Driller

Overview

Assembles, positions and operates a drilling rig and related equipment to extract ore, liquids or gases from the earth. Registration or licensing may be required.

Skills

Most occupations in this unit group have a level of skill commensurate with the qualifications and experience outlined below. AQF Certificate II or III (ANZSCO Skill Level 4)

Tasks

• dismantling, moving and reassembling drilling rigs and accessory plant
• taking samples of ore, liquids and gases and packaging them
• performing minor maintenance and repairs, and lubricating and cleaning plant
• recording performance details and information obtained from wells, and keeping logs detailing operations
• operating surface and underground mining plant
• undertaking development work such as opening up new shafts, drives, air vents, rises and crib rooms
• positioning explosives in bore holes and priming explosives using detonators and explosive cartridges
• connecting wires, fuses and detonating cords to explosive cartridges and detonators, and detonating explosives
• monitoring operation of plant and ensuring safety of other workers on mining sites and during drilling operations
• operating auxiliary plant such as pumps to expel air, water and mud

Alternative Titles

• Drilling Plant Operator

Specialisations

• Directional Driller
• Exploration Driller
• Jumbo Operator
• Power Tong Operator
• Raise Drill Operator
• Rig Manager
• Rock Drill Operator
• Stope Miner
• Tool Pusher

Related Occupations

• Miner
• Shot Firer