What are the responsibilities and job description for the Development Geologist position at Riley Exploration Permian, Inc.?
Position Summary
The Development Geologist supports operated asset development through integrated subsurface interpretation and drilling and completion execution to optimize field development plans and well performance. This role focuses on horizontal well planning, operational geology, and reservoir characterization, working closely with drilling, completions, reservoir engineering, land, and operations teams. The Development Geologist delivers practical, decision‑ready geological interpretations that guide landing zone selection, spacing and sequencing strategies, and continuous improvement across the development lifecycle.
Responsibilities
The Development Geologist supports operated asset development through integrated subsurface interpretation and drilling and completion execution to optimize field development plans and well performance. This role focuses on horizontal well planning, operational geology, and reservoir characterization, working closely with drilling, completions, reservoir engineering, land, and operations teams. The Development Geologist delivers practical, decision‑ready geological interpretations that guide landing zone selection, spacing and sequencing strategies, and continuous improvement across the development lifecycle.
Responsibilities
- Perform integrated geological interpretation using well logs, cuttings, core, drilling data, and production results to characterize reservoir quality and development risk
- Build and maintain structure, isopach, and attribute maps and cross‑sections to support horizontal well planning and field development decisions
- Identify optimal landing zones and lateral targets through detailed analysis of offset wells and subsurface trends
- Develop pre‑spud geological prognoses, targets, and hazard assessments to support drilling execution
- Provide operations geology support, including coordination with geosteering vendors and real‑time interpretation to ensure accurate wellbore placement
- Integrate mud log data, LWD/MWD responses, and drilling observations to refine interpretations during drilling
- Conduct post‑well evaluations and lookbacks to incorporate drilling results and performance learnings into future development plans
- Support spacing, stacking, and sequencing decisions through analysis of reservoir performance and offset well interference
- Collaborate with drilling, completions, reservoir engineering, and land teams to align geologic interpretation with development objectives
- Maintain high‑quality geological datasets, including tops, correlations, and mapping products, ensuring consistency across the asset team
- Prepare clear maps, technical summaries, and recommendations for internal reviews and multidisciplinary discussions
- Any duties as requested or required
- Demonstrated experience with horizontal well planning and operations geology workflows
- Proficiency with Geographix for mapping, correlation, and subsurface interpretation
- Working knowledge of StarSteer (or equivalent) for geosteering support and well planning
- Strong understanding of drilling data, mud logs, and LWD/MWD responses
- Ability to communicate effectively with engineering, operations, and multidisciplinary teams
- Strong organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities in an active development environment
- Bachelor’s degree in Geology, Geoscience, or Earth Science required; Master’s degree preferred
- 5 years of experience in operations and development geology in the oil and gas industry