Search online for how-to videos to see how hard this work is to master--and whether it's something you think you'd like. Does seeing this kind of work in action make you more interested in trying it?

Watch tutorials on how to do this kind of work.

Safety is a top priority on mine sites. Explore training videos from the Mine Safety and Health Administration about a variety of safety topics.

Watch videos about mine safety.

Read an article outlining some of the most common types of mining equipment and why they're important.

Learn more about mining equipment.

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.

Realistic occupations frequently involve work activities that include practical, hands-on problems and solutions. They often deal with plants, animals, and real-world materials like wood, tools, and machinery. Many of the occupations require working outside, and do not involve a lot of paperwork or working closely with others.

Realistic

Second Interest High-Point

Conventional occupations frequently involve following set procedures and routines. These occupations can include working with data and details more than with ideas. Usually there is a clear line of authority to follow.

Conventional

Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.

Investigative

Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.

Social

Enterprising occupations frequently involve starting up and carrying out projects. These occupations can involve leading people and making many decisions. Sometimes they require risk taking and often deal with business.

Enterprising

Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.

Artistic

First Interest High-Point

Third Interest High-Point

Job Zone Two: Some Preparation Needed

Construction and Extraction Occupations

Extraction Workers

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.

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.

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

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

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

Signal workers to start geological material extraction or boring.

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

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Overview

Career

What Helpers--Extraction Workers Do

Other Job Titles Helpers--Extraction Workers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Helpers--Extraction Workers

Overview

Career

What Helpers--Extraction Workers Do

Other Job Titles Helpers--Extraction Workers May Have

Tasks & Responsibilities May Include

Education

Level of Education Attained by Helpers--Extraction Workers

Related Careers