Senior Geologist - Subsurface Exploration

Placements24; Durban; Hybrid; ZAR 1,200,000 - 2,100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Private healthcare

Retirement fund contributions

Generous annual leave

Professional development budget

Relocation support

Access to advanced software

Job summary

Placements24 in Durban is seeking a Senior Geologist to bolster its subsurface exploration team. You will apply sedimentology, structural geology and basin analysis to identify hydrocarbon prospects, build geological models, and de-risk opportunities in collaboration with geophysicists and reservoir engineers.

The role requires 10+ years in oil and gas geology, proficiency with Petrel/GeoGraphix/Kingdom Suite, and seismic interpretation expertise.

Qualifications

• Master's or Ph.D. in Geology or a related Earth Science.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in oil and gas exploration geology.
• Proficiency with geological workstation software (Petrel, GeoGraphix, Kingdom Suite).
• Expertise in seismic interpretation, sequence stratigraphy, and basin analysis.
• Proven ability to identify and mature exploration prospects.
• Strong understanding of petrophysical principles and well log analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills.
• Experience working in a Durban regional office environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and rank potential hydrocarbon exploration targets using geological and geophysical data.
• Conduct detailed subsurface geological studies, including prospect mapping and volumetric assessments.
• Integrate diverse datasets, such as seismic, well logs, core data, and regional geological information.
• Develop and refine regional and prospect-specific geological models.
• Assess geological risks and uncertainties associated with exploration opportunities.
• Collaborate with geophysicists on seismic interpretation and attribute analysis.
• Work closely with petrophysicists to define reservoir properties and potential.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Prepare technical presentations and reports for internal review and external partners.
• Mentor junior geologists and share expertise within the exploration team.
• Stay current with advancements in geological software and exploration technologies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem solving

Communication skills

Presentation skills

Education

Master's or Ph.D. in Geology or related Earth Science

Tools

Petrel

GeoGraphix

Kingdom Suite

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a globally recognized energy corporation, is seeking an accomplished Senior Geologist to bolster their subsurface exploration team in **Durban, KwaZulu-Natal**. This role is crucial for identifying and evaluating new hydrocarbon prospects within existing and emerging basins. You will leverage advanced geological concepts, geophysical data, and cutting-edge software to interpret complex subsurface structures and stratigraphy. The Senior Geologist will play a key role in prospect generation, risk assessment, and contributing to the overall exploration strategy. This position requires a deep understanding of sedimentology, structural geology, and basin analysis, with a proven track record in exploration success. Working within a multidisciplinary team, you will collaborate with geophysicists, reservoir engineers, and petrophysicists to de-risk exploration opportunities. The role offers a hybrid work arrangement, providing flexibility while ensuring critical collaboration in our **Durban** office. This is an exceptional opportunity to contribute to significant exploration initiatives within a leading energy company.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify, evaluate, and rank potential hydrocarbon exploration targets using geological and geophysical data.
• Conduct detailed subsurface geological studies, including prospect mapping and volumetric assessments.
• Integrate diverse datasets, such as seismic, well logs, core data, and regional geological information.
• Develop and refine regional and prospect-specific geological models.
• Assess geological risks and uncertainties associated with exploration opportunities.
• Collaborate with geophysicists on seismic interpretation and attribute analysis.
• Work closely with petrophysicists to define reservoir properties and potential.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Prepare technical presentations and reports for internal review and external partners.
• Mentor junior geologists and share expertise within the exploration team.
• Stay current with advancements in geological software and exploration technologies.

Requirements

• Master's or Ph.D. degree in Geology or a related Earth Science discipline.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in oil and gas exploration geology, with a strong focus on structural and sedimentological interpretation.
• Proficiency with geological workstation software (e.g., Petrel, GeoGraphix, Kingdom Suite).
• Expertise in seismic interpretation, sequence stratigraphy, and basin analysis.
• Proven ability to identify and mature exploration prospects.
• Strong understanding of petrophysical principles and well log analysis.
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Effective communication and presentation skills, capable of conveying complex geological concepts clearly.
• Experience working in a **Durban** or related regional office environment.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a collaborative team.

Benefits

• Highly competitive salary and potential for year-end bonuses.
• Comprehensive private healthcare coverage.
• Retirement fund contributions.
• Generous annual leave allowance.
• Professional development budget for conferences and training.
• Opportunity to work on diverse international exploration projects.
• Dynamic and collaborative team environment.
• Modern office facilities in **Durban**.
• Relocation support for eligible candidates.
• Access to advanced geological software and datasets.