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How a rotary drill operator (oil and gas) can use AI, task by task

O*NET 47-5012.00: Rotary Drill Operators, Oil and GasMedian pay $67,890/year (BLS, May 2025)21 tasksJob Zone 2: Some preparation

Set up or operate a variety of drills to remove underground oil and gas, or remove core samples for testing during oil and gas exploration.

Type your own title and every prompt on this page updates to match. Also called: Daylight Driller, Drill Operator, Driller, Motor Man, Oil Rig Driller, Oil Well Driller, Relief Driller, Rig Operator, Rotary Drill Operator, Rotary Driller.

Where AI fits in this job

AI-ready 7%AI-assist 6%Stays human 86%

Share of the job's tasks, weighted by how important and how frequent each task is (O*NET ratings). 1 AI-ready, 1 AI-assist and 19 human-led tasks out of 21. 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. Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.Write it up · Several times a day
  2. Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.Train & teach · Daily

AI can draft these 1

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

Maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.

Several times a day

AI writes the first draft from your notes; you check every fact.

Show prompt & steps

Give AI your rough notes, numbers or last version and it will turn them into a clean, well-structured first draft. You check every fact and figure before it goes anywhere.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature of strata penetrated, materials and tools used, services rendered, and time required.

Context: We use Microsoft Word.
Data: [surveillance, production, environment]
Format: [describe]

Draft entries. Use plain language and headings where they help, and mark anything you had to guess with [CHECK].

10-minute exercise: Data log

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you maintain records of footage drilled, location and nature.
Step 2Fill in [Data] and [Format] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check every fact, name and number against your source before it goes anywhere.

AI will happily make up numbers, names and dates. Every fact in the draft needs checking against your source.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Record operational or environmental data..

AI can help you prep these 1

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

Train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.

Daily

AI preps the materials; reading the room is you.

Show prompt & steps

AI preps the materials: lesson outlines, quizzes, examples, practice scenarios. Reading the room and coaching people is still you.

Ready-to-use prompt

I work as a rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to train crews, and introduce procedures to make drill work more safe and effective.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Method: [construction, pipe laying]
Crew: [level]

Plan a toolbox talk and supervised practice. Include timings, a realistic practice scenario from my work, and a short check for understanding with answers.

10-minute exercise: Crew training

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you train crews (today).
Step 2Fill in [Method] and [Crew] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Swap one AI example for a real story from your own work. Real stories are what people remember.

Check that every procedure in the material matches your workplace's actual standards.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Train construction or extraction personnel..

These stay human 19

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): Outdoors in all weather: every day · Face-to-face discussions: every day · Responsible for others' health and safety: very high responsibility · Impact of decisions: very important results

Observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.

Several times a day

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to observe pressure gauge and move throttles and levers to control the speed of rotary tables, and to regulate pressure of tools at bottoms of boreholes.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Rig: [rotary, well]
Operations: [speed, pressure, capping]

Summarize control steps and warning signs. 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 controls refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you observe pressure gauge.
Step 2Fill in [Rig] and [Operations] 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. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.8/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate drilling equipment..

Connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.

Several times a day

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to connect sections of drill pipe, using hand tools and powered wrenches and tongs.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Operation: [tripping pipe, casing]
Crew roles: [describe]

List steps, signals and pinch-point hazards. 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: Drill floor pipe handling

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you connect sections of drill pipe.
Step 2Fill in [Operation] and [Crew roles] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your rig's JSA and stop-work authority.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install drilling equipment..

Push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.

Several times a day

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to push levers and brake pedals to control gasoline, diesel, electric, or steam draw works that lower and raise drill pipes and casings in and out of wells.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Load: [weight, dimensions]
Equipment: [crane, hoist, rigging]

List pre-lift checks, signals, path and landing. 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 or hoist lift plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you push levers and brake pedals.
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the load chart for your radius and configuration.

Importance 4.7/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment..

Count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to count sections of drill rod to determine depths of boreholes.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Site: [describe]
What to measure: [areas, placements]

Make a measuring sheet and calculations. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Site measuring sheet

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you count sections of drill rod (today).
Step 2Fill in [Site] and [What to measure] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed.

Importance 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Measure work site dimensions..

Maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to maintain and adjust machinery to ensure proper performance.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
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 maintain and adjust machinery (today).
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 4.6/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain drilling equipment..

Direct rig crews in drilling and other activities, such as setting up rigs and completing or servicing wells.

Daily

Leading people runs on trust. AI can prep the paperwork around it.

Show prep prompt & steps

Where AI still helps: AI can prep the paperwork around leading: meeting agendas, feedback drafts, rotas, briefings and difficult-conversation rehearsals.

Prep prompt

I work as a rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to direct rig crews in drilling and other activities, such as setting up rigs and completing or servicing wells.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Crew: [describe]
Work: [tasks, problems]

Help me prepare: the key message in 2 sentences, what good looks like, how people might react and how I'll respond, and one thing I'll check next week.

10-minute exercise: Directing a construction crew

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you direct rig crews (today).
Step 2Fill in [Crew] and [Work] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Afterward, note one thing people responded to and one thing you'd change.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Direct construction or extraction personnel..

Start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to start and examine operation of slush pumps to ensure circulation and consistency of drilling fluid or mud in well.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Equipment: [pump, compressor, generator]
Material: [concrete, air, grout]

List checks and adjustments while running. 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: Pump or compressor tending

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you start and examine operation of slush pumps (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 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate pumps or compressors.. Also involves: Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation..

Monitor progress of drilling operations, and select and change drill bits according to the nature of strata, using hand tools.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to monitor progress of drilling operations, and select and change drill bits according to the nature of strata, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
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 monitor progress of drilling operations (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 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Monitor extraction operations.. Also involves: Select construction equipment.; Install equipment attachments or components..

Clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to clean and oil pulleys, blocks, and cables.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Facility: [pens, cages, grounds]
Animals or crops: [type]

Make a cleaning and disinfecting routine. 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: Pen and facility cleaning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you clean and oil pulleys, blocks and cables (today).
Step 2Fill in [Facility] and [Animals or crops] 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 4.4/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Clean equipment or facilities.. Also involves: Maintain drilling equipment..

Weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to weigh clay, and mix with water and chemicals to make drilling mud.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Material: [mortar, grout, refractory]
Job conditions: [temperature, area, application]

List mix proportions, water amount, working time and curing notes. 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: Mortar or grout mix

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you weigh clay (today).
Step 2Fill in [Material] and [Job 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.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

Importance 4.5/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Mix substances or compounds needed for work activities.. Also involves: Measure materials or objects for installation or assembly..

Repair or replace defective parts of machinery, such as rotary drill rigs, water trucks, air compressors, and pumps, using hand tools.

Monthly

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to repair or replace defective parts of machinery, such as rotary drill rigs, water trucks, air compressors, and pumps, using hand tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
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 or replace defective parts of machinery.
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 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Maintain drilling equipment..

Bolt together pump and engine parts, and connect tanks and flow lines.

Monthly

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to bolt together pump and engine parts, and connect tanks and flow lines.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Item: [vessel, sled, equipment]
Components: [list]

List assembly sequence and inspections. 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: Product or equipment assembly

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you bolt together pump and engine parts.
Step 2Fill in [Item] and [Components] 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: Assemble products or production equipment..

Line drilled holes with pipes, and install all necessary hardware, to prepare new wells.

Monthly

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to line drilled holes with pipes, and install all necessary hardware, to prepare new wells.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Pipe: [sewer, water, storm drain]
Specs: [diameter, grade, depth, bedding]

List trench prep, bedding, grade checks, joining and backfill. 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: Pipe laying plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you line drilled holes.
Step 2Fill in [Pipe] and [Specs] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check grade with the laser or level at every length.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Install plumbing or piping..

Remove core samples during drilling to determine the nature of the strata being drilled.

Monthly

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to remove core samples during drilling to determine the nature of the strata being drilled.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
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 remove core samples.
Step 2Fill in [Drilling] and [Samples] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Label every box with depth intervals immediately.

Importance 4.0/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Collect geological samples..

Cap wells with packers, or turn valves, to regulate outflow of oil from wells.

Monthly

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to cap wells with packers, or turn valves, to regulate outflow of oil from wells.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Rig: [rotary, well]
Operations: [speed, pressure, capping]

Summarize control steps and warning signs. 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 controls refresher

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you cap wells.
Step 2Fill in [Rig] and [Operations] 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. Confirm the rules against the current official source.

