Chief Geologist - Energy Resource Exploration

Placements24; Sandton; On-site; ZAR 2,500,000 - 5,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive-level compensation

Medical, life, and disability保险

Retirement plan

Strategic influence and advancement

Opportunities for international travel

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Chief Geologist to lead exploration initiatives and resource assessment for energy projects in Sandton, Gauteng. You will manage a team of geologists, guiding prospect evaluation from discovery to resource definition and development planning.

The ideal candidate has 15+ years in exploration geology, a relevant advanced degree, and proven leadership. You will apply Petrel/Leapfrog/Move, ensure regulatory compliance, and report to senior management.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology or related field.
• Minimum 15 years of progressive exploration geology experience in energy resources.
• Proven track record of discovering or defining energy resources.
• Extensive experience with geological modeling software and exploration databases.
• Strong leadership, communication, and regulatory awareness.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all geological exploration activities for new energy resource projects.
• Oversee prospect identification, screening, and evaluation using integrated data.
• Develop and implement exploration programs including seismic surveys and drilling.
• Interpret geological data to define and characterize energy resources.
• Manage geological modeling and resource estimation processes.
• Lead and mentor a team of geologists and geoscientists.
• Ensure compliance with company standards and regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with engineers and geophysicists to integrate insights.
• Prepare technical reports and recommendations for senior management.

Skills

Leadership

Analytical thinking

Communication

Problem-solving

Interpersonal skills

Education

Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field

Tools

Petrel

Leapfrog

Move

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leader in energy resource development, is seeking an accomplished Chief Geologist to lead exploration initiatives and resource assessment activities from their strategic location in Sandton, Gauteng . This senior leadership role will oversee all geological aspects of new energy projects, from initial prospect identification and evaluation through to resource definition and development planning. You will manage a team of geologists and geoscientists, applying advanced geological principles and cutting-edge exploration technologies to uncover and quantify significant energy reserves. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience in exploration geology, a strong understanding of subsurface characterization, and proven leadership capabilities in the energy sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and manage all geological exploration activities for new energy resource projects.
• Oversee prospect identification, screening, and evaluation using integrated geological, geophysical, and geochemical data.
• Develop and implement detailed exploration programs, including seismic surveys, drilling campaigns, and field mapping.
• Interpret complex geological data to define and characterize energy resources (e.g., hydrocarbons, critical minerals for energy storage, geothermal potential).
• Manage geological modeling and resource estimation processes using industry-standard software.
• Lead and mentor a team of exploration geologists and geoscientists, fostering a culture of technical excellence.
• Ensure geological work complies with company standards, best practices, and relevant regulatory requirements.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and other technical disciplines to integrate geological insights.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for senior management and investment committees.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a related field.
• Minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in exploration geology, with a significant focus on energy resources.
• Proven track record of successfully discovering or defining significant energy resources.
• Extensive experience with geological modeling software (e.g., Petrel, Leapfrog, Move) and exploration databases.
• Strong understanding of structural geology, sedimentology, stratigraphy, and geophysics.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Exceptional communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills.
• Familiarity with South African geological contexts and regulatory frameworks is advantageous.

Benefits

• Executive-level compensation package, including substantial base salary and performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive medical, life, and disability insurance, along with a top-tier retirement plan.
• Significant opportunities for strategic influence and career advancement.
• Lead high-impact exploration projects in the dynamic energy sector from Sandton .
• Work with state-of-the-art exploration technologies and data analysis tools.
• Supportive and collaborative work environment focused on innovation.
• Potential for international travel and exposure to global energy markets.