Rock Splitters

Career summary

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Rock splitters inspect large masses of rock in rock quarries. They determine the pattern of the grain, because this pattern shows how the rock will split when cut. Splitters measure rocks and use chalk lines to outline the shape of the rock to be cut. They chisel grooves into the outline. Rock splitters use sledgehammers to drive wedges and shims into the grooves. Sometimes they use jackhammers to drill holes into the rocks.

Once they have removed large pieces of stone, rock splitters may do additional work on them. They may smooth the edges or cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.

Related careers

This career is part of the Architecture and Construction cluster of careers.

Related careers include:

• Construction Helpers
• Explosives Workers
• General Construction Workers
• Roof Bolters
• Roustabouts

Job duties

Task list

The following list of tasks is specific to rock splitters.

• Cut slabs of stone into sheets that will be used for floors or counters.
• Set charges of explosives to split rock.
• Locate grain line patterns to determine how rocks will split when cut.
• Drive wedges and shims into stones, using sledgehammers.
• Drill holes along outlines, using jackhammers.
• Measure rocks and draw chalk outlines of where to cut.
• Cut grooves along chalk outlines, using chisels.
• Remove pieces of stone from larger masses, using a variety of tools.

Common work activities

Rock splitters perform the following tasks. These tasks are common to many careers.

• Handle and move objects
• Perform activities that use the whole body
• Control machines and processes
• Inspect equipment, structures, or materials
• Operate vehicles or mechanized equipment
• Monitor events, materials, and surroundings
• Communicate with supervisors, peers, or subordinates
• Repair and maintain mechanical equipment
• Judge the value of objects, services, or people
• Get information needed to do the job

Work requirements

Working conditions

In a typical work setting, rock splitters:

Interpersonal relationships

• Are responsible for the health and safety of coworkers.
• Have a low level of social contact. Rock splitters often work alone.
• May work as part of a team.

Physical work conditions

• Always work outdoors.
• Are often exposed to contaminants such as rock dust.
• Often wear protective attire, such as hardhats, gloves, and work boots.
• Are often exposed to sounds and noise levels that are distracting and uncomfortable.
• Are exposed to whole body vibrations when operating jackhammers.
• Sometimes travel to work places in an open vehicle.
• Sometimes must work in high places.
• May be exposed to very hot or cold temperatures while working outdoors.
• Are occasionally exposed to hazardous situations that may result in cuts or minor burns.
• Are sometimes exposed to hazardous conditions and equipment. There is some possibility of moderate injury from this exposure.
• Are sometimes exposed to extremely bright or dim lighting conditions.

Work performance

• Must be exact in their work and be sure all details are done. Errors could result in serious injuries to themselves or coworkers.
• Must match their pace to the speed of the equipment they are using.
• Sometimes make decisions without consulting a supervisor first.

Hours/travel

• Usually work full time.
• May not work in the winter in colder climates.

Physical demands

Rock splitters frequently:

• Stand for long periods of time.
• Use their hands to handle, control, or feel objects, tools, or controls.
• Bend or twist their body.
• Repeat the same movements.

It is important for rock splitters to be able to:

• Hold the arm and hand in one position or hold the hand steady while moving the arm.
• Move two or more limbs together (for example, two arms, two legs, or one leg and one arm) while remaining in place.
• Make quick, precise adjustments to machine controls.
• Use muscles to lift, push, pull, or carry heavy objects.
• Use stomach and lower back muscles to support the body for long periods without getting tired.
• See details of objects that are less than a few feet away.
• Use one or two hands to grasp, move, or assemble objects.
• Be physically active for long periods without getting tired or out of breath.
• Bend, stretch, twist, or reach out.
• Use muscles for extended periods without getting tired.
• Use fingers to grasp, move, or assemble very small objects.

