Lead Geophysicist

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

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive base salary

Bonuses

Health and retirement plans

Professional development

Job summary

Placements24 has a prominent international energy client based in Bloemfontein seeking a Lead Geophysicist to oversee seismic exploration and evaluation activities. The role involves directing a geoscience team, guiding seismic data processing, interpretation, and integration with logs and models to de-risk hydrocarbon prospects.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in geophysics or related fields, with 10+ years in exploration geophysics, and a strong track record in leadership, rock

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics, Physics, or a related geoscience discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in exploration geophysics, primarily within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience leading geophysical interpretation projects and teams.
• Expertise in seismic data processing, migration, and attribute analysis.
• Proficiency with industry-standard geophysical software packages (e.g., Petrel, GeoDepth, OpendTect).
• Strong understanding of rock physics and AVO analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with frontier basins or complex geological settings is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Bloemfontein, Free State.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of geophysicists in seismic data processing and interpretation.
• Develop and implement geophysical exploration strategies and work programs.
• Oversee the acquisition, processing, and quality control of seismic surveys.
• Conduct detailed seismic interpretation, including structural and stratigraphic analysis.
• Utilize advanced geophysical techniques for prospect identification and risk assessment.
• Integrate seismic data with well logs, geological models, and production data.
• Perform quantitative seismic interpretation and attribute analysis to constrain reservoir properties.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with exploration and development teams to ensure alignment of geophysical objectives.
• Stay abreast of emerging geophysical technologies and methodologies.

Skills

Seismic interpretation

Seismic data processing

Team leadership

Rock physics & AVO analysis

Education

Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics/Physics/Geoscience

Tools

Petrel

GeoDepth

OpendTect

Job description

About the Role

A prominent international energy company is seeking a highly experienced Lead Geophysicist to oversee their geophysical exploration and evaluation efforts. This critical role, based in Bloemfontein, Free State , will involve leading a team of geoscientists in the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic data to identify and de-risk hydrocarbon prospects. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of seismic imaging techniques, attribute analysis, and quantitative interpretation methodologies. You will play a key role in shaping the company's exploration strategy, ensuring the effective application of geophysical technologies, and contributing to the discovery of new energy resources. This is a significant leadership opportunity within the Oil & Gas sector.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of geophysicists in seismic data processing and interpretation.
• Develop and implement geophysical exploration strategies and work programs.
• Oversee the acquisition, processing, and quality control of seismic surveys.
• Conduct detailed seismic interpretation, including structural and stratigraphic analysis.
• Utilize advanced geophysical techniques for prospect identification and risk assessment.
• Integrate seismic data with well logs, geological models, and production data.
• Perform quantitative seismic interpretation and attribute analysis to constrain reservoir properties.
• Prepare high-quality technical reports and presentations for management and stakeholders.
• Collaborate with exploration and development teams to ensure alignment of geophysical objectives.
• Stay abreast of emerging geophysical technologies and methodologies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geophysics, Physics, or a related geoscience discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in exploration geophysics, primarily within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven experience leading geophysical interpretation projects and teams.
• Expertise in seismic data processing, migration, and attribute analysis.
• Proficiency with industry-standard geophysical software packages (e.g., Petrel, GeoDepth, OpendTect).
• Strong understanding of rock physics and AVO analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making skills.
• Superior communication and leadership capabilities.
• Experience with frontier basins or complex geological settings is advantageous.
• Must be legally authorized to work in Bloemfontein, Free State.

Benefits

Our client offers an industry-leading compensation package, including a competitive base salary, substantial bonuses, and comprehensive benefits such as health, dental, and retirement plans. Opportunities for continuous professional development, including advanced training and conference participation, are actively supported. This role provides a unique opportunity to lead impactful geophysical initiatives within a globally recognized energy company. Working from Bloemfontein offers a chance to live in a region known for its natural beauty and rich history while contributing to the vital Oil & Gas sector.