Senior Operations Geologist - Exploration & Development

Placements24; Pietermaritzburg; On-site; ZAR 1,200,000 - 1,800,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary package

Medical aid and retirement fund

Professional development and training

Exposure to diverse field operations

Supportive team in Pietermaritzburg

Generous paid time off

Job summary

Placements24 is seeking a Senior Operations Geologist for its client in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa. The role focuses on real-time geological support for drilling operations, well planning, and subsurface characterization across exploration and production projects.

The candidate will interpret logs, evaluate lithology, reservoir characteristics and seismic data, and influence drilling decisions. Proficiency in geological software and excellent communication are essential for teamwork in a

Qualifications

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geology or related Earth Science field.
• Minimum 7 years of experience in operations geology with a focus on drilling support.
• Proven expertise in wireline log analysis, formation evaluation and well correlation.
• Solid understanding of structural geology, sedimentology and stratigraphy.
• Experience with seismic interpretation is advantageous.
• Proficiency with geological software for well correlation and mapping.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and communication abilities.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct geological support for drilling operations, including real-time formation evaluation.
• Interpret wireline logs and subsurface data to identify lithology and reservoir characteristics.
• Develop and update geological models from drilling data and existing knowledge.
• Make critical geological decisions during drilling to optimize well placement.
• Correlate well logs and seismic data to refine subsurface understanding.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, including final well summaries and core descriptions.
• Collaborate with drilling engineers, geophysicists and reservoir engineers.
• Contribute to field development studies and reserve estimations.
• Participate in exploration prospect generation and evaluation.
• Ensure adherence to safety and environmental policies.

Skills

Analytical thinking

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Communication

Education

Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geology

Tools

Geological software packages

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a prominent energy producer, is actively seeking a highly experienced Senior Operations Geologist to enhance their team in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal. This critical role focuses on providing real-time geological support for drilling operations and contributing to field development planning. The ideal candidate will possess a deep understanding of sedimentology, stratigraphy, and structural geology, coupled with extensive experience in log analysis, core description, and seismic interpretation. You will be responsible for making key geological decisions during drilling, ensuring wellbore placement accuracy, and contributing to subsurface characterization for both exploration and production phases. This hands-on position requires excellent problem-solving skills and the ability to work effectively under pressure within a field operations context. Located in Pietermaritzburg, this role offers proximity to key operational areas.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct geological support for drilling operations, including real-time formation evaluation and well planning.
• Interpret wireline logs and other subsurface data to identify lithology, reservoir characteristics, and hydrocarbon presence.
• Develop and update geological models based on incoming drilling data and existing knowledge.
• Make critical geological decisions during drilling to optimize well placement and avoid hazards.
• Correlate well logs and seismic data to refine subsurface understanding.
• Prepare detailed geological reports, including final well summaries and core descriptions.
• Collaborate closely with drilling engineers, geophysicists, and reservoir engineers.
• Contribute to field development studies and reserve estimations.
• Participate in exploration prospect generation and evaluation.
• Ensure adherence to all company safety and environmental policies.

Requirements

• Bachelor's or Master's degree in Geology or a related Earth Science field.
• A minimum of 7 years of experience in operations geology, with a strong focus on drilling support.
• Proven expertise in wireline log analysis, formation evaluation, and well correlation.
• Solid understanding of structural geology, sedimentology, and stratigraphy.
• Experience with seismic interpretation and its application to operations is advantageous.
• Proficiency with geological software packages used for well correlation and mapping.
• Excellent analytical, critical thinking, and problem-solving abilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills for effective teamwork in a dynamic environment.
• Ability to work effectively on-site or during field operations as required.

Benefits

• Competitive salary package and performance-based incentives.
• Comprehensive medical aid and retirement fund.
• Opportunities for professional development and geological training.
• Exposure to a variety of field operations and geological challenges.
• A supportive team environment in Pietermaritzburg.
• Generous paid time off and holiday schedule.