Subsurface Geologist - Exploration Focus

Placements24; Upington; Hybrid; ZAR 900,000 - 1,200,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive salary

Medical coverage

Retirement contributions

Performance bonuses

Training & growth opportunities

Job summary

Placements24 seeks an experienced Subsurface Geologist with a focus on exploration in Upington, Northern Cape. You will identify and evaluate new exploration opportunities by integrating seismic, well logs, and core data to build robust geological models.

The role requires strong knowledge of regional geology, sedimentology, and structural controls on hydrocarbon accumulation, plus collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Qualifications

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or a related Geoscience discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in exploration geology within Oil & Gas.
• Proven track record in prospect identification and mapping using integrated subsurface data.
• Strong understanding of sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology and petroleum systems.
• Proficiency with geological modeling and seismic interpretation software (Petrel, Kingdom).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geological studies and prospect evaluations for exploration acreage.
• Integrate and interpret diverse subsurface data, including seismic, well logs, core data, and regional geology.
• Develop and refine 3D geological models to represent subsurface structures and stratigraphy.
• Map depositional systems, structural features, and potential hydrocarbon traps.
• Collaborate with geophysicists and reservoir engineers to assess prospect viability and risk.
• Prepare comprehensive geological reports, presentations, and prospect write-ups.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Perform basin analysis and regional studies to identify frontier exploration opportunities.
• Utilize geological modeling software and industry-standard interpretation tools.
• Mentor junior geologists and share knowledge within the subsurface team.
• Stay current with advancements in geological concepts and exploration technologies.
• Ensure geological interpretations align with company exploration objectives and strategies.

Skills

Geology

Prospect generation

Data integration

Analytical thinking

Communication

Education

Master's or PhD in Geology/Geoscience

Tools

Petrel

Kingdom

Seismic interpretation software

Job description

About the Role

Our client, a forward-thinking energy company operating in the Oil & Gas sector, is seeking a talented Subsurface Geologist with a strong focus on exploration. This role is based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, a region with developing energy infrastructure. You will play a critical role in identifying and evaluating new exploration opportunities through detailed geological analysis and prospect generation. The ideal candidate will possess extensive knowledge of regional geology, depositional environments, and structural controls on hydrocarbon accumulation. You will be responsible for integrating various subsurface datasets, including seismic, well logs, and core data, to build robust geological models. We are looking for a highly analytical and innovative individual who can contribute to the company's growth strategy by discovering and defining new reserves. This position requires a blend of technical expertise, strategic thinking, and effective collaboration with multidisciplinary teams.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct detailed geological studies and prospect evaluations for exploration acreage.
• Integrate and interpret diverse subsurface data, including seismic, well logs, core data, and regional geological information.
• Develop and refine 3D geological models to represent subsurface structures and stratigraphy.
• Map depositional systems, structural features, and potential hydrocarbon traps.
• Collaborate with geophysicists and reservoir engineers to assess prospect viability and risk.
• Prepare comprehensive geological reports, presentations, and prospect write-ups.
• Contribute to the planning and execution of exploration drilling programs.
• Perform basin analysis and regional studies to identify frontier exploration opportunities.
• Utilize geological modeling software and industry-standard interpretation tools.
• Mentor junior geologists and share knowledge within the subsurface team.
• Stay current with advancements in geological concepts and exploration technologies.
• Ensure geological interpretations align with company exploration objectives and strategies.

Requirements

• Master's degree or PhD in Geology or a related Geoscience discipline.
• Minimum of 6 years of experience in exploration geology within the Oil & Gas industry.
• Proven track record in prospect identification and mapping using integrated subsurface data.
• Strong understanding of sedimentology, stratigraphy, structural geology and petroleum systems.
• Proficiency with geological modeling and seismic interpretation software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom).
• Excellent analytical, problem-solving, and critical thinking skills.
• Strong communication and presentation skills, with the ability to convey complex geological concepts clearly.
• Ability to work effectively in a multidisciplinary team environment.
• Experience working in frontier or less-explored basins is a plus.
• Must have valid work authorization for South Africa.

Benefits

• Our client offers a competitive salary package designed to attract top talent.
• Comprehensive benefits plan including medical coverage.
• Retirement contributions.
• Potential performance bonuses.
• Ongoing training and professional growth opportunities.

This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the exploration strategy in a developing region of Northern Cape, ZA. The position is based in Upington, Northern Cape, ZA, with a hybrid work arrangement, offering a balance between in-office collaboration and remote work flexibility.