Geophysical Survey Manager

Placements24; Richards Bay; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary and benefits

Annual performance bonus

Professional development opportunities

Retirement fund and life insurance

Relocation assistance to Richards Bay

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a seasoned Geophysical Survey Manager to lead offshore and onshore geophysical exploration efforts in Richards Bay, South Africa. You will plan, execute, and interpret complex surveys, coordinating with geology, reservoir engineering, and drilling teams to optimize hydrocarbon discovery.

You will manage budgets, vendor relationships, and quality control while implementing advanced technologies and ensuring regulatory compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics, Geology, or related Earth Science.
• 10+ years of geophysical exploration experience, with Oil & Gas exposure.
• Extensive seismic data acquisition, processing and interpretation (2D/3D).
• Experience with Petrel, OpendTect, and Kingdom Suite.
• Proven leadership of multidisciplinary survey teams.
• Strong communication and reporting skills.
• Willingness to travel and based in Richards Bay or willing to relocate.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee all geophysical survey project phases (seismic, magnetic, gravity).
• Manage data acquisition and ensure quality control.
• Interpret and process geophysical data to identify subsurface structures and hydrocarbon accumulations.
• Lead contractors and vendors, ensuring performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Prepare detailed reports, maps, and presentations for stakeholders.
• Collaborate with geologists and drilling teams to integrate findings for exploration and development.
• Ensure compliance with environmental, health, and safety standards.
• Stay updated on advancements in geophysical technologies.

Skills

Seismic data analysis

Geophysical interpretation

Team leadership

Stakeholder communication

Analytical thinking

Report writing

Problem solving

Willing to travel

Education

Master's or PhD in Geophysics or related Earth Science

Tools

Petrel

OpendTect

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent entity within the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a seasoned Geophysical Survey Manager to spearhead their offshore and onshore geophysical exploration initiatives. This dynamic role involves planning, executing, and analyzing complex geophysical surveys to identify and evaluate potential hydrocarbon reserves. Based in the strategic port city of Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal, the successful candidate will manage survey operations, interpret data, and ensure the highest quality of geophysical information is delivered. This position is crucial for guiding exploration strategies and optimizing resource discovery. We are committed to leveraging advanced geophysical technologies and fostering a culture of scientific rigor and operational excellence.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan and manage all phases of geophysical survey projects, including seismic, magnetic, and gravity surveys.
• Oversee the acquisition of geophysical data, ensuring adherence to quality standards and operational plans.
• Interpret and process geophysical data using advanced software to identify subsurface geological structures and potential hydrocarbon accumulations.
• Manage relationships with survey contractors and equipment vendors, ensuring optimal performance and cost-effectiveness.
• Develop and implement quality control procedures for geophysical data acquisition and processing.
• Prepare detailed geophysical reports, maps, and presentations for management and project teams.
• Collaborate with geologists, reservoir engineers, and drilling teams to integrate geophysical findings into exploration and development strategies.
• Ensure all survey operations comply with environmental regulations and health and safety protocols.
• Stay updated on the latest advancements in geophysical technologies and methodologies.
• Manage budgets and resources allocated for geophysical survey activities.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics, Geology, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in geophysical exploration, with a significant portion in the Oil & Gas industry.
• Extensive experience in seismic data acquisition, processing, and interpretation (2D and 3D).
• Proficiency in industry-standard geophysical software packages (e.g., Petrel, OpendTect, Kingdom Suite).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex survey projects and lead multidisciplinary teams.
• Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with a keen eye for detail.
• Excellent communication, report writing, and presentation skills.
• Experience with other geophysical methods such as gravity and magnetics is a plus.
• Willingness to travel and work from Richards Bay, KwaZulu-Natal and potentially other operational sites.

Benefits

• Competitive salary and comprehensive benefits package.
• Annual performance bonus and potential for long-term incentives.
• Opportunities for professional development and advanced training.
• Contribution to retirement fund and life insurance.
• Exposure to cutting-edge geophysical technologies and major projects.
• Relocation assistance may be provided for candidates relocating to Richards Bay.
• A collaborative and scientifically driven work environment.