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Helpers--Extraction Workers

Help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Duties include supplying equipment or cleaning work area.

What you’d do

  • Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.
  • Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.
  • Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.
  • Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.
  • Organize materials to prepare for use.
  • Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.
  • Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.
  • Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.

Skills that matter

  • Monitoring
  • Operations Monitoring
  • Equipment Maintenance
  • Operation and Control
  • Repairing
  • Troubleshooting

How to get there

Little to some preparation: usually a high school diploma or GED, though some jobs do not need one

Also called

  • Driller Helper
  • Driller's Assistant
  • Miner Helper
  • Powderman
  • Continuous Miner Operator Helper
  • Longwall Machine Operator Helper

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