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Development Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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 ...

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 ...

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

Geologist

Spring, TX ยท On-site

Support reservoir characterization, field development planning, and multidisciplinary subsurface studies. Wellsite Geological Services Management * Supervise and coordinate geological service ...

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 ...

... development company headquartered in the Grand Junction area of Northwestern Colorado. Our client ... Key Responsibilities ยท Conduct geological mapping, sampling programs, and site evaluations to ...

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 ...

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 ...

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Development Geologist information

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$27K

$101.7K

$164.5K

How much do development geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jun 27, 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 jobs will boom in 2026?

Development geologists are expected to see growth due to ongoing demand for natural resource exploration and extraction, especially in energy and mineral sectors. Skills in data analysis, GIS, and environmental regulations will enhance job prospects, with opportunities often in oil and gas, mining, and renewable energy industries.

What is the highest paying geologist job?

The highest paying geologist roles are often in the oil and gas industry, such as senior exploration or reservoir geologists, which can offer six-figure salaries. Geologists working in management, consulting, or specialized fields like geotechnical or environmental geology may also earn higher wages, especially with advanced certifications and extensive experience.

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 jobs in the US pay 300,000 a year?

Development geologists in the oil and gas industry can earn $300,000 or more annually, especially with extensive experience, advanced skills, and working in senior or managerial roles. High-paying positions often require expertise in subsurface analysis, geological modeling, and proficiency with industry tools like seismic software. Salaries vary based on location, company size, and individual qualifications.

What does a development geologist do?

A development geologist analyzes subsurface rock formations to identify and evaluate potential hydrocarbon reservoirs, supporting the planning and development of oil and gas extraction projects. They interpret geological data, create maps, and collaborate with engineers to optimize drilling and production operations, often using tools like seismic surveys and geological modeling software.
More about Development Geologist jobs
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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 June 2026, with employment types broken down into 90% Part Time, and 10% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 4% 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

Expand Energy

Spring, TX

Other

Posted 7 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.ย 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 newventure 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 largescale 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 playlevel evaluations to support longterm 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 valueimpact 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 executivelevel 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, scikitlearn) 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)
  • Handson 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 nontechnical audiences
  • Ability to work across functions in a fastpace, dealoriented 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 fieldย 

Preferred: Master's degree - from accredited university - Geology, Geophysics, Petrophysics, Earth Science or related fieldย 

Experience

Minimum:ย 

  • 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 inย the United States.