It is not as important, but still necessary, for rock splitters to be able to:

• Adjust body movements or equipment controls to keep pace with speed changes of moving objects.
• React quickly using hands, fingers, or feet.
• See differences between colors, shades, and brightness.
• Determine the distance between objects.
• Understand the speech of another person.
• Speak clearly so listeners can understand.
• Choose quickly and correctly among various movements when responding to different signals.
• Coordinate movement of several parts of the body, such as arms and legs, while the body is moving.
• Keep or regain the body's balance or stay upright when in an unstable position.
• Move arms and legs quickly.
• See details of objects that are more than a few feet away.
• Hear sounds and recognize the difference between them.
• Focus on one source of sound and ignore others.
• Make fast, repeated movements of fingers, hands, and wrists.

Skills and abilities

Rock splitters need to:

Communicate

• Understand spoken information.
• Listen to others and ask questions.

Reason and problem solve

• Notice when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong.

Work with things

• Operate and control equipment.
• Watch gauges, dials, and output to make sure a machine is working properly.

Perceive and visualize

• Imagine how something will look if it is moved around or its parts are rearranged.

Education and training

Educational programs

The programs of study listed below will help you prepare for the occupation or career cluster you are exploring.

Programs of study to consider

• Construction Trades
• Heavy Equipment Operations
• Mining Technology

Training

To work as a rock splitter, you typically need to:

• complete short-term, on-the-job training.

Education after high school

Rock splitter jobs tend to be entry-level jobs that require little or no previous work experience. However, many employers prefer that you have a high school diploma or equivalent.

On-the-job training

Rock splitters usually receive training on the job from an experienced worker. During training, you learn to inspect rock and use hand and power tools. The length of training depends on the type of rock you work on. Training may last up to one month.

Helpful high school courses

You should take a general high school curriculum that meets the state's graduation requirements. You will be required to take both math and science classes to graduate. You should consider taking Algebra and Geometry as your math courses and Physics as one of your science courses.

Helpful electives to take in high school that prepare you for this career include:

• Geology
• Physical Education
• Safety and First Aid

The courses listed above are meant to help you create your high school plan. If you have not already done so, talk to a school counselor or parent about the courses you are considering taking.

You should also check with a teacher or counselor to see if work-based learning opportunities are available in your school and community. These might include field trips, job shadowing, internships, and actual work experience. The goal of these activities is to help you connect your school experiences with real-life work.

Join some groups, try some hobbies, or volunteer with an organization that interests you. By participating in activities you can have fun, make new friends, and learn about yourself. Maybe one of them will help direct you to a future career. Here are examples of activities and groups that may be available in your high school or community.

Things to know

Most employers require rock splitters to have a high school diploma or equivalent. They look for applicants who are physically able to do the job.

Job listings

Listed below are links to job categories from the National Labor Exchange that relate to this career. Once you get a list of jobs, you can view information about individual jobs and find out how to apply. If your job search finds too many openings, or if you wish to search for jobs outside of Washington, you will need to refine your search.

• Rock Splitters, Quarry 

To get a listing of current jobs from the WorkSource system, go to the WorkSource website .

Wages

Wages vary by employer and area of the country. The worker's level of experience and responsibility also affect wages.

Rock splitters who work full time usually receive benefits. Typical benefits include sick leave, paid vacation, and health insurance.

Employment and outlook

Washington outlook

The table below provides information about the number of workers in this career in various regions. It also provides information about the expected growth rate and future job openings.

National employment

Major employers:

• Sand, gravel, and stone mining companies
• Cement and concrete product manufacturers

National outlook

Demand for this occupation is growing about as fast as average due to the demand for quarried rocks and minerals used in construction and landscaping. However, it is a very small occupation and very few jobs will be created. 

Some job openings will occur as rock splitters leave this occupation.

Other resources

References

Career cluster

• Architecture and Construction

Career path

• Realistic (Technical)

O*Net  occupation

• Rock Splitters, Quarry (47-5051.00) 

O*Net job zone 

• Job Zone 1 - Little or no preparation needed. No previous work-related skill, knowledge, or experience is needed for these occupations.

DOT occupation

• Quarry Plug-and-feather Driller (930.684-022) 

Holland occupational cluster

• Realistic/Conventional/Investigative

COPSystem

• Technology Skilled