Rules and regulations vary by place and change often. Confirm against the official source before relying on anything.

Importance 4.1/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate drilling equipment..

Position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to position and prepare truck-mounted derricks at drilling areas specified on field maps.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Machine: [crane, excavator, drill]
Site hazards: [power lines, other equipment]

List positioning steps and clearances. 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 positioning

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you position and prepare truck-mounted derricks (this week).
Step 2Fill in [Machine] and [Site hazards] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check clearances from power lines with a spotter.

Importance 3.8/5 · O*NET work activity: Position construction or extraction equipment..

Locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools.

A few times a year

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to locate and recover lost or broken bits, casings, and drill pipes from wells, using special tools.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Load: [weight, dimensions]
Equipment: [crane, hoist, rigging]

List pre-lift checks, signals, path and landing. 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 or hoist lift plan

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you locate and recover lost or broken bits and casings.
Step 2Fill in [Load] and [Equipment] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Check the load chart for your radius and configuration.

Importance 4.3/5 · core task · O*NET work activity: Operate cranes, hoists, or other moving or lifting equipment..

Plug observation wells, and restore sites.

A few times a year

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to plug observation wells, and restore sites.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
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 plug observation wells.
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 4.1/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning..

Lower and explode charges in boreholes to start flow of oil from wells.

A few times a year

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to lower and explode charges in boreholes to start flow of oil from wells.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Job: [blasting, well, demolition]
Rules: [regulations, permit]

Summarize the regulated steps as study notes. 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: Explosives procedure review

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you lower explode charges.
Step 2Fill in [Job] and [Rules] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Follow your licence, permit and blaster-in-charge only.

Importance 3.7/5 · O*NET work activity: Prepare explosives for detonation.. Also involves: Prepare excavation or extraction sites for commissioning or decommissioning.; Position construction or extraction equipment.; Operate detonation equipment..

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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: Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Critical Thinkingimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment
  • Operation and Controlimportance 3.6/5
    Used in: Controlling Machines and Processes
  • Monitoringimportance 3.5/5
    Used in: Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates

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.

  • Writingimportance 3.0/5
    Used in: Documenting/Recording Information
  • Instructingimportance 3.4/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Speakingimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others
  • Coordinationimportance 3.2/5
    Used in: Training and Teaching Others

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.

New tasks appearing in this job

O*NET has started tracking 1 new or updated task here: 0 AI-ready, 0 AI-assist, 1 stays human. They have no worker ratings yet, so they aren't counted in the bar above.

Inspect safety equipment, such as harnesses, belts, and lifelines, before use.

New in O*NET

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 rotary drill operator (oil and gas). Part of my job is to inspect safety equipment, such as harnesses, belts, and lifelines, before use.

Context: The work draws on mechanical, mathematics and personnel and human resources.
Equipment: [paver, excavator, pile driver]
Manual checks: [from operator manual]

Make a pre-op checklist and defect report. Group it by area, say what 'good' and 'bad' look like for each item, and add a short template for writing up what I find.

10-minute exercise: Equipment pre-operation check

Step 1Pick a real example: the next time you inspect safety equipment.
Step 2Fill in [Equipment] and [Manual checks] with the real details, then run the prompt.
Step 3Take it with you next time, tick it alongside your usual routine, and add anything it missed. Check it against the manufacturer's manual and your site procedure before you rely on it.

Safety-critical: AI output is a starting point. Follow your site's procedures and the manufacturer's guidance.

New O*NET task (08/2026). O*NET hasn't linked it to work activities yet, so its label comes from similar tasks, such as “Maintain and perform safety inspections on equipment and tools.” (Service Unit Operators, Oil and Gas), and was checked by hand. O*NET work activity: Inspect equipment or tools to be used in construction or excavation.. Also involves: Inspect locomotives or other railroad equipment.; Inspect equipment or facilities to determine condition or maintenance needs..

Getting into this job

Less than high school is most common (31% of workers)

  • High school or less 60%
  • Certificate or some college 31%
  • Bachelor's 9%
  • On-the-job training: 6–12 months
  • Related experience: 2–4 years

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.

Microsoft ExcelMicrosoft Office softwareMicrosoft WordPythonSalesforce softwareSAP software