Petroleum Operations Geologist

Fueling the Future: Exploring the Role of Petroleum Geologists – JobGuppy

Adam Damman – Operations Geologist in the Petroleum Industry

Summary:
Adam shares his experience as a Petroleum Geologist, what he does day-to-day, and how he got where he is.  We also discuss college programs and the pros and cons of different levels of education.  And what it means to be different kinds of Petroleum Geologists and what Adam recommends for someone just getting started.  Adam goes on to talk about his ups-and-downs, likes and dislikes, and also shares his insight on the topic of income and salary and how to manage the good times and bad times.

Adam’s Bio:
– B.S. in Geology, 09′ ,Baylor University with Academic Honors
– M.S. in Geology, 11′, Baylor University – Senior Geologist with 10 years Oil & Gas Industry Experience
– 3 years Environmental Industry Experience – Specialization in modern and ancient Coral reef ecology, oceanography, invertebrate paleontology
– M.S. Thesis ” A Comparison of the Cretaceous (Albian) Edwards Limestone Bioherms of Central Texas with the Holocene Coral Reefs of Bermuda”

Career advice: Adam recommends starting one’s career in the Operational role because it gives you an overview of the other roles too. The Developmental role is better for someone who already has a good depth of understanding. Learn to trust yourself, take a chill pill, get away from your desk, talk to people, and build relationships.

Education level required:

  • A Bachelor’s degree is primarily required at a minimum. 
  • A Master’s Degree is mostly required these days. 
  • A PhD needs to be weighed against the desired job function one is looking to serve.  It can work against you in some job roles.

Specific college programs referenced in the conversation:

Income and Salary:

Mostly based on experience.
Out of college you may expect $90k-$110k.
As a Sr Geologist maybe $140k-$190k as salary plus good bonuses.
Smaller companies may offer equity in lieu of large bonuses.

Different kinds of Petroleum Geologists roles and titles:

  • Petroleum Operational Geologist:
    Helps geo-steering wells. Works with the drilling well real time.
  • Petroleum Development Geologist role:
    Works with optimizing the well with well spacing, location, and different land issues.
  • Petroleum Regional Geologist:
    Zoomed out view ot find more general areas for extraction.
  • Mudlogger:
    Works at the drilling site collecting soil samples from the drilling activity.

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