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Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geoscience, Geological Engineering, Petroleum Engineering, or a related technical field. * Experience with Petrel or comparable geological interpretation and modeling ...

Applies geoscience principles to solve problems and builds technical business knowledge * Evaluates ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Data Analytics, Petroleum Engineering, Earth Sciences, or ...

Applies geoscience principles to solve problems and builds technical business knowledge * Evaluates ... Bachelor's degree in Geology, Geophysics, Data Analytics, Petroleum Engineering, Earth Sciences, or ...

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Petroleum Geoscience information

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$46K

$88.3K

$142.5K

How much do petroleum geoscience jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for petroleum geoscience in the United States is $88,266.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $53,500.00 and $128,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Do petroleum geologists make good money?

Petroleum geologists typically earn competitive salaries that vary by experience, location, and employer, with median annual wages often exceeding national averages for related fields. They may also receive benefits such as bonuses and allowances, especially in the oil and gas industry, which values technical expertise and fieldwork skills.

How much do geologists on oil rigs make?

Petroleum geologists working on oil rigs typically earn between $70,000 and $150,000 annually, depending on experience, location, and the complexity of the project. They often work in remote environments for extended periods and may require specialized certifications and knowledge of subsurface analysis tools.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Petroleum Geoscience position, and why are they important?

To excel in Petroleum Geoscience, a solid background in geology, geophysics, and earth sciences is essential, usually supported by a relevant degree such as geology or geoscience. Familiarity with industry-standard software for seismic interpretation, reservoir modeling, and geographic information systems (GIS) is highly valuable, and certifications like Professional Geologist (PG) can enhance credibility. Strong analytical thinking, attention to detail, teamwork, and effective communication are soft skills that distinguish top performers in this field. These abilities are crucial for accurate subsurface evaluations, facilitating collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, and making informed decisions that impact exploration and production outcomes.

Are petroleum geologists in demand?

Petroleum geologists are in demand in the oil and gas industry, especially in regions with active exploration and production. Employment opportunities depend on market conditions, commodity prices, and technological advancements such as seismic imaging and drilling techniques.

What does a typical day look like for a professional working in Petroleum Geoscience?

A typical day in Petroleum Geoscience involves analyzing geological and seismic data to assess subsurface structures, preparing reports and presentations of findings, and working closely with engineers, drilling teams, and project managers. You may spend time both in the office using specialized interpretation software and, occasionally, in the field collecting samples or overseeing drilling operations. Collaboration and regular meetings are common as project teams work together to evaluate potential hydrocarbon reservoirs and minimize exploration risks. This dynamic environment offers a combination of technical challenges and teamwork, helping ensure efficient resource exploration and development.

What does a petroleum geoscientist do?

A petroleum geoscientist analyzes geological data to locate and evaluate underground oil and gas reservoirs. They use tools like seismic imaging, core samples, and geological modeling to assess resource potential and guide drilling decisions, often working with multidisciplinary teams in exploration and production environments.

What is a Petroleum Geoscience job?

A Petroleum Geoscience job involves studying the Earth's subsurface to locate and evaluate oil and gas resources. Professionals in this field use geological, geophysical, and geochemical techniques to analyze rock formations and reservoir potential. They work closely with engineers and energy companies to optimize extraction and production. Roles may include exploration geologist, seismic interpreter, or reservoir geoscientist. The job often requires fieldwork, data analysis, and the use of advanced software for modeling subsurface structures.

More about Petroleum Geoscience jobs
Infographic showing various Petroleum Geoscience job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Internship, 3% As Needed, 78% Full Time, 10% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 7% Nights. Highlights an 80% Physical, 10% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $88,266 per year, or $42.4 per hour.
Senior Staff Exploration Geologist - New Ventures

Senior Staff Exploration Geologist - New Ventures

Continental Resources, Inc.

Oklahoma City, OK • On-site

Full-time

This job post has expired 1 day ago. Applications are no longer accepted.


