Lead Geologist (Exploration)

Placements24; Soweto; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Executive salary package

Performance bonuses

Professional development & training

International exposure opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geologist (Exploration) in Soweto, Gauteng. You will spearhead geological assessment, lead a team of geologists, and shape exploration strategy. Responsibilities include seismic interpretation, subsurface modeling, and risk assessment to de-risk hydrocarbon prospects.

The role requires a PhD/masters in geology, 10+ years in hydrocarbon exploration with 3+ years in leadership, and strong skills in Petrel and Kingdom Suite. Regional experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in hydrocarbon exploration geology with at least 3 years in a leadership/supervisory role
• Expertise in seismic interpretation and well log analysis
• Strong grounding in basin analysis, structural geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy
• Proven ability to lead teams and drive geological projects to successful outcomes
• Experience in Soweto, Gauteng region or similar contexts is highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Lead geological interpretation of seismic data, logs, and cores to identify exploration targets
• Develop integrated subsurface models and play fairway analyses for prospect generation
• Oversee geological risk assessment and uncertainty quantification for opportunities
• Manage a team of exploration geologists, providing mentorship and performance oversight
• Collaborate with geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines to refine concepts and plans
• Ensure data quality and reporting accuracy across geological datasets
• Champion new technologies and methodologies in geological exploration
• Present exploration proposals and results to senior management and JV partners
• Contribute to the development of company exploration strategies and portfolio management

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Team management

Mentorship

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geology or Earth Sciences

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking entity in the Oil & Gas exploration domain, is seeking an accomplished Lead Geologist (Exploration) to spearhead their geological assessment initiatives. This pivotal role will be based in Soweto, Gauteng , a location offering strategic access to operational planning centers. The successful candidate will lead a team of geologists and geoscientists, responsible for identifying, evaluating, and de-risking prospective hydrocarbon resources. This leadership position requires extensive expertise in subsurface interpretation and a strong vision for exploration strategy.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geological interpretation of seismic data, well logs, and core samples to identify and map exploration targets.
• Develop integrated subsurface models and play fairway analyses to support prospect generation.
• Oversee geological risk assessment and uncertainty quantification for exploration opportunities.
• Manage a team of exploration geologists, providing technical guidance, mentorship, and performance oversight.
• Collaborate with geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and other disciplines to refine exploration concepts and development plans.
• Ensure the quality and accuracy of geological data and reporting.
• Champion the application of new technologies and methodologies in geological exploration.
• Present exploration proposals, results, and strategies to senior management and joint venture partners.
• Contribute to the development of company exploration strategies and portfolio management.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in hydrocarbon exploration geology, with at least 3 years in a leadership or supervisory role.
• Expertise in seismic interpretation software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite) and well log analysis.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and maturing exploration prospects through various stages.
• Strong understanding of basin analysis, structural geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.
• Exceptional leadership, communication, and interpersonal skills.
• Proven ability to manage teams and drive geological projects to successful outcomes.
• Experience within the Soweto, Gauteng region or similar operational contexts is highly desirable.

Benefits

Our client offers a highly attractive compensation package, including a competitive executive salary, significant performance bonuses, and comprehensive health and retirement benefits. Opportunities for professional development, advanced training, and international exposure are a core part of our employee value proposition. This leadership role in Soweto, Gauteng offers a unique opportunity to shape the exploration success of a leading Oil & Gas company.