Senior Geothermal Energy Specialist

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

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Geothermal Energy Specialist to join our team in Paarl, Western Cape. The role focuses on assessment, development and operation optimization of geothermal energy projects, leveraging expertise in geology, reservoir engineering and plant technologies.

You will lead surveys, reservoir analyses, well operations, and plant design efforts while ensuring regulatory and environmental compliance.

Qualifications

• Master's or PhD in a geoscience or related field.
• Minimum 8 years' hands-on geothermal experience.
• Expertise in geological modeling, well engineering, and reservoir management.
• Familiar with geothermal power plant technologies (flash steam, binary cycle).
• Strong thermodynamics and heat transfer knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Conduct geological and geophysical surveys to identify geothermal sites.
• Perform reservoir engineering analyses including production forecasting.
• Oversee drilling and completion of geothermal wells.
• Design and optimize geothermal power plant systems.
• Manage operational phase and improve efficiency.
• Ensure environmental and safety compliance.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management and regulatory teams.
• Develop and manage budgets for exploration and development activities.
• Stay updated with geothermal technology advancements.
• Prepare technical reports and feasibility studies for stakeholders.

Skills

Geology

Geophysics

Reservoir engineering

Geothermal modeling

Education

Master's degree in Geology

Master's degree in Geophysics

Master's degree in Reservoir Engineering

PhD in Geology/Geophysics

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking organization in the Energy sector, is seeking an experienced Senior Geothermal Energy Specialist to join their team based in Paarl, Western Cape . This role is crucial for the assessment, development, and operational optimization of geothermal energy projects. The specialist will leverage their deep understanding of geology, reservoir engineering, and power plant technologies to identify and exploit geothermal resources. This is an exciting opportunity to contribute to the growth of sustainable and baseload renewable energy solutions.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct geological and geophysical surveys to identify and evaluate potential geothermal resource sites.
• Perform reservoir engineering analysis, including resource assessment, production forecasting, and heat extraction modeling.
• Oversee the drilling and completion of geothermal wells, ensuring efficient and safe operations.
• Design and optimize geothermal power plant systems, including heat exchangers, turbines, and related equipment.
• Manage the operational phase of geothermal projects, monitoring performance and implementing efficiency improvements.
• Ensure compliance with all environmental regulations and safety standards pertaining to geothermal development.
• Collaborate with engineering, project management, and regulatory teams to facilitate project milestones.
• Develop and manage budgets for geothermal exploration and development activities.
• Stay current with advancements in geothermal technology and best practices.
• Prepare technical reports, feasibility studies, and presentations for stakeholders and regulatory bodies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or Ph.D. in Geology, Geophysics, Reservoir Engineering, or a related earth science discipline.
• Minimum of 8 years of hands-on experience in geothermal exploration, development, and/or operation within the Energy industry.
• Proven expertise in geological modeling, well engineering, and geothermal reservoir management.
• Familiarity with various geothermal power plant technologies (e.g., flash steam, binary cycle).
• Strong understanding of thermodynamics and heat