Tool pusher

Summary Of Occupation
Toolpushers supervise the operation of offshore oil rigs and mining drills on land rigs. They
manage the personnel that work on the rig and report to the head of operations regarding the
work that is undertaken on the rig. They co-ordinate the various departments on a drilling rig
and ensure that the work undertaken on the rig meets appointed deadlines. They may coordinate human resources, organise the delivery of tools, fuel and other resources to the drilling
site, resolve work-based problems or disputes, make recommendation about improving
productivity, oversee general safety and administer payroll.
Knowledge Skills and Attributes
A toolpusher needs:

good health and physical fitness, with the ability to pass a medical examination
to be able to work as part of a team
leadership skills
organisational skills
the ability to handle machinery
a clean police record and the ability to pass a drug and alcohol clearance
to be 18 years of age or older

Working Conditions
Toolpushers work in the offices that supervise the operation of drilling rigs. Although they are
required to have practical and technical knowledge about the operation of drilling rigs they
mostly undertake administrative work in an office environment.

Effective: 22 November 2010

Uncontrolled when printed
Occupation Profile - Tool pusher
http://www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au/Occupations/Pages/

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Salary Details
Drillers, miners and shot-firers, which includes toolpushers, can expect to earn between $1377
and $1641* per week, depending on their level of experience and the organisation they work
for.
*ABS Census (2006)
Tools and Technologies
Toolpushers need to be familiar with all the equipment required in drilling operations, including
the drills and their various components. However, as toolpusher is a mostly administrative role
they also need to be familiar with office equipment such as phones, faxes and computers.

Effective: 22 November 2010

Uncontrolled when printed
Occupation Profile - Tool pusher
http://www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au/Occupations/Pages/

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Education and Training Entrance Requirements

As an administrative role in the oil and gas industry, the most appropriate pathway for
becoming a toolpusher is by entering the industry as a lower-level mining technician and
working your way up into the role.
However, to enter the industry as a driller's assistant you may undertake a Certificate II in
Drilling - Mineral Exploration, which is available from Central Institute of Technology
(Leederville campus). The course offers the practical skills required to set up, move and
operate drilling rigs and related equipment safely, and usually takes one semester (six months)
to complete.
Once you have gained entry into the industry you may wish to complete the Certificate IV in
Drilling - Water Well, which reflects the role of mining employees such as senior drillers. It is
available only to eligible job seekers or existing employees, and is offered by Combined Team
Services.
A traineeship is also available in Drilling (Mineral Exploration). As a trainee, you enter into a
formal training contract with an employer. You spend most of your time working and learning
practical skills on the job and you spend some time undertaking structured training with a
registered training provider of your choice. They will assess your skills and when you are
competent in all areas, you will be awarded a nationally recognised qualification. Visit the
ApprentiCentre to find out more. The traineeship usually takes six months to complete.
If you are still at school You can access a traineeship through your school. You generally start
your school based traineeship by attending school three days a week, spending one day at a
registered training organisation and one day at work.
Talk to your schools VET Coordinator to start your training now through VET in Schools.
If you get a full-time traineeship you can apply to leave school before reaching the school
leaving age.
If you are no longer at school you can apply for a traineeship and get paid while you learn and
work.

Effective: 22 November 2010

Uncontrolled when printed
Occupation Profile - Tool pusher
http://www.careercentre.dtwd.wa.gov.au/Occupations/Pages/

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