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Senior Exploration Geologist Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Coeur Mining

Exploration Geologist

Lovelock, NV · On-site

Reporting to the Senior Exploration Geologist, the Exploration Geologist will provide support for geologic mapping, geologic logging and exploration drilling program execution, both at the mine and ...

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Senior Exploration Geologist information

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$13.5K

$114K

$169.5K

How much do senior exploration geologist jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for senior exploration geologist in the United States is $114,022.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $92,500.00 and $137,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does a Senior Exploration Geologist do?

A Senior Exploration Geologist leads and manages geological exploration projects to identify and assess mineral or resource deposits. They analyze geological data, design exploration strategies, and oversee fieldwork, including drilling and sampling. In addition, they collaborate with other geoscientists, interpret results to determine resource potential, and ensure compliance with environmental and safety regulations. Senior Exploration Geologists often play a key role in decision-making for resource development and may supervise junior geologists.

What is the difference between Senior Exploration Geologist vs Exploration Geologist?

AspectSenior Exploration GeologistExploration Geologist
CredentialsBachelor's or Master's in Geology, extensive field experienceBachelor's or Master's in Geology or related field
Work EnvironmentFieldwork, project management, team leadershipFieldwork, data analysis, reporting
Industry UsageUsed in mining, oil & gas, mineral exploration companiesEntry to mid-level roles in similar industries
Search & Comparison IntentUnderstanding senior roles, career progressionEntry-level understanding, role responsibilities

Senior Exploration Geologists typically have more experience, leadership responsibilities, and advanced credentials compared to Exploration Geologists. They often oversee projects and mentor junior staff, whereas Exploration Geologists focus on fieldwork and data collection. Both roles are essential in mineral and energy exploration industries, but the senior position involves greater responsibility and expertise.

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

To thrive as a Senior Exploration Geologist, you need in-depth knowledge of geology, mineral deposit modeling, and field mapping, typically backed by an advanced degree in geology or earth sciences and several years of industry experience. Proficiency with GIS software, geological modeling tools like Leapfrog or Micromine, and familiarity with drilling and sampling techniques are crucial. Strong leadership, problem-solving, and communication skills set top performers apart, enabling effective team management and data interpretation. These competencies are essential for identifying viable resources, guiding exploration projects, and supporting strategic business decisions.

How does a Senior Exploration Geologist typically collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on mineral exploration projects?

A Senior Exploration Geologist regularly works alongside geophysicists, mining engineers, environmental scientists, and field technicians to design and execute exploration programs. They coordinate data collection, interpret geological findings, and communicate results to both technical and non-technical stakeholders. Effective collaboration ensures that exploration strategies align with project goals, budgets, and environmental regulations. As a senior member, the geologist often leads meetings, mentors junior staff, and integrates input from various disciplines to drive the project forward.
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What cities are hiring for Senior Exploration Geologist jobs? Cities with the most Senior Exploration Geologist job openings:
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Senior Exploration Geologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Senior Exploration Geologist job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 66% Full Time, 32% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 89% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 10% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $114,022 per year, or $54.8 per hour.

Senior Exploration Geologist

Alaska-Santos

Anchorage, AK

Full-time

Posted 8 days ago

Job description

The Pikka Unit represents one of the largest conventional oil discoveries in the United States in the past 30 years, with the Pikka Phase 1 Project marking the most significant North Slope development in over two decades. Additional upside is provided by discoveries at the Mitquq and Stirrup exploration wells drilled in 2020, together offering a clear and sustained growth pathway for Santos in Alaska.

Pikka Phase 1 is the flagship Nanushuk development in Alaska and the first in a series of planned projects. Early-phase technical excellence is essential, given the steep learning curve and the long-term impact of key development decisions. This is a pivotal period for the Alaska Business Unit, as we approach first oil from Pikka NDB, advance planning for Pikka NDC, Quokka, and Stirrup, and lay the groundwork for future growth through exploration efforts at Lagniappe and beyond.

Maintaining a lean organization while enabling long-term success requires highly capable personnel who are motivated, effectively deployed, and focused on value creation. The principal duties of the Senior Exploration Geologist is to mature exploration concepts, integrate all available subsurface information, proactively engage with technical peers and support business needs of the business unit.

Position Purpose

The Senior Exploration Geologist is a member of the Exploration & New Ventures Alaska Team and part of the Subsurface and Engineering organization. This role will be responsible for identification and characterization of plays and prospects within the Colville Basin on the North Slope of Alaska:

  • Generate value through application of sound scientific principles to identify and high-grade exploration and appraisal opportunities
  • Mature play and prospect portfolio through detailed mapping, depositional framework development, risk description and volumetric assessment
  • Integrate 2D and 3D seismic data with well and other subsurface information (regional and prospect specific; structural and stratigraphic)
  • Develop and apply stratigraphic concepts to refine the subsurface description

Formal Qualifications

  • Master's Degree or higher in geology

Skills/Technical Competencies

Mandatory:

  • Naturally inquisitive with high work ethic
  • Proven exploration experience in multiple geologic settings
  • Proficient in gross depositional environment mapping
  • Proficient regional and prospect mapper
  • High competency in Petrel / Studio software
  • Experience with shallow and deep marine depositional systems
  • A team player with a positive attitude and a 'customer service' approach to assisting others
  • Self-motivated with excellent time-keeping and organisational skills
  • High personal standards for technical analysis and impeccable attention to detail

Desired:

  • Experience across the spectrum of geologic scenarios
  • Proficient in applying seismic stratigraphic concepts
  • Competent in whole core description and integration
  • Field development experience

Experience

  • 15+ years' experience as a geologist specifically in the exploration & reservoir development disciplines

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