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Manufacturing & ProductionISCO 8113

Roughneck

A roughneck is a person who makes or breaks the connections as drill pipe is run into a borehole or pulled out of it. The roughneck assembles and dismantles the pipe and the drill bits, takes the core samples, and maintains and repairs the equipment on the drill floor.

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Rate 5 of the 12 essential skills of this occupation (European ESCO data). No account needed.

maintain drilling equipment

create solutions to problems

cooperate with colleagues

collect samples

assemble metal parts

About roughneck

Making and breaking connections is the defining task. A drill string is built from lengths of pipe joined end to end, and every trip in or out of the hole means handling each of them: positioning, threading, torquing up or breaking out, in sequence, with the pipe suspended and moving. It is heavy, repetitive and unforgiving work, and the pace is set by the rig rather than by the crew.

Speed of reaction is part of the job. The roughneck takes decisions in a short time and responds to events in a short time.

Equipment and teamwork complete the role. The roughneck maintains the oilfield machinery, works from mechanics, finds solutions to problems, connects the oil wellheads, takes samples, and works with the other members of the crew. Nothing on a drill floor is done alone: the connections, the trips and the handling all depend on several people doing their own part at the right moment.

European Skills Framework

Skills and knowledge areas required for this occupation based on European classification.

Essential (12)

mechanicsmechanicsTheoretical and practical applications of the science studying the action of displacements and forces on physical bodies to the development of machinery and mechanical devices.maintain drilling equipmentmaintain drilling equipmentMaintenance and repair of a variety of drilling equipment.create solutions to problemscreate solutions to problemsSolve problems which arise in planning, prioritising, organising, directing/facilitating action and evaluating performance. Use systematic processes of collecting, analysing, and synthesising informat...cooperate with colleaguescooperate with colleaguesCooperate with colleagues in order to ensure that operations run effectively.collect samplescollect samplesSet up and operate equipment to collect water, gas, oil or soil samples for testing.assemble metal partsassemble metal partsAlign and arrange steel and metal parts in order to assemble complete products; use the appropriate hand tools and gauges.maintain oil field machinerymaintain oil field machineryDisassemble, repair or replace oil field equipment such as steam engine components or boilers; use power tools and hand tools.ensure health and safety in manufacturingensure health and safety in manufacturingEnsure health and safety of personnel during manufacturing process.connect oil well headsconnect oil well headsPrepare oil wellheads for connection to oil stock tanks.guide drill pipesguide drill pipesGuide drill pipe in and out of elevators.make time-critical decisionsmake time-critical decisionsPursue optimal time-critical decision making within the organisation.react to events in time-critical environmentsreact to events in time-critical environmentsMonitor the situation around you and anticipate. Be ready to take quick and appropriate action in case of unexpected events.
Optional (5) — show
chemistrychemistryThe composition, structure, and properties of substances and the processes and transformations that they undergo; the uses of different chemicals and their interactions, production techniques, risk fa...monitor drilling fluidmonitor drilling fluidMonitor and maintain the drilling fluids, or "mud". Add different chemicals to the fluid to perform various function in well operations: keep the drill bit cool, provide hydrostatic pressure, etc.troubleshoottroubleshootIdentify operating problems, decide what to do about it and report accordingly.connect equipment to wellheadsconnect equipment to wellheadsInstall equipment. Connect equipment to wellheads.train employeestrain employeesLead and guide employees through a process in which they are taught the necessary skills for the perspective job. Organise activities aimed at introducing the work and systems or improving the perform...

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Frequently asked questions

What does a roughneck do?

Roughnecks make or break connections when the drill pipe is tripped in or out of the drilling hole. They assemble and disassemble pipes and drills, and collect core samples. They maintain and repair the equipment on the drilling floor.

What skills does a roughneck need?

A roughneck needs 12 essential skills, including mechanics, maintain drilling equipment, create solutions to problems, cooperate with colleagues, collect samples.

Will AI replace roughneck jobs?

The AI disruption score for roughneck is 11/100 (very low risk). Skills most exposed to automation: monitor drilling fluid, ensure health and safety in manufacturing, troubleshoot. Most resilient: cooperate with colleagues, maintain oil field machinery, maintain drilling equipment.

Quick Facts

SectorManufacturing & Production
ISCO GroupStationary plant and machine operators
Essential Skills12

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