEE)

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Common Important Terms

Blowout Preventer (BOP). A device used to prevent an uncontrolled release of oil or gas from a well by controlling and containing the pressure in the well.
Wellhead. The equipment located at the surface of an oil or gas well, typically consisting of a casing head, tubing head and a machine that controls the flow of oil or gas.
Rig. A large vehicle or structure used in drilling and producing wells.
Casing. Steel pipes used to line a wellbore and keep it from collapsing.
Mud Logging. The process of collecting, processing and analyzing data from a drilling fluid to help interpret geological formations.
Drill String. A long, hollow, metal pipe used to hold the drill bit and transmit rotary motion and pressure from the surface to the bottom of the borehole.
Bit. The cutting tool used to bore into the ground when drilling for oil or gas.
Derrick. A large framework on a rig that supports the drill string and other equipment.

Frequently Asked Questions

What qualifications are necessary to be a Drilling Laborer?

Drilling Laborers typically need to have a high school diploma or equivalent, a valid drivers license, and physical strength and endurance. Some employers may also require a specialized certification or apprenticeship program.

What type of work environment do Drilling Laborers typically work in?

Drilling Laborers typically work in outdoor environments or on-site at oil and gas drilling rigs. They may also work in hazardous conditions and in extreme weather, depending on the job.

What are some of the duties of a Drilling Laborer?

Some of the duties of a Drilling Laborer include operating drilling machinery and equipment, assisting with pipe handling and installation, performing maintenance on drilling rigs, and providing general labor support.

What are the typical hours for a Drilling Laborer?

The hours of a Drilling Laborer can vary depending on the job and employer. Generally, they may work up to 12 hours a day and 7 days a week, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

What is the average salary for a Drilling Laborer?

The average salary for a Drilling Laborer is around $15 - $20 per hour. Salaries can vary depending on experience, geographical location, and employer.

Web Resources

Drilling - University of Texas at Austin petex.utexas.edu
Drilling and Completions - Petroleum & Geosystems Engineering www.pge.utexas.edu
Drilling into the Future - extension.psu.edu extension.psu.edu