Will “Highwall Drill Operator” be Replaced By Robots? 🤔

85% Chance of Automation

“Highwall Drill Operator” 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 “Highwall Drill Operator”

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

Related Technology & Tools

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

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