Lead Subsurface Geoscientist

Placements24; Mbombela (Nelspruit); Hybrid; ZAR 1,500,000 - 2,400,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Relocation assistance

Professional growth opportunities

Conferences and training

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Lead Subsurface Geoscientist to head an integrated geoscience team in Mpumalanga. You will drive seismic interpretation, well data integration, and 3D modelling to unlock exploration and field-development opportunities, guiding cross-functional colleagues and stakeholders.

The role demands a strong track record in oil and gas subsurface work, leadership experience, and the ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights for portfolio optimization and

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Geophysics, or related Earth Science discipline.
• 9+ years of progressive experience in subsurface geoscience, with significant exploration/development in oil and gas.
• Expertise in seismic interpretation, structural geology, and sequence stratigraphy.
• Experience integrating seismic, well logs, core, gravity and magnetics datasets.
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated subsurface studies for exploration and development projects.
• Interpret and analyze seismic data, well logs, core data, and other geological information.
• Develop and validate detailed 3D geological models and reservoir characterizations.
• Perform prospectivity assessments and risk analysis for exploration opportunities.
• Collaborate with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and management to optimize field development plans.
• Mentor and guide junior geoscientists within the team.
• Stay current with advancements in geoscience technology and workflows.
• Present subsurface interpretations and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the company's geological data management and best practices.
• Ensure high standards of technical quality and accuracy in all subsurface evaluations.

Skills

Leadership

Seismic interpretation

Communication

Team management

Collaboration

Education

MSc/PhD in Geology/Geophysics

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom

GeoDepth

Job description

About the Role

Our client, an ambitious exploration and production company, is looking for a highly experienced Lead Subsurface Geoscientist to join their integrated asset team in Nelspruit, Mpumalanga . This role is pivotal in unlocking the potential of our client's assets through advanced geological and geophysical interpretation. You will lead a team of geoscientists, integrating seismic, well, and core data to build robust subsurface models and identify new exploration and development opportunities. The ideal candidate possesses a strong command of integrated subsurface characterization techniques and a proven ability to translate complex data into actionable business insights. This is a leadership opportunity to influence exploration and development strategies within a dynamic asset portfolio. We are seeking an innovative and collaborative geoscientist with exceptional technical and leadership capabilities.

Key Responsibilities

• Lead integrated subsurface studies for exploration and development projects.
• Interpret and analyze seismic data, well logs, core data, and other geological information.
• Develop and validate detailed 3D geological models and reservoir characterizations.
• Perform prospectivity assessments and risk analysis for exploration opportunities.
• Collaborate closely with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and management to optimize field development plans.
• Mentor and guide junior geoscientists within the team.
• Stay current with advancements in geoscience technology and workflows.
• Present subsurface interpretations and recommendations to senior management and stakeholders.
• Contribute to the company's geological data management and best practices.
• Ensure high standards of technical quality and accuracy in all subsurface evaluations.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 9 years of progressive experience in subsurface geoscience, with a significant portion in exploration or development roles within the oil and gas industry.
• Expertise in seismic interpretation, structural geology, and sequence stratigraphy.
• Proficiency in geological and geophysical modeling software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom, GeoDepth).
• Strong understanding of petroleum systems analysis and risk assessment.
• Experience integrating diverse subsurface datasets (seismic, well logs, core, gravity, magnetics).
• Excellent leadership, team management, and communication skills.
• Ability to effectively collaborate with multi-disciplinary teams.
• Experience working within the Nelspruit, Mpumalanga region or supporting its geological context is beneficial.
• Published research or contributions to industry conferences are a plus.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and potential for performance-driven bonuses.
• Comprehensive health, retirement, and other benefits.
• Significant opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Support for attending industry conferences and training.
• Relocation assistance available for qualified candidates.
• Access to cutting-edge geoscience software and datasets.
• A collaborative and scientifically driven work environment.
• Key role in shaping the company's exploration and development strategy.
• Generous annual leave.
• Work on diverse and challenging geological plays.