Exploration Geologist - Basin Analysis

Placements24; South Africa; Remote; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Retirement provisions

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Exploration Geologist with a Basin Analysis specialization to work on sedimentary basins and petroleum systems. The role is fully remote within South Africa, with the operational center in Polokwane, Limpopo, and requires deep geological interpretation and regional play fairway development.

Ideal candidates hold a Master's or PhD in Geology with 8+ years in exploration geology, and strong skills in Petrel and ArcGIS.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in Geology with focus on sedimentology and basin analysis.
• Minimum 8 years in exploration geology with basin analysis experience.
• Experience interpreting seismic, well logs, cores, and geochemistry.

Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive basin analysis covering tectonics, provenance, and depositional environments.
• Evaluate petroleum system elements within target basins.
• Integrate geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to delineate plays.
• Develop regional geological models and play fairway maps.
• Collaborate with geophysicists and reservoir engineers to assess prospectivity and risk.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and management recommendations.
• Contribute to bid round evaluations and new venture assessments.
• Mentor junior geologists in basin analysis techniques.
• Stay current with regional/global exploration trends.

Skills

Basin analysis

Petroleum systems evaluation

Remote collaboration

Geological interpretation

Analytical thinking

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geology

Tools

Petrel

ArcGIS

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a leading exploration and production company in the **oil and gas** sector, is seeking a highly motivated Exploration Geologist with a specialization in Basin Analysis. This is a fully **remote** position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within **South Africa**. The successful candidate will be responsible for in-depth studies of sedimentary basins to identify and evaluate petroleum systems and exploration plays. Your work will directly influence exploration strategy and capital allocation. You will leverage your deep understanding of geological processes and advanced analytical tools to uncover new opportunities. This role is critical for driving the company's exploration portfolio forward and requires a self-disciplined professional adept at remote collaboration. This role serves our operational center in **Polokwane, Limpopo**, though the work is entirely remote.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct comprehensive basin analysis, including tectonic setting, sediment provenance, and depositional environments.


• Evaluate petroleum systems elements (source rock, reservoir, seal, trap, timing) within target basins.


• Integrate and interpret geological, geophysical, and geochemical data to delineate exploration plays.


• Develop and utilize regional geological models and play fairway maps.


• Collaborate with exploration teams, including geophysicists and reservoir engineers, to assess prospectivity and risk.


• Prepare detailed technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for management.


• Contribute to bid round evaluations and new venture assessments.


• Stay current with regional and global exploration trends and geological concepts.


• Manage and organize large geological datasets for efficient analysis.


• Mentor junior geologists in basin analysis techniques.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology or a related Earth Science discipline with a focus on sedimentology and basin analysis.


• Minimum of 8 years of experience in exploration geology, with a significant portion dedicated to basin analysis and petroleum systems evaluation.


• Proven expertise in interpreting geological data from various sources (seismic, well logs, core, geochemistry).


• Proficiency with geological modeling and mapping software (e.g., Petrel, ArcGIS).


• Strong understanding of plate tectonics, sedimentary basin formation, and hydrocarbon accumulation processes.


• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.


• Strong written and verbal communication skills, capable of presenting complex findings clearly.


• Demonstrated ability to work independently and effectively manage time in a **remote** setting.


• Experience with **South African** geology or similar frontier basins is highly desirable.


• Must be eligible to work remotely within **South Africa**.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive salary, performance-driven bonuses, and a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance and retirement provisions. This **remote** role provides significant autonomy and work-life balance. Opportunities for continuous learning and engagement in challenging exploration projects are abundant. The company is committed to fostering innovation within the **oil and gas** industry, regardless of employee location.