Wellsite geologist

Wellsite geologists monitor and interpret geological data during drilling to make sure oil and gas wells are drilled safely and meet project objectives

As a wellsite geologist, you'll examine and classify rock cuttings from oil and gas wells to guide decisions about how drilling should start and progress. You'll use specialist tests, core samples and real-time drilling data to build up knowledge of the rock structure being drilled.

With experience, you'll decide when tests should be carried out and when drilling should stop. You’ll prepare reports and logs for the operations geologist, advise company representatives on site, and ensure health and safety standards are met in daily operations.

You'll liaise with drilling engineers, petroleum engineers and mudloggers during the course of projects.

Responsibilities

As a wellsite geologist, you'll need to:

• evaluate offset data before drilling begins
• analyse and describe formations while drilling, using information from cuttings, gas, measuring while drilling (MWD) and logging while drilling (LWD) tools, and wireline logs
• compare drilling data with predictions made during exploration
• identify and advise on drilling hazards and suggest ways to optimise drilling performance
• make decisions about suspending or continuing drilling
• advise operations personnel on site and in the office
• attend rig meetings after each shift and update the operations geologist
• act as the representative of the onshore geology team
• supervise mudlogging, MWD, LWD, core logging and wireline services teams, ensuring quality control
• keep detailed records and complete daily, weekly and post-well reporting logs
• keep up to date with MWD tools such as gamma ray and resistivity, as geosteering is increasingly important
• communicate regularly with onshore operations offices
• take the lead on health and safety at the wellsite.

Salary

• Most wellsite geologists work as contractors and are paid a day rate rather than an annual salary.
• Rates vary depending on the employer, location and your experience.
• Entry-level day rates are usually around £350 to £450. With significant experience, you could earn £800 to £1,000 per day.

Bonuses and allowances may increase overall pay. Always check with employers for details of remuneration packages.

Income figures are intended as a guide only.

Working hours

Your working hours depend on drilling activity. Most wellsite geologists work between 50 and 200 days a year, with around 150 being average.

Shifts are long, typically 12 to 16 hours, and often run for two weeks at a time, followed by two to three weeks’ rest onshore.

What to expect

• You'll work on offshore rigs, often in challenging conditions that can be dirty, noisy and exposed to harsh weather.
• Most wellsite geologists are self-employed consultants. Opportunities exist on North Sea rigs and in locations worldwide, including remote and hard-to-reach sites.
• Modern rigs generally offer good living conditions, including meals, laundry and leisure facilities.
• You'll live in close quarters with others, usually sharing a bedroom.
• Women remain under-represented in this area of work. The shift patterns mean extended time away from home, which can disrupt your personal life.

Qualifications

You'll usually need a degree in geology or in another earth science that contains a substantial amount of geology to become a wellsite geologist. Joint degrees with geology, such as geology and sedimentology, are also suitable.

Entry may also be possible with:

• applied physics
• chemistry
• geochemistry
• geophysics or geotechnology
• mineral or mining engineering
• physics.

A relevant Masters, for example in geology, geophysics or engineering, can improve your chances.

Search postgraduate courses in geology.

Hands-on field experience is essential. Many geologists work as mudloggers or logging geologists (for up to two years) before progressing into a wellsite geologist role. Experience with an MWD company is also valued.

Competition for roles depends on the state of the oil and gas market.

Skills

You'll need to have:

• strong oral and written communication skills
• the ability to work independently and as part of a team
• analytical and critical thinking skills
• confidence in making decisions and giving professional opinions
• the ability to evaluate complex data at any time, day or night
• understanding of well activity and its implications
• cultural awareness and adaptability when working with international teams
• leadership and supervisory ability
• practical and technical skills for handling specialist equipment
• strong maths and scientific analysis skills
• resilience and the ability to work under pressure
• competence with IT and industry-specific software
• the ability to live and work harmoniously with others in close quarters.

Foreign language skills are useful for working in international teams.

All offshore staff must pass physical fitness and survival tests, including offshore fire and safety training.

Work experience

It's unlikely you'll move straight into a wellsite geologist role from university. Most people begin as a mudlogger, then progress to data engineer (the most senior role in a mudlogging team), or gain experience in LWD or wireline logging.

Developing good professional relationships and securing strong references from senior geologists will boost your prospects of becoming a wellsite geologist.

Find out more about the different kinds of work experience and internships that are available.

Employers

Few wellsite geologists are directly employed by oil or gas companies. Most work as contractors through specialist consultancies.

Opportunities are usually with small to medium-sized geological service companies, but you may also find roles with firms that combine wellsite geology with drilling services.

The industry is global, so you may compete for jobs with candidates from around the world. Contracts are often short term but well paid. Longer-term roles offer stability but usually lower rates.

Look for job vacancies at:

• Oil and Gas Job Search
• Rigzone

Also get in touch with specialist oil and gas recruitment agencies who can help you to find a position.

As a self-employed contractor, you'll need to arrange your own insurance and training.

Professional development

There's no formal wellsite geology qualification, but you'll usually have training from earlier roles before moving into this job.

Courses for new entrants to wellsite geology are provided by companies such as HRH Geology and RPS.

As technology evolves, you'll need to update your skills regularly. Training often covers:

• offshore safety management
• risk assessment
• COSHH (Control of Substances Hazardous to Health Regulations)
• wellsite operations and geological procedures
• wireline formation evaluation
• abnormal pressure interpretation
• FEMWD (Formation Evaluation Measurements While Drilling) logs.

Independent consultants are expected to pay for their own training. Some consultancies also run in-house courses.

Further training information is available through OPITO and the Energy Institute.

Career prospects

Before becoming a wellsite geologist, you'll typically gain experience as a mudlogger or data engineer. Some wellsite geologists then also choose to complete a relevant MSc.

As a consultant, you'll manage your own career development. Building good relationships with oil companies can help you secure repeat contracts. Networking is key.

You should also aim for Chartered Geologist (CGeol) status with The Geological Society, which demonstrates professional competence and experience.

With further training, you could progress into roles such as operations geologist, petrophysicist or reservoir engineer. Some of these roles may involve relocation or self-funded training.