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How a helpers--extraction worker can use AI, task by task

O*NET 47-5081.00: Helpers--Extraction WorkersMedian pay $47,730/year (BLS, May 2025)14 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

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.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Continuous Miner Operator Helper, Driller Helper, Driller's Assistant, Longwall Machine Operator Helper, Miner Helper, Powderman, Salt Miner.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 0%AI-assist 10%Stays human 90%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 0 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist and 13 human-led tasks out of 14. This measures where AI can help, not whether the job will disappear.

Information & paperwork
Thinking & planning
People & communication
Leading & teaching
Hands-on & physical

Shape of the job: importance of each kind of work activity (O*NET, 1 to 5).

🗓 Start here on Monday

The most frequent, most important tasks where AI can help right away.

  1. Organize materials to prepare for use.Look into it · Daily

💪 Lean into these

Core tasks that stay human. These skills get more valuable as the routine work gets automated.

  1. Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.Watch & inspect · Daily
  2. Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.Hands-on work · Daily
  3. Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.Hands-on work · Daily

Skills to build & where you could move ↓

AI can draft these 0

AI produces a usable first pass. You review it, fix it and own it.

None of this job's tasks are here.

AI can help you prep these 1

AI speeds up the prep, drafting or thinking. The core of the task is still yours.

Organize materials to prepare for use.

Daily

AI gets you up to speed; confirm findings with records or people.

Show prompt & steps

AI can get you up to speed fast and suggest where to look, but you need to confirm findings against real sources, records or people.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to organize materials to prepare for use.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Job: [framing, tile, finishes]
Requirements: [specs, budget, look]

Recommend materials and quantities. Give sources I can check and say clearly when you're unsure.

10-minute exercise: Construction materials selection

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you organize materials (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Open two of the sources it gives and confirm the key claim before you use it.

AI can invent sources and citations. Open every link and confirm it says what the AI claims.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Select construction materials..

These stay human 13

They need your hands, your presence or your accountable judgment. Lean into them: they get more valuable as routine work is automated.

📏 Measured in this job (O*NET work context): Around hazardous equipment: every day · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Outdoors in all weather: every day · Using hands on tools and objects: more than half the time

Observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.

Daily

Needs your eyes on site. AI can build the checklist and the report.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can build your inspection checklists, explain standards and turn your notes and photos into clean reports.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to observe and monitor equipment operation during the extraction process to detect any problems.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Operation: [rig, pump, drill type]
Normal readings: [pressures, rates, sounds]

List warning signs, likely causes, first actions, and when to stop operations. Add a shift log.

10-minute exercise: Drilling and extraction watch list

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe and monitor equipment operation (today).
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Normal readings] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Compare the stop rules with your site's safety procedures.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor extraction operations..

Unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to unload materials, devices, and machine parts, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Materials: [tools, building materials]
Site: [locations]

Plan unloading and distribution. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Material distribution

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you unload materials and devices (today).
Step 2Fill in [Materials] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Load or unload materials used in construction or extraction..

Clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to clean up work areas and remove debris after extraction activities are complete.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Job: [carpentry, installation]
Waste: [offcuts, packaging]

Make an end-of-day clean-up checklist. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Job site clean-up

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean up work areas (today).
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Waste] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean work sites..

Drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to drive moving equipment to transport materials and parts to excavation sites.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Load: [machine, material]
Truck and trailer: [describe]

List loading, securing and route checks. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Hauling equipment

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you drive moving equipment (today).
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Truck and trailer] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check height and weight limits on the route.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Drive trucks or truck-mounted equipment..

Provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to provide assistance to extraction craft workers, such as earth drillers and derrick operators.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Crew work: [trade, task]
My role: [helper]

List what to prepare and anticipate. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Helper prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you provide assistance (today).
Step 2Fill in [Crew work] and [My role] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 4.3/5 · O*NET work activity: Assist skilled construction or extraction personnel..

Load materials into well holes or into equipment, using hand tools.

