Lead Well Planning and Operations Geologist

Crescent Petroleum; Sharjah; On-site; AED 900,000 - 1,300,000; Full time

Job summary

Crescent Petroleum seeks a Lead Well Planning and Operations Geologist to oversee subsurface inputs for well design, trajectory optimisation, pore pressure and geomechanics modelling, and real-time operational support across exploration, appraisal, and development wells.

You will drive rigorous data QA/QC, design risk-mitigated trajectories in Petrel, develop PPFG models, and coordinate between subsurface, drilling and completions teams while mentoring junior staff.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geology, Geoscience, or related discipline (MSc/PhD preferred).
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience, preferably with an international operator, Middle East experience advantageous.
• Strong experience in well planning, PPFG modelling, and operational geology.

Responsibilities

• Lead systematic reviews of offset and analogue wells and perform rigorous QA/QC on subsurface and drilling datasets.
• Develop and manage Petrel-based geological models and design optimized well trajectories.
• Characterise pore pressure and geomechanics to establish safe mud weight windows and reduce risks.
• Deliver real-time geological steering during active drilling and produce End-of-Well Reports with root-cause analysis.
• Mentor junior staff and promote HSSE best practices within geological operations.

Skills

Well planning

PPFG modelling

Petrel

Geomechanics

Data QA/QC

Cross-functional collaboration

Education

MSc or PhD in Geology/Geoscience

BSc in Geology/Geoscience

Tools

Petrel

Job description

• Crescent Petroleum is seeking a Lead Well Planning and Operations Geologist to oversee delivery of all subsurface inputs for well design, trajectory optimisation, pore pressure and geomechanics modelling, and real time operational support across exploration, appraisal, and development wells. In this role, the successful candidate will drive high quality offset well reviews, ensure rigorous data QA/QC, design risk mitigated well trajectories in Petrel, develop robust PPFG models, and act as the key interface between subsurface, drilling, and completions teams. You will contribute to Statement of Requirements and Basis of Design documentation, manage subsurface service procurement, support operations to ensure timely communication of geological understandings, and champion lessons learned, risk management, and HSSE excellence while mentoring junior staff.

Key Responsibilities

Well Planning & Data Quality

• Lead a systematic review of offset and analogue wells.
• Execute rigorous QA/QC on all subsurface and drilling datasets, including logs, DDRs, EOWRs, pressure tests, and LWD/WL data.
• Analyse historical drilling events NPT to pinpoint geohazards and determine root causes.
• Transform lessons learned into actionable technical recommendations for future well programmes.
• Evaluate data gaps for structural reinterpretation, or strategic new data acquisition.

Trajectory Design

• Develop and Manage Petrel-based geological models to ensure high-fidelity operational deliverables.
• Design and optimise deviated and horizontal well trajectories to maximise reservoir exposure.
• Mitigate Risk by integrating structural, stratigraphic, and geo-mechanical uncertainties into comprehensive trajectory planning.
• Synchronise well designs with LWD/WL acquisition programmes, BHA/RSS capabilities, and completion requirements.
• Execute Anti-Collision Analysis and design architectures that adhere strictly to PPFG and geohazard constraints.

Pore Pressure & Geomechanics

• Develop and calibrate high-resolution pre-drill and dynamic real-time PPFG models.
• Characterise Pressure Compartments to establish optimized, safe mud weight windows and prevent wellbore instability.
• Mitigate Operational Risk by integrating historical drilling events including kicks, losses, and instability into comprehensive geohazard assessments.
• Execute Rigorous QA/QC on real-time pressure data, including LOT/FIT/XLOT results and direct formation pressure measurements.
• Optimise Well Architecture by providing PPFG-driven recommendations for casing seats, liner points, and section Total Depths (TDs).

Operational & Documentation Responsibilities

• Spearhead the development of the Statement of Requirements (SoR) and provide critical technical contributions to the Basis of Design (BoD)
• Define subsurface uncertainties and mitigation plans.
• Deliver High-Impact Operations Support, providing real-time geological steering and decision-making during active drilling phases.
• Deliver End-of-Well Reports (EOWR), incorporating comprehensive NPT root-cause analysis to drive continuous improvement.
• Oversee Service Procurement and QA/QC for essential subsurface operations, including LWD, Wireline, Mudlogging, and Coring services.
• Participate in DWOP and stage gate reviews; maintain lessons learned.
• Cultivate Talent by mentoring junior staff and fostering a proactive, industry-leading HSSE culture.

Advanced Mud Logging & Data Integration

• Reservoir Characterisation: Interpret complex gas ratios to evaluate fluid types, maturity, and reservoir connectivity.
• High-Resolution Analysis: Lead detailed cuttings descriptions and integrate XRD/XRF and isotope data to refine lithostratigraphic models.

HSSE Accountability

• Support the implementation of all applicable Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) policies and initiatives,
• Promote Crescent Petroleum’s Health, Safety, Security and Environment (HSSE) policies within geological operations activities. Adhere to regulatory authority requirements, environmental guidelines, and Company rules during the well preparation process and operational follow-up.

Teamwork & Communication:

• Collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and maintain effective communication with both internal team and external service providers,
• Foster and maintain strong working relationships with colleagues, contractors, and Crescent Petroleum’s management, while consistently demonstrating a high standard of professionalism and work ethics.

Qualifications

• Degree in Geology, Geoscience, or related discipline (MSc/PhD preferred).
• 15+ years of relevant industry experience, preferably with an international operator with exposure to fractured carbonate reservoirs; Middle East and Iraq experience an advantage.
• Strong experience in well planning, PPFG modelling, and operational geology.
• Proficiency in Petrel and geological operations workflows.
• Excellent analytical, communication, and cross disciplinary collaboration skills.