Lead Geologist - Offshore Exploration & Production

Placements24; Durban; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical aid

Retirement fund

International travel

Professional development

Bonus scheme

Relocation assistance

Durban-based role

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal, seeks a seasoned Lead Geologist to direct exploration and production initiatives. You will interpret complex geological data, guide a team, and build integrated geological models to support drilling and development across offshore and onshore assets.

The role requires a Master’s in Geology with 10+ years in oil and gas, strong seismic interpretation and reservoir modeling skills, and proven leadership.

Qualifications

• Master's degree in Geology or related Earth Science field.
• At least 10 years in exploration and production geology with offshore experience.
• Proven track record in prospect identification, play fairway analysis, and reserve estimation.
• Expertise in seismic interpretation and well log analysis.
• Demonstrated leadership and team management experience.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of geologists in geological data interpretation and prospect generation.
• Develop and refine detailed subsurface geological models using Petrel and Kingdom Suite.
• Integrate seismic, well logs, core data, and biostratigraphy to characterize reservoirs.
• Assess geological risks and uncertainties for exploration and development projects.
• Prepare technical presentations and reports for management, partners, and regulators.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and drilling teams to align objectives.
• Identify and evaluate potential hydrocarbon reserves and resources.
• Oversee geological field studies and data acquisition programs.
• Contribute to exploration strategies and play fairway mapping.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards.

Skills

Geology

Seismic interpretation

Well log analysis

Reservoir modeling

Team leadership

Project management

Education

Master's degree in Geology

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic force in the Oil & Gas industry, is seeking a highly accomplished Lead Geologist to spearhead their exploration and production initiatives in Durban, KwaZulu-Natal. This pivotal role involves the interpretation of complex geological data, the identification of promising exploration targets, and the evaluation of subsurface reservoirs. You will lead a team of geologists, guiding them through intricate projects that are crucial for the company's strategic growth in both offshore and onshore assets. The successful candidate will be responsible for integrating diverse datasets, including seismic, well logs, and core data, to build comprehensive geological models that underpin successful drilling and development campaigns. This is an exceptional opportunity to make a significant impact on the future of energy exploration within a reputable organization that values expertise and innovation.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of geologists in geological data interpretation and prospect generation.


• Develop and refine detailed subsurface geological models using advanced interpretation software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite).


• Integrate multidisciplinary datasets (seismic, well logs, core samples, biostratigraphy) to fully characterize reservoirs.


• Assess geological risks and uncertainties associated with exploration and development projects.


• Prepare technical presentations and reports for management, partners, and regulatory bodies.


• Collaborate closely with reservoir engineers, geophysicists, and drilling teams to ensure alignment on project objectives.


• Identify and evaluate potential hydrocarbon reserves and resources.


• Oversee the planning and execution of geological field studies and data acquisition programs.


• Contribute to the development and implementation of exploration strategies and play fairway mapping.


• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and environmental standards in all geological operations.

Requirements

• Master's degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth Science field.


• A minimum of 10 years of experience in exploration and production geology within the Oil & Gas sector, with substantial offshore experience.


• Proven track record in prospect identification, play fairway analysis, and reserve estimation.


• Expertise in seismic interpretation, well log analysis, and core description.


• Strong proficiency with geological modeling and visualization software.


• Demonstrated leadership and team management skills.


• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal abilities.


• Experience with basin analysis and sequence stratigraphy is highly desirable.


• Knowledge of relevant geological software and data management systems.


• Must be authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Attractive salary package reflecting seniority and expertise.


• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund benefits.


• Opportunities for international travel and conference participation.


• Professional development and training programs.


• Performance-related bonus structure.


• Dynamic and collaborative team environment.


• Relocation assistance may be provided.


• Located in the scenic coastal city of Durban.