Helpers--Extraction Workers
Driller Helper,
Driller's Assistant,
Miner Helper,
Powderman
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. Apprentice workers are classified with the appropriate skilled construction trade occupation (47-2011 through 47-2231).
- DemandHigh
- state Avg. Salary $$$$$$44,180Download Career Flyer
What do they typically do on the job?
- 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.
Personality
Interests
Career interests describe the perspectives and interests of people who enjoy the type of work involved in this career.
Discover what your interests are by taking the Interest Profiler Quiz

Abilities
Whether you have received formal training or not, these types of abilities are helpful in this career.
Hand and Finger Use
Hold or move items with your hands
Keep your arm or hand steady
Controlled Movement
Quickly change the controls of a machine, car, truck or boat
Use your arms and/or legs together while sitting, standing, or lying down
Endurance
Exercise for a long time without getting out of breath
Spatial
Imagine how something will look after it is moved around or changed

Skills
People who want to pursue this career have skills in these areas.
Basic Skills
Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem
Problem Solving
Noticing a problem and figuring out the best way to solve it
Does this sound like something you'd like to do?
1. Do some research
- Identify how your interests, values, and strengths match this occupation
- Talk to someone who works in this field or spend a day job shadowing
- Use the colleges and training directory to explore programs related to this career
2. Plan your next move
- Talk to your college and career counselor or school admissions staff
- Visit Idaho Launch
- Search for available Helpers--Extraction Workers jobs on Idaho Works
Data for NSI career cards comes from the following: Idaho Department of Labor, US Bureau of Labor Statistics, O*NET, MyNextMove, and Career OneStop