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Exploration Manager Jobs in Houston, TX (NOW HIRING)

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Conroe, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional ... Report any safety issues or concerns to management. * Be responsible for maintaining quality ...

TERRACON

Driller/Exploration Team Member II

Conroe, TX · On-site

$19.75 - $26.75/hr

Exploration Team Members (ETMs) will perform subsurface exploration duties using conventional ... Report any safety issues or concerns to management. * Be responsible for maintaining quality ...

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All JobsExploration JobsExploration Manager JobsExploration Manager Jobs in Houston, TX

Exploration Manager information

See Houston, TX salary details

$210.5K

$225.3K

$238.7K

How much do exploration manager jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 30, 2026, the average yearly pay for exploration manager in Houston, TX is $225,322.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $218,100.00 and $232,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an exploration manager do?

An Exploration Manager oversees the discovery and development of natural resources, such as minerals, oil, or gas. They lead geological surveys, analyze exploration data, and manage teams of geologists and engineers. Their role involves budgeting, project planning, and ensuring compliance with environmental and safety regulations. They also assess potential sites for extraction and collaborate with stakeholders to support resource development strategies.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an exploration manager?

To thrive as an Exploration Manager, you typically need a strong background in geology, mining, or related earth sciences, supported by relevant degrees and hands-on field experience. Familiarity with geological modeling software, GIS tools, and safety management systems is essential, and certifications like PMP or relevant mining accreditations are often valued. Exceptional leadership, project management, and cross-cultural communication skills help distinguish top performers in this role. These competencies are vital for effectively overseeing exploration projects, ensuring safety, optimizing resource discovery, and motivating multidisciplinary teams in challenging environments.

What are some typical challenges faced by exploration managers, and how can they be addressed?

Exploration Managers often encounter challenges such as remote work locations, shifting project priorities, regulatory compliance, and unpredictable exploration results. Effective planning, strong risk management, and open communication with both on-site teams and corporate leadership are essential for navigating these issues. Building resilient, adaptable teams and fostering relationships with local communities can also help address logistical, environmental, and social challenges. By anticipating obstacles and actively engaging with stakeholders, Exploration Managers ensure projects remain on track and meet both business and safety objectives.

What is an exploration manager?

An exploration manager oversees the process of locating and evaluating natural resources such as minerals, oil, or gas. They coordinate geological surveys, manage teams, and ensure compliance with safety and environmental regulations, often using specialized tools and data analysis skills.

What cities near Houston, TX are hiring for Exploration Manager jobs?

Cities near Houston, TX with the most Exploration Manager job openings:

Exploration Manager jobs near you
Infographic showing various Exploration Manager job openings in Houston, TX as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 11% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 79% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 18% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $225,322 per year, or $108.3 per hour.

Sr Operations Geoscientist, Exploration

Murphy Oil Corporation

Houston, TX • On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago

Murphy Oil rating

5.2

Company rating: 5.2 out of 10

Based on 19 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

78th of 87 rated oil and gas companies

Job description

At Murphy Oil Corporation, we believe the rich experiences and backgrounds of our employees strengthen our Company, create a productive workforce, and drive our success. We encourage you to apply for the positions for which you meet the qualifications.
Job Summary
This position is part of the Geoscience Operations Team and is responsible for preparing and executing exploration, appraisal, and development wells from Murphy's global portfolio.
The Operations Geoscientist will have a proven track record of wellsite operations across a variety of global basins and petroleum systems, with expertise in the deepwater Gulf of America. The successful candidate will provide operational monitoring and wellsite data delivery for both operated and non-operated drilling projects, working closely with asset teams and various vendors in project planning and execution. The role is responsible for all aspects of well planning and execution from Shallow Hazards Analysis to final Regulatory data delivery.
The ideal candidate will have extensive experience with wellsite operations, including an understanding of wellsite geologist responsibilities, mudlogging workflows, LWD and wireline tools and data, real-time data monitoring platforms, and well permitting requirements.
A broader understanding of the well planning and execution workflow, including prospect maturation, well location selection, geoscience evaluation requirements, drilling limitations, and vendor capabilities are also advantageous.
The successful candidate will be a self-starter with a collaborative, team-first mindset who is comfortable managing multiple concurrent well activities in a fast-paced operating environment. Strong communication skills and the ability to effectively engage with multidisciplinary teams and external vendors are critical.
This position is based in Murphy's Houston corporate office and offers a hybrid work schedule, with the opportunity to work remotely up to two days per week.
Responsibilities
  • Coordinates Shallow Hazard Analysis projects and resulting Regulatory filings
  • Works with the Exploration/Development Team and the Drilling Team to develop well-specific data acquisition plan to deliver well objectives, including:
    • Logging suites (LWD / wireline)
    • Pressure surveys (MDT, RFT, etc.)
    • Fluid samples
    • Cuttings sampling (including Biostratigraphic and Geochemical subsets)
    • Core (whole/rotary)
  • Manages third party subsurface vendors, including wireline engineers, mud loggers, wellsite geologists, and wellsite paleontologists
  • Generates daily internal progress reports highlighting operations, cost, and timing
  • Communicates with partners daily during well operations
  • Ensures all physical samples are appropriately prepared and sent to contractors for further analysis or storage
  • Prepares geological end-of-well reports
  • Works with IT to ensure that geoscience well reports, composite logs, and other electronic and paper data are captured within the company data system

Qualifications/Requirements
  • Bachelor's Degree in Geology/Geophysics or related field
  • Minimum 7 years' experience in offshore exploration & development operations in deepwater GoA or international projects with an offshore E&P operator
  • Expert understanding of mudlogging and wellsite geology workflows
  • Proficiency in LWD and wireline data acquisition is required
  • Proficiency in prospect maturation and shallow hazard analysis are beneficial
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills are critical

Preferred Qualifications
  • Masters degree in Geology, Geophysics or other relevant Earth Science discipline
  • 10 years or more experience in oil and gas exploration and development operations preferred

The individual is required to follow all applicable safety precautions. Work is performed almost entirely in a controlled (i.e., inside) environment and does not typically subject the incumbent to any hazardous/extreme elements; some positions may require regularly moving or transporting items weighing up to 25 lbs. around the office for various needs. The successful candidate must be able to complete all essential physical requirements of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.
#LI-Hybrid
PURPOSE
We believe in providing energy that empowers people.
MISSION
We challenge the norm, tap into our strong legacy and use our foresight and financial discipline to deliver inspired energy solutions.
VISION
We see a future where we are an industry leader who is positively impacting lives for the next 100 years and beyond.
VALUES & BEHAVIORS
Do Right Always
  • Respect people, safety, environment and the law
  • Follow through on commitments
  • Make it better

Think Beyond Possible
  • Offer solution
  • Step up and lead
  • Don't settle for "good enough"
  • Embrace new opportunities

Stay With It
  • Show resilience
  • Lean into challenges
  • Support each other
  • Consider the implications

Murphy Oil Corporation participates in the Department of Homeland Security U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services' E-Verify program. Please read the E-Verify Notice-English / E-Verify Notice-Spanish and Right to Work Notice before proceeding with your job application.
For additional information, you may also visit the USCIS website.
Murphy Oil Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, pregnancy, genetic information, disability, and status as a protected veteran, or any other category protected by federal, state or local laws.
EEO is the Law Poster
EEO is the Law Supplement

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