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Select and attach drill bits and drill rods, adding more rods as hole depths increase, and changing drill bits as needed.
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Withdraw drill rods from holes, and extract core samples.
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Document geological formations encountered during work.
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Perform pumping tests to assess well performance.
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Assemble and position machines, augers, casing pipes, and other equipment, using hand and power tools.
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Verify depths and alignments of boring positions.
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Start, stop, and control drilling speed of machines and insertion of casings into holes.
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Drive or guide truck-mounted equipment into position, level and stabilize rigs, and extend telescoping derricks.
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Retrieve lost equipment from bore holes, using retrieval tools and equipment.
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Record drilling progress and geological data.
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Operate machines to flush earth cuttings or to blow dust from holes.
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Place and install screens, casings, pumps, and other well fixtures to develop wells.
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Operate controls to stabilize machines and to position and align drills.
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Disinfect, reconstruct, and redevelop contaminated wells and water pumping systems, and clean and disinfect new wells in preparation for use.
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Inspect core samples to determine nature of strata, or take samples to laboratories for analysis.
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Operate water-well drilling rigs and other equipment to drill, bore, and dig for water wells or for environmental assessment purposes.
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Create and lay out designs for drill and blast patterns.
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Drill or bore holes in rock for blasting, grouting, anchoring, or building foundations.
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Design well pumping systems.
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Drive trucks, tractors, or truck-mounted drills to and from work sites.
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Retract augers to force discharge dirt from holes.
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Fabricate well casings.
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Pour water into wells, or pump water or slush into wells to cool drill bits and to remove drillings.
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Select the appropriate drill for the job, using knowledge of rock or soil conditions.
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Signal crane operators to move equipment.
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Review client requirements and proposed locations for drilling operations to determine feasibility, and to determine cost estimates.
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Monitor drilling operations, by checking gauges and listening to equipment to assess drilling conditions and to determine the need to adjust drilling or alter equipment.
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Perform routine maintenance and upgrade work on machines and equipment, such as replacing parts, building up drill bits, and lubricating machinery.
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Regulate air pressure, rotary speed, and downward pressure, according to the type of rock or concrete being drilled.