Senior to Lead Geologist

POSITION SUMMARY

The Senior to Lead Geologist reports to the Director – Geology and Geophysics from our Houston office. This role leads basin-scale subsurface evaluations and interpretations across the Permian Basin and establishes the technical foundation for analytical models that guide development strategies, identify upside potential, and define long-term growth priorities. Leveraging newly acquired 3D seismic, this position spearheads opportunity evaluation and prospect generation, ensuring that high-quality geoscience insights directly inform both near-term and strategic decision-making.

The Senior to Lead Geologist also supports ongoing A&D initiatives through rigorous technical assessments and opportunity advancement. Additionally, this position will provide mentorship and technical guidance to colleagues by applying extensive professional experience to strengthen team capabilities and assisting the Director of Geology & Geophysics with project oversight.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead technical evaluation and recommendation of development, exploration, acquisition, and divestiture opportunities, providing strategic guidance to executive leadership on asset value, risk, and growth potential.
• Serve as a key advisor to senior leadership by integrating geoscience insights with business objectives to influence capital allocation, development planning, and long-range corporate strategy.
• Establish and drive geological standards, best practices, and technical workflows across the organization to ensure consistency, quality, and continuous improvement.
• Lead multidisciplinary teams in identifying, maturing, and prioritizing drilling and development opportunities that support corporate production and reserve growth targets.
• Evaluate subsurface risks and uncertainties and provide strategic recommendations to optimize investment decisions and portfolio performance.
• Represent the Geology & Geophysics function in strategic planning sessions, reserves discussions, A&D evaluations, and executive-level presentations.
• Influence organizational direction through the identification of emerging plays, technologies, and business opportunities that enhance competitive advantage and long-term value creation.
• Provide high‑level geological and geophysical support including subsurface analysis, exploration, and development programs; while consistently delivering accurate, decision‑ready technical work with minimal oversight.
• Demonstrate advanced technical expertise in A&D focus areas, integrating cross‑basin knowledge to elevate evaluation quality and introduce innovative approaches to field, play, and asset development.
• Monitor emerging technologies, scientific research, and industry advancements, translating relevant insights into actionable recommendations that enhance organizational capability and technical competitiveness.
• Execute technical projects with disciplined rigor, ensuring that interpretations, workflows, and recommendations maintain geological integrity and clearly communicate economic implications.
• Lead technical staff in concept development, workflow refinement, and project optimization in support of continuous improvement across the department.
• Build and maintain respectful, productive working relationships across all work groups, fostering a culture of cooperation, shared accountability, and effective problem‑solving.

OTHER DUTIES

• Acts as a mentor, coach, and technical resource, helping to develop team technical talent.
• Foster a work environment that is consistent with the company’s Purpose, Vision & Core Values.
• Perform other duties and projects assigned to support the success of the department and company.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• None.

REQUIRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES 

• Proficient in Microsoft office applications, including outlook, word, excel, and PowerPoint.
• Experience working in either the eagle ford or Austin chalk formations is required, with experience in both formations strongly preferred.
• Operations geology experience, including supporting drilling activities and providing real-time geological interpretation.
• Demonstrated experience geosteering horizontal wells and making recommendations to optimize well placement during drilling operations.
• Ability to interpret subsurface geological and drilling data to support operational decision-making and maximize reservoir exposure.
• Knowledge of the San Miguel formation is required.
• Experience collaborating with drilling, completions, and multidisciplinary asset teams is preferred.
• Advanced proficiency in geographix and/or kingdom software.
• Highly accurate and meticulous, with the ability to synthesize complex datasets into meaningful insights that drive efficiency, identify opportunities, and create value.
• Strong business acumen with the ability to connect technical findings to commercial outcomes.
• Proven ability to execute projects with a high degree of technical rigor and professionalism.
• Innovative thinker with creative critical thinking skills and an ability to develop practical, outside-the-box solutions.
• Strong collaboration skills and the ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary teams.
• Initiative-taking, highly organized, and able to perform effectively under pressure while managing multiple priorities.
• Strong capability to integrate geological, geophysical, petrophysical, engineering, and geochemical data for reservoir characterization, exploration, and prospect development.
• Proficiency in horizontal well planning, development workflows, and geosteering practices.
• Demonstrated passion for and expertise in exploring and developing unconventional reservoir opportunities.
• Ability to work independently with varying levels of direction and supervision.
• High level of professional integrity, accountability, and ownership of work products.
• Comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Adaptable and flexible in responding to changing priorities within a growing organization.

REQUIRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• M.S. Geology or equivalent relevant experience.
• Minimum of seven years of progressively responsible experience in Oil & Gas Exploration and Production.

REQUIRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES 

• None.

PREFERRED KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES

• Seismic interpretation.
• Solid petrophysical experience.
• Leadership and mentoring experience.
• Successfully work and learn independently with minimal direction.
• Self‑starter comfortable operating in a fast‑paced, dynamic environment.
• Manage multiple concurrent projects, timelines, and stakeholders.
• Comfortable in a small‑company, hands‑on environment, producing one’s own analyses and reports as needed.

PREFERRED EDUCATION AND QUALIFICATIONS

• 8-10 years relevant oil and gas upstream experience.

PREFERRED CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENSES 

• None.

POSITION SCOPE & IMPACT

• Individual contributor with impact on department and company.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Work in a climate-controlled office and routinely use standard office equipment.

TRAVEL

• Up to 10%, as business requires.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS 

The minimum job requirements posted are for a Senior Geologist.  A candidate will be hired into the appropriate level based upon their experience, skills and qualifications.

We offer a comprehensive benefit package including generous PTO, 401k match and discretionary profit sharing, tuition assistance, professional development, and eligibility for short term incentive program.  Additionally, eligible employees may enroll in health, dental, vision and life insurance on their first day of employment and elect from several voluntary group benefits.  This position is eligible for a hybrid work schedule.  As an employee you have the opportunity to make a difference in a company where your position is critical to project success!

It has been and will continue to be the policy of Jonah Energy LLC not to discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment because of their race, color, religion, national origin, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, veteran status, disability, or other legally protected status.  Employment is contingent upon successful completion of pre-employment screenings.

Salary : $151,000 - $196,000