Petroleum Geoscientist

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Petroleum Geoscientist to join our exploration team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape. The role focuses on identifying hydrocarbon prospects using seismic interpretation, well data, and core samples to support the company’s growth strategy.

The ideal candidate holds a Master’s or PhD in Geology or Geophysics, 10+ years in petroleum exploration, and a proven track record in basin analysis, structural geology, and sedimentology.

Qualifications

• Master’s or PhD degree in Geology, Geophysics, or related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in petroleum exploration geoscience.
• Proven expertise in seismic interpretation, structural geology, sequence stratigraphy, and sedimentology.
• Proficiency with geological and geophysical software packages (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite, GeoGraphix).
• Experience in basin analysis and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong understanding of hydrocarbon systems and exploration risk factors.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in the South African offshore or onshore basins is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Responsibilities

• Analyze seismic, well logs, core data, and geochemical data to identify hydrocarbon prospects.
• Develop geological models for exploration targets, assessing risk and uncertainty.
• Conduct basin analysis, including tectonic setting, source rock evaluation, reservoir characterization, and trap definition.
• Collaborate closely with reservoir engineers, petrophysicists, and geophysicists to build integrated subsurface models.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for exploration opportunities and drilling campaigns.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Mentor junior geoscientists and share technical expertise within the team.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and methodologies in petroleum geoscience.
• Participate in exploration portfolio reviews and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Skills

Seismic interpretation

Structural geology

Sequence stratigraphy

Sedimentology

Data analysis

Teamwork

Education

Master’s or PhD in Geology or Geophysics

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom Suite

GeoGraphix

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a dynamic and expanding independent oil and gas exploration company, is seeking a highly skilled and experienced Petroleum Geoscientist to join their exploration team in Mossel Bay, Western Cape . This role is integral to identifying and evaluating new petroleum prospects, contributing directly to the company's growth strategy. The successful candidate will leverage advanced geological and geophysical analysis techniques to interpret seismic data, well logs, and core samples, ultimately assessing the hydrocarbon potential of prospective areas. We are looking for an individual with a deep understanding of basin analysis, structural geology, and sedimentary systems, coupled with strong analytical and problem-solving capabilities. This is a challenging and rewarding opportunity to contribute to significant exploration efforts in a key strategic location for the energy sector in South Africa.

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze and interpret geological and geophysical data (seismic, well logs, core data, geochemical data) to identify and delineate hydrocarbon prospects.
• Develop and refine geological models for exploration targets, assessing risk and uncertainty.
• Conduct detailed basin analysis, including tectonic setting, source rock evaluation, reservoir characterization, and trap definition.
• Collaborate closely with reservoir engineers, petrophysicists, and geophysicists to build integrated subsurface models.
• Prepare technical reports, presentations, and recommendations for exploration opportunities and drilling campaigns.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Mentor junior geoscientists and share technical expertise within the team.
• Stay current with industry best practices, new technologies, and methodologies in petroleum geoscience.
• Participate in exploration portfolio reviews and contribute to strategic decision-making.

Requirements

• Master's or PhD degree in Geology, Geophysics, or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in petroleum exploration geoscience, with a strong track record of prospect generation and evaluation.
• Proven expertise in seismic interpretation, structural geology, sequence stratigraphy, and sedimentology.
• Proficiency with geological and geophysical software packages (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom Suite, GeoGraphix).
• Experience in basin analysis and risk assessment methodologies.
• Strong understanding of hydrocarbon systems and exploration risk factors.
• Excellent analytical and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and teamwork abilities.
• Experience working in the South African offshore or onshore basins is highly desirable.
• Must be legally authorized to work in South Africa.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and bonus structure linked to exploration success.
• Comprehensive medical and retirement benefits.
• Generous annual leave and opportunities for professional development and conference attendance.
• Involvement in high-impact exploration projects with significant potential.
• Dynamic and collaborative work environment in a scenic coastal location.
• Potential for international assignments or cross-functional team participation.