Lead Geologist - Subsurface Exploration

Placements24; Cape Town; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private medical insurance

Provident fund

Dev & conference allowance

Remote work

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geologist for a fully remote, permanent role in South Africa. You will lead subsurface exploration, integrate seismic, wells, cores, and geochemical data to build 3D models and guide drilling campaigns.

The ideal candidate has MSc or PhD in Geology with 10+ years in exploration geology, strong proficiency in Petrel/Geographix, and proven remote-team leadership. Excellent communication and ability to work independently in a dispersed team are essential.

Qualifications

• MSc or PhD in Geology or Earth Sciences.
• Minimum 10 years in exploration geology, oil and gas focus.
• Strong ability to lead remote teams and manage projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead geological interpretation and prospect evaluation for new ventures.
• Integrate seismic, well, core, and geochemical data for models.
• Develop 3D geological models to support drilling and appraisal campaigns.
• Assess geological risk and uncertainty in prospects.
• Mentor geologists and technicians in a remote setup.
• Prepare geological reports for stakeholders.

Skills

Seismic interpretation

3D geological modeling

Remote team leadership

Communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Geology/Earth Sciences

Tools

Petrel

Geographix

Job description

About the Role

Are you a seasoned geoscientist passionate about uncovering new energy frontiers? Our client, a global leader in the **energy sector**, is seeking a highly motivated and experienced Lead Geologist to spearhead their subsurface exploration efforts. This is a fully remote, permanent position, offering the flexibility to work from anywhere within **South Africa**. You will play a pivotal role in identifying and evaluating new exploration opportunities, contributing significantly to the company's growth and strategic objectives. As the Lead Geologist, you will be responsible for integrating geological, geophysical, and engineering data to build robust subsurface models and guide exploration drilling campaigns. Your expertise will be crucial in assessing prospectivity, managing risks, and ensuring the successful execution of exploration projects. This remote-first role requires a self-starter with excellent communication and collaboration skills, capable of working effectively within a dispersed, high-performing team. The **Cape Town** region, while not a physical requirement for this role, is home to a significant portion of our operational expertise, and you'll be joining a team that values innovation and geological insight. This is an exceptional opportunity to shape the future of exploration for a major **energy** player.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead the geological interpretation and prospect evaluation for new exploration ventures.
• Integrate diverse datasets including seismic, well logs, core data, and geochemical analyses.
• Develop detailed 3D geological models to support exploration and appraisal activities.
• Assess and quantify geological uncertainty and risk associated with exploration prospects.
• Collaborate closely with geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and management to define exploration strategies.
• Manage and mentor a team of geologists and geoscience technicians remotely.
• Prepare comprehensive geological reports and presentations for internal and external stakeholders.
• Identify and advocate for the application of new exploration technologies and methodologies.
• Maintain up-to-date knowledge of the **South African** geological setting and relevant industry trends.
• Oversee the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs from a geological perspective.

Requirements

• MSc or Ph.D. in Geology, Earth Sciences, or a closely related discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in exploration geology, with a strong focus on oil and gas.
• Demonstrated success in identifying and maturing exploration prospects.
• Expertise in seismic interpretation, well correlation, and 3D geological modeling software (e.g., Petrel, Geographix).
• Thorough understanding of depositional environments, structural geology, and petroleum systems.
• Proven ability to manage projects and teams effectively in a remote setting.
• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to work independently and proactively in a dynamic, remote work environment.
• Proficiency in data analysis and interpretation.
• Must be legally eligible to work remotely within **South Africa**.

Benefits

This role offers a competitive salary, a performance-based bonus structure, and a comprehensive benefits package including private medical insurance and a generous provident fund contribution. As this is a fully remote position, there are no relocation requirements. We provide a significant annual allowance for professional development, conference attendance, and training to support your career growth. You'll have the opportunity to work with a diverse and talented team on challenging projects that are shaping the future of **energy**. Enjoy the flexibility and autonomy of a remote role with a respected industry leader. The supportive team environment ensures you remain connected and engaged, regardless of your location within **South Africa**.