Seismic interpreter : Employers and vacancy sources

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.

Sources of vacancies

• EarthscienceJOBS
• EarthscienceJOBS
• Earthworks Jobs
• Geoscientist
• Oil Careers
• national press
• careers service vacancy lists

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.

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