Daily

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to load materials into well holes or into equipment, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Equipment: [paver, sander]
Material: [asphalt, sandpaper]

List loading steps and safety. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Equipment loading

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you load materials (today).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Material] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Load materials into construction equipment..

Repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Equipment: [pumps, tanks, rig machinery]
Tasks: [describe]

List maintenance steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Drilling equipment upkeep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you repair and maintain automotive and drilling equipment (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Tasks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain drilling equipment..

Set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to set up and adjust equipment used to excavate geological materials.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Machine: [continuous miner]
Conditions: [face, ventilation]

List checks and operating steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Mining machine routine

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you set up (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Machine] and [Conditions] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.9/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate mining equipment..

Clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to clean and prepare sites for excavation or boring.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Site: [well, excavation]
Requirements: [regulations]

List closure steps and records. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Site closure or prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and prepare sites (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [Requirements] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning.. Also involves: Clean work sites..

Signal workers to start geological material extraction or boring.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to signal workers to start geological material extraction or boring.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Equipment: [crane, hoist, truck]
Task: [lift, pour]

Summarize standard signals and safety rules. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Crane signal refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you signal workers (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Task] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Signal equipment operators to indicate proper equipment positioning..

Collect and examine geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to collect and examine geological matter, using hand tools and testing devices.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Drilling: [type, depth]
Samples: [cores]

List extraction, labelling and storage steps. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Core sample handling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you collect and examine geological matter (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Drilling] and [Samples] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Label every box with depth intervals immediately.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Collect geological samples..

Dismantle extracting and boring equipment used for excavation, using hand tools.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to dismantle extracting and boring equipment used for excavation, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Equipment or structure: [sound rig, forms, staging]
Crew and time: [describe]

List strike order, packing, and safety points. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Load-out and strike plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you dismantle extracting and boring equipment used (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Equipment or structure] and [Crew and time] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Brief the crew on the order before anyone starts unplugging or unbolting.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Dismantle equipment or temporary structures.. Also involves: Maintain drilling equipment..

Dig trenches.

Weekly

Physical, in-person work. AI helps with checklists and write-ups.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI helps around the job: decoding manuals and instructions, pre-job checklists, calculations and writing up what you did afterward.

Prep prompt

I work as a helpers--extraction worker. Part of my job is to dig trenches.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, transportation and mathematics.
Hole or trench: [purpose, size]
Site: [soil, utilities]

Make a pre-dig checklist including utility locates and shoring. Include the tools, materials and safety steps, the measurements or settings to double-check, and a 3-line template for logging the job. Flag anything to confirm in the manufacturer's manual.

10-minute exercise: Digging prep

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you dig trenches (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Hole or trench] and [Site] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site rules, and add the steps only experience teaches.

Importance 3.4/5 · O*NET work activity: Dig holes or trenches..

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Your next moves

Skills to build

From O*NET's ratings of how important each skill is in this job, matched to which part of the work it supports.

Stays human Deepen these

They power the human-led work, which is the part of the job AI can't take over.

  • Operations Monitoringimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.1/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Monitoringimportance 3.8/5
    Used in: Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings
  • Operation and Controlimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment

With AI Use these to work with AI

When AI does the first draft, these are the skills you use to brief it and check what comes back.

  • Judgment and Decision Makingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Active Learningimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems
  • Complex Problem Solvingimportance 2.9/5
    Used in: Making Decisions and Solving Problems

Where you could move

Related jobs from O*NET with the closest skill profile, favouring ones where more of the work stays human. No step down in preparation.

Getting into this job

High school diploma is most common (97% of workers)

  • High school or less 97%
  • Certificate or some college 2%
  • Associate's 2%
  • On-the-job training: 1–3 months
  • Related experience: none

What workers in this job report, from O*NET surveys (typical values).

Software in this job

In-demand tools from O*NET. Many now have AI built in, so check what yours can do before adding a new tool.

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