Job description

Job Summary
Continental Resources is seeking a Senior Staff New Ventures Geoscientist to evaluate new venture opportunities, develop new play concepts, and support our commercially focused exploration strategy through integrated subsurface interpretation and analysis.
You will integrate regional geology with well data (logs, core, cuttings, and production where available), geophysics, and applied conventional and unconventional petrophysics to build play evaluations, generate prospects, and design testing programs that de-risk opportunities and support investment decisions.
Work products are used closely with Land and Business Development to support entry strategy, acreage capture, and deal decisions. The work is fast-paced and team-based, with tight timelines and frequent decision points. In this Senior Staff role, you provide technical leadership on key evaluations and mentor developing geoscientists through fit-for-purpose, integrated workflows.
Duties and Responsibilities
  • Lead prospect generation, evaluation, and maturation of new venture opportunities using integrated geological analysis, well log interpretation, applied petrophysics, geochemistry, and geophysical mapping to define play fairways and prospect risk.
  • Develop basin-to-prospect interpretations by integrating stratigraphic/structural frameworks with well data (logs, core, cuttings) and 2D/3D seismic mapping to constrain structure, stratigraphy, thickness trends, and fairway geometry.
  • Integrate conventional and unconventional petrophysics (core-log relationships, pay definition, fluid/rock effects, and rock property trends) into mapping, volumetrics, and uncertainty framing; ensure interpretations are consistent across wells, seismic, and analogs.
  • Develop integrated subsurface models and risk assessments that link tectono-stratigraphic evolution, charge and migration, reservoir and seal effectiveness, and trap timing, document assumptions, key uncertainties, and value drivers.
  • Partner with Land and Business Development to deliver clear, decision-ready evaluations that inform entry strategy, acreage capture, and deal decisions.
  • Provide technical input to exploration well planning (log suites, coring, testing, and sampling plans) and subsurface data strategies (seismic acquisition/reprocessing and mapping workflows as needed); capture post-drill learnings to improve prospect ranking.
  • Mentor developing geoscientists through technical coaching, peer reviews, and sharing best practices for integrated interpretation, uncertainty tracking, and concise technical communication.
  • Stay current on emerging exploration technologies and contribute to external technical engagements with partners and service providers as needed.
  • Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Competencies
  • Integrated Interpretation - Integrates geology, geophysics, petrophysics, and geochemistry into clear play and prospect models.
  • Geological Analysis - Advanced stratigraphic and structural interpretation; translates regional context into testable play and prospect concepts.
  • Well Log Interpretation & Petrophysics - Interprets open-hole logs and integrates core/cuttings and production with applied conventional and unconventional petrophysics.
  • Applied Geophysical Mapping - Proficient 2D/3D seismic structural and stratigraphic mapping.
  • Petroleum Systems & Play Risking - Applied knowledge of source rock, charge/migration, timing, trap/seal, and scenario-based risking.
  • Reservoir Characterization - Rock properties, petrophysics, and analogs to assess reservoir quality and distribution in conventional and unconventional settings.
  • Communication & Leadership - Clear, concise technical communication for senior technical audiences; effective facilitation of peer reviews and decision forums.
  • Collaboration - Works well across disciplines and turns inputs into recommendations.

Required Qualifications
  • Master's Degree in Geoscience or Earth Sciences from an accredited university (Ph.D. a plus).
  • Minimum of ten (10) years of exploration experience with demonstrated success in new ventures and/or play evaluation, prospect generation, and subsurface risk assessment.
  • Expertise in conventional and unconventional reservoirs, including play fairway mapping, prospect generation, and probabilistic resource assessments.
  • Proficiency in industry-standard geoscience software (e.g., Geographix, Petrel, Kingdom, ArcGIS, PaleoScan, etc.).
  • Strong capability in geological interpretation, well log analysis, and applied integration of conventional and unconventional petrophysical data.
  • Experience supporting exploration well planning and execution and performing post-drill technical evaluation and lessons-learned capture.
  • Understanding of and exposure to economic evaluation, value drivers, and risk-based framing to support exploration screening and deal decisions.
  • An acceptable pre-employment background and drug test.

Preferred Qualifications
  • International and/or new ventures exploration experience, including prospect maturation and exploration & appraisal program support.
  • Experience applying remote sensing, surface imaging, or geospatial datasets as a complementary input to basin screening and integrated exploration workflows.
  • Awareness of, and experience applying, AI-assisted workflows and emerging technologies to improve interpretation efficiency, and general AI literacy.
  • Demonstrated ability to integrate structural geology, tectonic evolution, and basin-scale geodynamic frameworks into exploration strategies.
  • Curious, keeps learning, and looks for better ways to evaluate plays and prospects.
  • Positive, practical, and collaborative in high-uncertainty exploration work.
  • Quantitative Interpretation - Exposure to rock physics/AVO and seismic inversion concepts.
  • Professional proficiency in one or more languages in addition to English.
  • Experience working with partners in international, JV, or PSC settings, including technical assurance and stakeholder communication.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions
  • Requires prolonged sitting, some bending and stooping.
  • Occasional lifting up to 25 pounds.
  • Manual dexterity sufficient to operate a computer keyboard and calculator.

Continental Resources, Inc. provides equal employment and affirmative action opportunities to applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions), age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, or disability.