Wellsite geologist
Wellsite geologists study rock cuttings from oil and gas wells to determine what rock formations are being drilled into and how drilling should proceed. They identify critical strata from core samples and rock-cutting data and build up knowledge of the structure being drilled.
They are experienced geologists, deciding when specialised tests should be carried out and, ultimately, when to stop drilling. They send reports and logs of completed drilling to the operations geologist and offer geological advice to oil company representatives. They incorporate health and safety requirements in daily geological operations.
Wellsite geologists also liaise with drilling engineers, petroleum engineers and mudloggers during the course of projects.
The work is based entirely on a rig and usually involves the following:
An honours degree in geology or other earth science containing a substantial amount of geology is normally required. Joint degrees with geology, including sedimentology, are acceptable. Entry may also be possible with one of the following subjects:
Entry with an HND only or without a degree is unusual. An MSc in geology can be helpful.
This is not generally a first graduate appointment and at least two years' experience as a mudlogger or logging geologist is usually required, though at least five years is more normal. Experience with an MWD (measuring while drilling) company is also useful.
Potential candidates will need to show evidence of the following:
Competition for posts changes depending on the state of the market. Oil and gas production slowed during 2011 due to a number of factors, including maintenance and infrastructure issues. However, it is anticipated production will soon return to usual levels and the job market remains relatively buoyant.
A current driving licence is important since much of the work is on remote sites. Good colour vision is also required.
All rig personnel, including wellsite geologists, are required to pass several tests of physical fitness and survival. Offshore fire qualifications are normally required.
For more information, see work experience and internships and search courses and research.
There is no formal wellsite geology qualification. Some mudlogging and consultancy companies offer training in certain aspects, such as wireline/formation evaluation, but others have ceased doing this, since they tend to lose staff to consultancy. As an independent consultant, you would be expected to put yourself through such courses at your own cost in order to keep your skills current.
A wellsite geologist will generally have undertaken training in a range of areas before beginning work, but regular updating will be required. These areas include:
Several of the geological services organisations that recruit staff also run training courses delivered at their premises or in-house at a company site or other venue. A range of courses are also offered by training providers such as Nautilus and HRH Geology .
Before securing a post as a wellsite geologist, you will have probably gained a minimum of two (but more likely about eight) years' experience as a mudlogger and/or MWD engineer (measuring while drilling). You may also have a relevant MSc and possibly direct experience of working as a geologist for an oil company.
As an independent consultant, you will be largely responsible for your own career development. The best way to maintain some continuity of work is to develop a good working relationship with one or two oil companies and become their preferred contractor or one or more of the geological services organisations that provide staff to oil companies.
Professional accreditation is not currently an issue but may be required in the future as part of competency assurance. Graduates considering wellsite geology should aim for chartered geologist (CGeol) status, which can be applied for through the Geological Society upon gaining at least five years' experience.
Some wellsite geologists go on to become operations geologists for oil companies, which may be on a long-term contract requiring relocation or on a rotating contract. Others may undertake further training (usually self-funded) and become petrophysicists or reservoir engineers for oil companies.
Very few people in this role work directly for oil or gas companies; most are employed on a contracting basis for specialist consultancies who supply wellsite geologists as and when required.
The companies that specialise in geological services are small to medium-sized. These provide most opportunities for wellsite geologists. Other companies may offer wellsite geology as another service alongside drilling services. They mainly employ independent consultants on a daily rate, so wellsite geologists are actually self-employed and, therefore, responsible for meeting their own training and insurance costs.
The major consultancy groups tend to recruit regionally. For example, Canadians do most wellsite geology in Canada, and British geologists do most wellsite geology in the UK. However, this is a global industry and many UK wellsite geologists seek positions abroad where conditions may be more primitive but rates are still reasonably high. Many contracts are short term but well paid. Longer term contracts can give more security but are often less well paid. The exploration and extraction business is worldwide and thus British nationals compete with those from other countries.
Recruitment agencies are not widely used, but check out appropriate agencies via the Recruitment and Employment Confederation (REC) .
In good years, the main specialist companies welcome speculative applications. However, most wellsite geologists are recruited by recommendation from others.
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