Lead Geoscientist - Cape Town

Placements24; Cape Town; On-site; ZAR 1,000,000 - 2,000,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Remuneration package

Medical and retirement benefits

Professional development

International travel

Cape Town location

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Geoscientist in Cape Town to guide seismic interpretation, geological modeling, and data integration across exploration projects. You will lead a team of geoscientists and collaborate with reservoir engineers to optimize targets and risk assessments.

The role emphasizes leadership, strategic input, and delivering high-quality subsurface insights for ongoing exploration and development in a fast-paced Oil & Gas environment in the Western Cape.

Qualifications

• Requires MSc/PhD in Geology/Geophysics or related earth science field.
• Minimum 10 years in exploration geoscience with seismic interpretation and modeling experience.
• Proven track record leading geoscience teams and projects.

Responsibilities

• Lead geoscientists in seismic interpretation and subsurface modeling.
• Oversee geological models for exploration and field development.
• Integrate geological, geophysical and engineering data.
• Conduct prospectivity studies and risk analyses.
• Manage seismic data acquisition, processing and interpretation.
• Ensure data quality across geoscience workflows.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers to optimize targets.
• Develop best practices in geoscience workflows.
• Present findings to management and partners.

Skills

Seismic interpretation

Geological modeling

Team leadership

Data integration

Stakeholder communication

Education

MSc or PhD in Geology/Geophysics

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom

GOCAD

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent exploration and production company, is actively searching for a highly skilled Lead Geoscientist to manage their geological and geophysical operations based in Cape Town, Western Cape . This leadership position requires an expert with extensive experience in seismic interpretation, geological modeling, and subsurface data integration. The successful candidate will guide a team of geoscientists, ensuring the accuracy and reliability of geological models crucial for exploration and development activities within the Oil & Gas sector. This role offers the chance to work on cutting-edge exploration projects and contribute significantly to the company's strategic direction. You will be instrumental in identifying and evaluating potential hydrocarbon reserves, requiring a profound understanding of geological processes and advanced subsurface analysis techniques. The position demands strong leadership qualities and the ability to foster a collaborative, high-performance culture within the geoscience department. The location in Cape Town provides a vibrant professional setting.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor a team of geoscientists in seismic data interpretation and subsurface modeling.
• Oversee the generation and validation of geological models for exploration and field development.
• Integrate geological, geophysical, and engineering data to build a comprehensive subsurface picture.
• Conduct detailed prospectivity assessments and risk analysis for exploration acreage.
• Manage the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of seismic surveys.
• Ensure data quality and consistency across all geoscience workflows.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers and drilling teams to optimize well placement and geological targets.
• Develop and implement best practices in geoscience workflows and technologies.
• Present geological interpretations and project findings to management and external partners.

Requirements

• MSc or PhD in Geology, Geophysics, or a related earth science discipline.
• A minimum of 10 years of experience in exploration geoscience, with significant experience in seismic interpretation and geological modeling.
• Proven track record in leading geoscience teams and managing exploration projects.
• Expertise in geological and geophysical software suites (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom, GOCAD).
• Strong understanding of structural geology, sedimentology, and basin analysis.
• Excellent analytical skills and ability to interpret complex subsurface data.
• Strong leadership, communication, and teamwork abilities.
• Experience within the Oil & Gas industry is mandatory.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.

Benefits

• Highly competitive remuneration package.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous opportunities for professional development and training.
• Involvement in high-profile exploration projects with significant geological challenges.
• A stimulating work environment in scenic Cape Town .
• Opportunities for international travel and collaboration.