Will “Test Driller” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

85% Chance of Automation

“Test Driller” will probably be replaced by robots.

This job is ranked #488 out of #702. A higher ranking (i.e., a lower number) means the job is less likely to be replaced.

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Job Description

Operate a variety of drills such as rotary, churn, and pneumatic to tap sub-surface water and salt deposits, to remove core samples during mineral exploration or soil testing, and to facilitate the use of explosives in mining or construction. May use explosives. Includes horizontal and earth boring machine operators.

Job Details

The SOC (Standard Occupational Classification) code is 47-5021.00
The Mean Annual Wage in the U.S. is $ 51,240.00
The Mean Hourly Wage is $ 24.00
Currently, there are 18,500 people on this job

☝️ Information based on the reference occupation “Earth Drillers, Except Oil and Gas”.

Also Known As…

Tasks for “Test Driller”

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

Related Technology & Tools

Portable air compressors
Water logging tools
Mud guns
Work trucks
Field forklifts
Alternating current AC generators
Drill pipe tongs
Tablet computers
Adjustable combination wrenches
Desanders
Pipe retrieval fishing tools
Rotary drilling tools
Grout pumps
Downhole well testing equipment
Downhole hammers
Marsh funnels
Lube guns
Shale shakers
Backhoe-equipped tractors
Mud pumping equipment
Water test kits
Trenchers
Earth drilling machines
Mud rotary drills
Cable tool drills
Precision levels
Mud mixers
Core drill rigs
Digital video cameras
Laptop computers
Submerged arc welding tools
Water monitoring samplers
Personal computers
Water sampling bailers
Water level meters
Truck-mounted water pumps
Mud balances
Air rotary drills
Drilling collars
Truck mounted cranes
Handheld remote thermometers
Power augers
Bobcats
Global positioning system GPS receivers
Chain slings

Microsoft Office
Microsoft Word
Microsoft Excel
Data entry software
Global positioning system GPS software