According to people in this career, the main tasks are...
| Task | Importance |
|---|---|
| Inspect derricks, or order their inspection, prior to being raised or lowered. | 90% |
| Inspect derricks for flaws, and clean and oil derricks to maintain proper working conditions. | 90% |
| Control the viscosity and weight of the drilling fluid. | 90% |
| Repair pumps, mud tanks, and related equipment. | 87% |
| Set and bolt crown blocks to posts at tops of derricks. | 87% |
| Listen to mud pumps and check regularly for vibration and other problems to ensure that rig pumps and drilling mud systems are working properly. | 87% |
| Start pumps that circulate mud through drill pipes and boreholes to cool drill bits and flush out drill cuttings. | 84% |
| Position and align derrick elements, using harnesses and platform climbing devices. | 84% |
| Supervise crew members, and provide assistance in training them. | 83% |
| Guide lengths of pipe into and out of elevators. | 83% |
| Prepare mud reports, and instruct crews about the handling of any chemical additives. | 82% |
| Clamp holding fixtures on ends of hoisting cables. | 79% |
| Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud, using portable mixers. | 79% |
| String cables through pulleys and blocks. | 79% |
| Steady pipes during connection to or disconnection from drill or casing strings. | 75% |
