1

Development Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Experience in both conventional and unconventional exploration and development is preferred. * MS degree in Geology and a minimum of 5 years working as an Exploration or Development Geologist ...

Experience in both conventional and unconventional exploration and development is preferred. Job Requirements * MS degree in Geology and a minimum of 5 years working as an Exploration or Development ...

Execution of geological operations including communicating with third-party geo-steerers ... improve future development design. * Evaluate competitor drilling, completion, spacing, and ...

Description The Staff Geologist supports subsurface and asset development programs through integrated geological interpretation, well planning, and operational collaboration. This role delivers high ...

An Operations Geologist's responsibilities at Matador, in our MAXCOM program (24-hr operations ... The MAXCOM program fosters the development of technical staff and future leaders while improving ...

An Operations Geologist's responsibilities at Matador, in our MAXCOM program (24-hr operations ... The MAXCOM program fosters the development of technical staff and future leaders while improving ...

Geologist

Fairbanks, AK ยท On-site

As an onsite, project-based Geologist, you will play a crucial role in the exploration and development of mineral resources. This position involves a combination of field and office work, requiring ...

As a Core Logging Geologist, you will play a crucial role in the exploration and development of mineral resources. This position involves a combination of field and office work, requiring expertise ...

Geologist

Savannah, GA ยท Remote

The Geologist will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) READI contract by conducting ... Support multidisciplinary engineering and environmental teams in the development of stabilization ...

The Geologist will support the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (USACE) READI contract by conducting ... Support multidisciplinary engineering and environmental teams in the development of stabilization ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Development Geologist information

See salary details

$27K

$101.7K

$164.5K

How much do development geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for development geologist in the United States is $101,693.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $63,500.00 and $146,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Development Geologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Development Geologist, you generally need a degree in geology or earth sciences, with expertise in sedimentology, stratigraphy, and reservoir characterization. Familiarity with geological modeling software (such as Petrel), seismic interpretation tools, and experience with well log analysis are typically required. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, and effective teamwork and communication skills are crucial in this role. These skills are vital for accurately evaluating subsurface formations, optimizing hydrocarbon extraction, and collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to maximize resource development.

What type of geologist gets paid the most?

Among geologists, petroleum geologists typically earn the highest salaries due to their work in the oil and gas industry, which often offers higher compensation for expertise in exploration and production. Experienced geologists with advanced degrees, certifications, and skills in seismic interpretation or reservoir modeling tend to command higher pay, especially in the energy sector.

What is the highest paying geologist job?

The highest paying geology-related roles are often senior or specialized positions such as petroleum geologists, exploration managers, or geoscience directors, especially in the oil and gas industry. These roles typically require extensive experience, advanced technical skills, and often involve working in remote or challenging environments, with salaries exceeding $150,000 annually in some cases.

How does a Development Geologist typically collaborate with engineers and other subsurface professionals on oil and gas projects?

Development Geologists work closely with reservoir engineers, drilling engineers, and geophysicists to optimize field development plans. They interpret geological data to create detailed reservoir models, which guide drilling locations and production strategies. Regular cross-disciplinary meetings and data-sharing are common, ensuring that geological insights are integrated with engineering constraints to maximize resource recovery. This collaborative environment helps align project goals and troubleshoot challenges as they arise.

What is the difference between Development Geologist vs Exploration Geologist?

AspectDevelopment GeologistExploration Geologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, often with industry certificationsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, often with certifications
Work EnvironmentOn-site at oil and gas fields, working with drilling and production teamsFieldwork in remote areas, conducting surveys and sampling
Industry UsageFocuses on developing known reservoirs and optimizing productionFocuses on discovering new reserves and exploration activities

Development Geologists primarily work on mature fields to enhance extraction, while Exploration Geologists seek new reserves. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and certifications but differ in their focus and work environment.

What does a development geologist do?

A development geologist analyzes subsurface rock formations to identify and evaluate hydrocarbon reservoirs, supporting the development of oil and gas fields. They interpret geological data, create maps, and collaborate with engineers to optimize drilling and production processes, often using tools like seismic imaging and geological modeling software.

Is there a high demand for geologists?

