Senior Development Geologist

Position Purpose
The Senior Development Geologist is a key member of the Reservoir Development Team that is primarily tasked with the development of the Pikka Unit on the North Slope of Alaska. The Pikka Unit, which is located adjacent to several giant producing oil fields, was discovered in 2013. To date, 21 exploration and appraisal wells have been drilled in the unit area, which, combined with full coverage of 3D seismic data, have delineated a giant oil resource. The company expects that the phased development will target approximately 700+ million barrels of oil in the field, with first production anticipated in 2026 and plateau production rates of 80,000 barrels per day (gross). Currently, six wells have been drilled and completed within this first phase of development.
Reporting to the Geoscience Manager the Senior Development Geologist will have primary responsibility for the characterization of the geological understanding of the Pikka Unit and the delivery of new wells as well as subsequent projects that are developed by the company. The role requires collaborative work integration with the Subsurface and Drilling and Operations Geology Teams to deliver the optimal development of the Alaska Business Unit’s assets.
Key Accountabilities and Responsibilities
Ensure compliance with OSL’s HSES policies and standards in all activities.
Well Planning & Execution: Prioritize geological, geophysical, petrophysical and engineering data to ensure that all well objectives are achieved for development wells and future appraisal opportunities. Integrate development well results into KPI metrics & support well documentation practices
Project Delivery:

• Work as an integrated team member with geophysicists, petrophysicists, reservoir engineers, drilling and project engineers to develop an appropriate approach to reservoir characterization and depletion planning to determine optimal well placement and recovery strategy throughout each phase of the field life cycle.

Reservoir characterization:

• Provide geologic descriptions and interpretations of core, log, plug, pressure and seismic data for fully integrated 3D models that align with seismic sequence stratigraphic principles, depositional and sedimentologic lithofacies models, regional and global analogues, and implications for resource distribution, compartmentalization and connectivity.

Static reservoir modelling & Uncertainty Description:

• Provide geologic inputs & support for the development and maintenance of fit-for-purpose, defendable static 3D reservoir models. Characterize and quantify factors that contribute to reservoir uncertainty, using both deterministic and probabilistic 2D and 3D methods. Incorporate Santos established integrated subsurface workflows (as appropriate) to develop and support the models.

Documentation:

• Provide advanced input into multiple phases of field development plans and schedules (e.g. documentation, well count, data acquisition plans etc.). Support pre and post drill well documentation for permitting, agency approval and data archive library.

Studies:

• Design, plan, and execute geological studies and technical workshops to include the identification of new data or emerging technologies where appropriate.

Data Management:

• Help to build and maintain accurate and comprehensive databases gathered in conjunction with other Reservoir Development Team members.

Qualifications, Skills, and Experience

• Minimum Bachelor’s degree in Geology/Geoscience or related discipline. U.S. Candidate Master’s degree required.
• Operational experience of well planning, drilling and well-site operations
• knowledge of petrophysics and formation evaluation; experience in well log and core interpretation along with the integration of seismic interpretation and geologic mapping.
• Experience with seismic stratigraphy, depositional and petroleum systems.
• Detailed knowledge of development and production geoscience methods with a proven track record of successful projects with geoscience integration for 3D geologic model construction;
• Basic understanding of reservoir engineering fundamental principles and methodologies. 
• Experience in predicting and mapping facies distribution for reservoir characterization and geocellular/static and modelling, including multi-deterministic and 3D probabilistic uncertainty analysis, using Petrel, integrating all relevant structural, reservoir property distribution and fluid characteristics.
• The ability to characterize and succinctly articulate the subsurface issues and make recommendations to other relevant disciplines and management as required.
• Ability to work independently, but also work effectively within a multi-discipline team environment to develop clear, business-focused recommendations and appropriate work programs.
• Up to date working knowledge of technical software including Petrel, other relevant analytical tools, and Microsoft Office.
• Familiarity with hydrocarbon resources estimation and reporting.
• Clear and concise written and oral communication skills. Ability to build consensus across the organization and create and give professional internal and external presentations to multiple disciplinary audiences.
• Approximately 10-25 years of oil and gas industry experience, with a significant proportion of this time having been spent in role with operational, production and development responsibilities. Additional experience in exploration and field appraisal considered beneficial.
• Ideally, candidates should have experience of working on Alaskan field development projects, preferably with an operator.