Exploration Geologist - South Africa O&G Focus

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 1,600,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Annual performance bonus

Medical aid

Retirement fund

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking an experienced Exploration Geologist for a Durban-based client. The role focuses on identifying hydrocarbon prospectivity across basins, interpreting seismic data, integrating well information, and building geological models to guide exploration campaigns.

This on-site position requires collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of geoscientists and engineers. Ideal candidates have 7+ years in oil and gas exploration, strong seismic interpretation skills, and a proven

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences with relevant postgrad study.
• 7+ years of experience in exploration geology in oil and gas.
• Proficient in seismic interpretation and well data integration.
• Experience with geological modeling and data synthesis.
• Strong communication and collaboration abilities.

Responsibilities

• Interpret seismic, well log, and core data to map reservoirs.
• Develop geological models and play fairway maps.
• Evaluate prospectivity and estimate resource volumes.
• Integrate seismic attributes with structural interpretations.
• Plan exploration wells with drilling engineers and provide support.
• Participate in regional geological studies and basin analysis.
• Prepare detailed geological reports and prospect evaluations.
• Contribute to exploration strategies and bid rounds.
• Maintain geological databases and ensure data quality.
• Mentor junior geologists and promote learning.

Skills

Seismic interpretation

Well log analysis

Petrophysics

Geological modeling

Data integration

Communication skills

Sequence stratigraphy

Sedimentology

Structural geology

Education

Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences

Master's degree preferred

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a significant player in the exploration and production sector, is seeking an experienced Exploration Geologist to join their dedicated team based in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal . This crucial role will focus on identifying and evaluating new hydrocarbon prospectivity across various basins, leveraging cutting-edge geological and geophysical technologies. The successful candidate will be responsible for interpreting seismic data, integrating well information, and building robust geological models to support exploration campaigns. This is an on-site position, requiring full dedication to the office environment in Durban , fostering close collaboration with a multidisciplinary team of geoscientists and engineers. The role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future exploration strategy of a growing energy company in a vibrant coastal city.

Key Responsibilities

• Interpret seismic, well log, and core data to identify and map potential hydrocarbon reservoirs.
• Develop and refine geological models and play fairway maps.
• Evaluate exploration prospectivity and estimate potential resource volumes.
• Collaborate with geophysicists to integrate seismic attributes and structural interpretations.
• Work closely with drilling engineers to plan exploration wells and provide real-time geological support.
• Participate in regional geological studies and basin analysis.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, presentations, and prospect evaluations for management and joint venture partners.
• Contribute to the development of exploration strategies and bid rounds.
• Maintain geological databases and ensure data quality.
• Mentor junior geologists and foster a culture of continuous learning.

Requirements

• Bachelor's degree in Geology or Earth Sciences; Master's degree preferred.
• Minimum of 7 years of experience in exploration geology within the oil and gas industry.
• Proficiency in seismic interpretation software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite).
• Strong understanding of sequence stratigraphy, sedimentology, and structural geology.
• Experience with well log analysis and petrophysics.
• Proven ability to integrate diverse geological and geophysical datasets.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative, team-oriented environment in Durban.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.
• Experience with frontier basins or unconventional plays is a plus.

Benefits

Our client offers a competitive remuneration package, including a substantial base salary, annual performance bonus, comprehensive medical aid, and a generous retirement fund. Professional development opportunities, including training courses and conference attendance, are actively supported. The role provides the chance to work on exciting exploration projects and contribute significantly to the company's growth. Enjoy the vibrant lifestyle and beautiful coastal environment of Durban while building a rewarding career in the energy sector. This position is based full-time at our offices in KwaZulu-Natal.