Senior Petroleum Geologist - Basin Analysis & Prospectivity Mapping

Placements24; Southampton; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Pension fund

Performance-based incentives

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Petroleum Geologist to lead basin analysis and generate high‑quality prospectivity maps from Randburg, Gauteng. You will apply petroleum systems knowledge, seismic interpretation and geological modeling to de‑risk hydrocarbon plays and shape exploration strategy.

With 10+ years in petroleum exploration geology and hands‑on experience in 2D/3D seismic interpretation, you will mentor junior geologists and collaborate with cross‑functional teams to deliver

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geology or Petroleum Geology.
• 10+ years of petroleum exploration geology experience with emphasis on basin analysis and prospect generation.
• Strong interpretation of complex geological settings and petroleum systems.
• Hands-on seismic interpretation experience with Petrel and Kingdom Suite.
• Knowledge of sequence stratigraphy, sedimentology and structural geology.
• Ability to integrate diverse geological and geophysical data.
• Excellent analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills.
• Strong communication, presentation and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead regional and play-based basin analyses integrating seismic, well and outcrop data.
• Develop and refine prospectivity maps and rank exploration opportunities.
• Evaluate petroleum systems including source rock potential and migration pathways.
• Interpret 2D/3D seismic data for structural and stratigraphic insights.
• Build regional and prospect-scale geological models using specialized software.
• Assess geological risks and uncertainties in exploration prospects.
• Collaborate with geophysicists, reservoir engineers and management on strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive geological reports and technical recommendations.
• Mentor junior geologists and contribute to team development.
• Stay updated on regional geology and exploration trends.

Skills

Petroleum geology

Seismic interpretation

Sequence stratigraphy

Sedimentology

Structural geology

Data integration

Communication

Presentation/reporting

Education

MSc or PhD in Geology or Petroleum Geology

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent energy exploration company, is seeking an experienced Senior Petroleum Geologist to join their high-performing team in **Randburg, Gauteng**. This role is crucial for leading extensive basin analysis studies, generating detailed prospectivity maps, and contributing significantly to the company's exploration strategy. The successful candidate will possess a strong understanding of petroleum systems, structural geology, and sedimentology, applying this knowledge to identify and de-risk potential hydrocarbon plays. Operating from our **Randburg** hub, you will be integral to driving exploration success within **South Africa** and potentially beyond, working within a collaborative and innovative environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed regional and play-based basin analysis, integrating seismic, well, and outcrop data.
• Develop and refine prospectivity maps, identifying and ranking exploration opportunities.
• Evaluate petroleum systems, including source rock potential, migration pathways, and reservoir presence.
• Perform detailed structural and stratigraphic interpretation of 2D/3D seismic datasets.
• Utilize geological modeling software to build regional and prospect-scale models.
• Assess geological risks and uncertainties associated with exploration prospects.
• Collaborate with geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and management to define exploration strategies.
• Prepare comprehensive geological reports, presentations, and technical recommendations.
• Mentor junior geologists and contribute to the team's technical development.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of regional geology and exploration trends.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geology or Petroleum Geology.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in petroleum exploration geology, with a strong emphasis on basin analysis and prospect generation.
• Proven expertise in interpreting complex geological settings and understanding petroleum systems.
• Extensive hands-on experience with seismic interpretation software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite).
• Solid understanding of sequence stratigraphy, sedimentology, and structural geology.
• Demonstrated ability to integrate diverse geological and geophysical data.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Strong communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Experience working in **South Africa** or similar geological provinces is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, comprehensive medical aid, pension fund, and performance-based incentives. We provide excellent opportunities for professional development, training, and career advancement within a growing organization. This role is based in **Randburg, Gauteng**, a prime business district offering a dynamic work environment.