Development geologists are in moderate demand, especially in the oil and gas, mineral exploration, and environmental sectors. Employment opportunities depend on industry activity, commodity prices, and technological advancements, with skills in GIS, data analysis, and fieldwork being valuable. Overall, demand can fluctuate based on market conditions and energy policies.
More about Development Geologist jobs
What cities are hiring for Development Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Development Geologist job openings:
What states have the most Development Geologist jobs? States with the most job openings for Development Geologist jobs include:
What are popular job titles related to Development Geologist jobs? For Development Geologist jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Infographic showing various Development Geologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 83% Full Time, 14% Part Time, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 92% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 6% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $101,693 per year, or $48.9 per hour.
Corporate Development Geologist / Data Scientist

Corporate Development Geologist / Data Scientist

Expand Energy

Spring, TX โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 27 days ago


Job description

Our core values - Stewardship, Character, Collaborate, Learn, Disrupt - are the lens through which we evaluate every business decision. As a dynamic, growing company that offers extremely competitive compensation and benefits, our employees are our most valued assets and the foundation of Expand's performance among our E&P competitors.
We seek applicants from all backgrounds to ensure we get the best, most creative talent on our team. We realize that, historically, underrepresented groups feel the need to be 100% qualified in order to apply. If you meet any combination of our requirements, we encourage you to apply. We strive to hire people from a wide variety of backgrounds, not just because it's the right thing to do, but because it makes our company stronger.
Job Summary
The Corporate Development Geologist plays a critical role in evaluating and advancing the company's strategic growth initiatives by integrating geoscience expertise with advanced data analytics. This position supports mergers and acquisitions (M&A), asset evaluations, portfolio optimization, and new-venture screening across the energy value chain. The ideal candidate brings strong subsurface interpretation skills combined with the ability to leverage modern data science tools-including Python, machine learning workflows, and large-scale geospatial analysis-to generate actionable insights for investment decisions.
Job Duties & Responsibilities
  • Perform geological assessments of prospective acquisitions, divestitures, and joint ventures across conventional, unconventional, and emerging resource plays
  • Develop basin and play-level evaluations to support long-term corporate strategy and target screening
  • Build geological risk assessments and volumetric estimates to support valuations and economic modeling
  • Provide technical inputs for M&A financial models, including production forecasts, decline curves, type curves, reserves, and value-impact drivers
  • Collaborate with Corporate Development, Finance, Reservoir Engineering, and Data Science teams to synthesize geological insights into investment recommendations
  • Participate in diligence processes, including technical deep dives, data room reviews, and management team discussions
  • Prepare executive-level presentations summarizing the geologic rationale and value proposition of strategic opportunities
  • Interpret and integrate subsurface datasets (well logs, cores, seismic, production data, geochemistry) to assess reservoir quality, productivity, and uncertainty
  • Use Python, SQL, and analytics libraries (e.g., pandas, NumPy, SciPy, scikit-learn) to automate workflows, analyze datasets, and build predictive models
  • Apply machine learning techniques to streamline technical and financial valuations
  • Build tools and dashboards using Power BI, Spotfire, or similar platforms to visualize geological, engineering, commercial and public datasets
  • Integrate large geospatial datasets (GIS layers, satellite imagery, digital elevation models) to support valuation and regional assessments
  • Partner with engineering and operations to evaluate development scenarios, spacing/stacking potential, and reservoir performance
  • Contribute to strategy initiatives such as CCUS site screening, geothermal feasibility, critical minerals potential, or energy transition subsurface evaluations

Job Specific Skills
  • Strong technical proficiency with geological software (e.g., Petrel, Kingdom, ArcGIS, Petra)
  • Hands-on experience with Python for data analysis, automation, or modeling
  • Familiarity with statistical analysis, uncertainty quantification, and machine learning workflows
  • Ability to integrate geoscience insights with economic and commercial perspectives
  • Strong communication skills with experience presenting to executives or non-technical audiences
  • Ability to work across functions in a fast-pace, deal-oriented environment
  • Experience supporting M&A, corporate development, or asset A&D evaluations
  • Knowledge of SQL, cloud environments (Azure, AWS), and modern data pipelines
  • Experience building dashboards (Power BI, Spotfire, Tableau)
  • Background in unconventional reservoir evaluation, CCUS, geothermal, or emerging energy systems
  • Familiarity with decline curve analysis, type curve generation, and integration of geologic inputs into financial models

Education
Minimum: Bachelor's degree - from accredited university - Geology, Geophysics, Petrophysics, Earth Science or related field
Preferred: Master's degree - from accredited university - Geology, Geophysics, Petrophysics, Earth Science or related field
Experience
Minimum:
  • 8-12 years of experience in corporate development, exploration, reservoir characterization, or subsurface evaluation

Expand Energy takes necessary action to ensure that all applicants are treated without regard to their race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity, national origin, genetic information, disability, pregnancy, military or veteran status or any other protected characteristic as established by law.
Expand Energy Corporation's operations are focused on discovering and developing its large and geographically diverse resource base of unconventional oil and natural gas assets onshore in the United States.