Seismic interpreter
Seismic interpreters work from surveys which involve sending pulses of sound energy down through layers of rock beneath the earth's surface. The energy which bounces back is recorded. Seismic reflections come back in different strengths, according to whether the subsurface material is sand, shells, water, oil, etc. Acquired data is then processed by seismic data processors and sent to seismic interpreters for analysis.
Seismic interpreters combine the use of 2D, 3D and 4D models with their geological knowledge to calculate the depth and outline of underground formations in order to make estimates of mineral or carbon deposits. These are used by energy or minerals extraction companies or to inform environmental assessments or geological research if working in other settings.
Tasks typically involve:
Salary figures are intended as a guide only.
A good honours degree is essential and relevant subjects include physical, mathematical and applied science. In particular, the following subjects may improve your chances:
It is not possible to enter this profession directly from an HND or without a degree.
Although it is sometimes possible to enter the role with a first degree, many companies only consider applicants who have a postgraduate qualification in a specialised subject, such as geoscience or petroleum geology. The Geological Society lists university departments in the UK and abroad which offer other relevant courses. You should apply by the preceding Easter for postgraduate courses that begin in the autumn. Look for companies which have links with the universities you are considering, as some of the large energy companies head hunt students from the courses and may offer sponsorship for Masters and Doctorate programmes.
Intensity of competition for entry varies according to the world oil market and the international situation, but this does not lead to a relaxation in entry standards in relation to degree subject or class. The selection process may be rigorous and is likely to consist of a mix of technical and management interviews.
It is not necessary to have pre-entry experience, but any vacation work or other experience in the industry is useful. The Geological Society lists organisations that offer vacation opportunities to undergraduates. The work may be largely technical, but candidates need to show evidence of the following general competencies:
A number of the major oil and petroleum companies, including BP and Shell, offer summer and one-year internships.
To help gain employment you may build up your awareness of the industry by joining relevant societies and reading the broadsheets and industry publications. Details of career days which may be relevant are on the Geological Society's website. Also, regularly check the websites of key players to keep up to date with information on latest developments and take out student membership of the Petroleum Exploration Society of Great Britain (PESGB) to receive their monthly newsletter.
The number of jobs depends on the demand for oil. Other economic factors, for example high exploration costs, will also have an effect on the number of jobs available.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
The industry depends on new technical and computing programmes and the expertise of its professional staff, and therefore invests heavily in training employees at every stage of their working lives.
Training covers specific technical subjects to keep employees up to date with new advancements in software and other technologies. However, the computer systems used by seismic interpreters in the hydrocarbon business are so expensive and are developing so quickly, that even well-funded university departments cannot generally afford to keep all their facilities cutting edge. Initially, new entrants learn how the interpretation software works then build up their experience of applying geological knowledge to build interpretations ‘on the job’. More generic areas are also covered in training such as contract management and general business skills, which help in liaising with employees from commercial and other disciplines. Industry conferences are also a major channel for the dissemination of current issues and developments in the field.
Training is usually tailored to the individual so there are no standard courses which employees are always placed on. Companies also differ in their approach to training, with some having their own training centres while others use external courses, or a mixture of both. Employees usually have an annual appraisal in which, if they feel they have a specific training need, they may put in a request for training in that area. In some companies new employees are also assigned a mentor, an experienced professional who can offer continued support and advice.
Career direction and development begins as soon as you join a company. Many companies do not recruit people directly into seismic interpreter, field seismologist or petroleum engineer roles. Not only is there some interchange between different job titles, but some companies recruit people who have suitable qualifications, IT skills and potential, and then assess where their skills will be best used through the initial on-the-job training. Your career path may depend on whether you enter the field from a geology background or a geophysics background. Working on different exploration and production projects in varied locations will increase your professional expertise and the ability to deal with new and unforeseen problems. It may also clarify your personal preference and interest in the exploration or production aspects of the business.
Seismic interpreters may move into more senior positions, initially on the interpretation side, but with management and training responsibility for other staff. There is no single career path that typifies progress in every company, but a move up might be to asset manager and then to exploration manager.
It is possible to move into more senior positions within a company, but this is likely to mean a move away from geosciences and into another area, for example business, production or systems management. It is also possible to use seismic interpretation skills outside the oil sector in areas such as hydrology, mining or contaminants measurement.
The most significant employers in terms of the numbers they recruit and the training they offer are the large, international companies involved in the exploration, extraction and production business, or their various contractors and sub-contractors. They are likely to have offices throughout the world and work on several projects onshore and offshore at a range of locations around the globe. Companies that use shallow marine seismic data for engineering applications, such as cable laying and offshore construction, also recruit a number of seismic interpreters.
There are occasional opportunities for seismic interpreters to work within the public sector for organisations such as the British Geological Survey (BGS) , where the emphasis is on interpreting data from a wide range of geological structures. Environmental consultants form another smaller group of employers. They employ seismic interpreters and other geophysical specialists to ascertain distributions of hydrocarbons in order to assess the environmental impact of exploration and extraction.
Recruitment and training patterns, as well as job titles, vary from company to company, so you will need to follow up vacancy and recruitment information carefully to find out what each employer is really offering. There is a more general picture of employment trends on the Geological Society website.
After initial entry, it is likely that you will use contacts, conferences and personal experience to network your way to job opportunities. The Geologist's Directory Online is a good source of contact information.
Some companies visit university and professional careers events and the Geological Society runs occasional careers fairs.
There are recruitment agencies that specialise in finding work for professionals in the energy sector. Visit the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) website for details.
Get tips on job hunting, CVs and covering letters and interviews.
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