Guidance.help

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Helpers--Extraction Workers is the O*NET name for people who help extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers, blasters and explosives workers, derrick operators, and mining machine operators, by performing duties requiring less skill. Its interest code is RCI. Realistic leads at 7.0 out of 7, so expect hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, with Conventional next at 3.7. The preparation level is some preparation, typically a few months to a year of learning on the job. O*NET’s skill data points to monitoring, operations monitoring, and operation and control as the ones to build. One core duty is to observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems. If you want hands-on work with tools, machines or the physical world, keep it on your list. If you need creative work with room for original expression, it may feel thin.

What they do

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.

Main tasks

  • 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.

Skills

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

Who this career fits

May suit you if

  • You like ending the day with a physical result you can point to.
  • You like clear rules and getting the details right.
  • You want to start work after a short stretch of training.
  • You are comfortable relying on monitoring and operations monitoring.

May not suit you if

  • You would rather stay away from physical, hands-on tasks.
  • You need creative expression to be a big part of your day. Artistic rates 1.0 out of 7 here.
  • You want a career built on years of advanced study.

Interest profile

O*NET rates each occupation from 1 to 7 on six interest types. The code RCI takes the three highest, and Realistic comes first here.

Preparation

Some preparation. Most people start with a high school diploma, then learn from experienced coworkers over a few months to a year.

Most-reported requirement in the O*NET survey: High School Diploma or the equivalent (such as a GED). This reflects what workers reported most often and is not a legal minimum. Licensing rules can differ by state or industry, so confirm what applies where you plan to work.

Also called

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

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This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET® is a trademark of USDOL/ETA.