Geologist / Senior Geologist – Geothermal (EGS)
About the Opportunity
We are seeking an experienced Geologist / Senior Geologist with extensive geothermal exploration and development experience within the Basin and Range geologic province of the western United States.
This position supports geothermal exploration, subsurface characterization, well planning, reservoir development, and operations, with a focus on Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS).
The ideal candidate brings strong expertise in Basin and Range geology, structural geology, fault systems, geothermal resource characterization, and subsurface conceptual modeling. Working within a collaborative, multidisciplinary environment, this individual will provide technical leadership across geothermal projects from initial exploration through development and operations.
Essential Responsibilities
Geothermal Exploration & Geological Evaluation
- Lead geological evaluations supporting geothermal exploration, appraisal, development, and operations within the Basin and Range province.
- Apply expertise in regional tectonics, extensional fault systems, structural geology, and geothermal resource characterization to evaluate prospects.
- Conduct geological mapping, structural interpretations, and subsurface evaluations to identify geothermal resources and assess development potential.
- Evaluate geological risks, uncertainties, and opportunities while developing technical recommendations for exploration and development.
Subsurface Characterization & Modeling
- Develop and maintain integrated subsurface conceptual models incorporating geological, geophysical, geochemical, and well data.
- Analyze downhole petrophysical and image logs to characterize lithology, fractures, rock properties, and subsurface conditions.
- Integrate active and/or passive seismic survey results into geological interpretations and subsurface conceptual models.
- Characterize fault systems, fracture networks, and structural controls influencing geothermal reservoir performance.
- Support subsurface stress characterization, heat flow interpretation, and reservoir modeling activities.
Well Planning, Drilling & Reservoir Development
- Provide geological expertise supporting geothermal well planning, drilling, and development, including horizontal wells.
- Collaborate with drilling and reservoir engineering teams to optimize well placement, trajectories, and subsurface targeting.
- Support geothermal reservoir testing, characterization, and development activities.
- Contribute geological expertise to EGS development, hydraulic stimulation, and reservoir optimization initiatives.
- Manage geological activities across multiple geothermal prospects from exploration through development and operations.
Technical Leadership & Collaboration
- Lead multidisciplinary technical initiatives involving geology, geophysics, drilling, reservoir engineering, and operations.
- Support geophysical survey planning, execution, and interpretation.
- Prepare geological reports, technical presentations, subsurface models, and recommendations for project leadership.
- Collaborate with internal stakeholders, external consultants, and technical partners on development projects, permitting, and due diligence.
- Maintain accurate geological databases, well information, and technical documentation.
- Identify opportunities to improve geological workflows, modeling techniques, and EGS development practices.
- Provide technical guidance and mentorship while maintaining a strong commitment to workplace safety.
Required Qualifications
Education & Experience
- Master’s degree in Geology, Geological Sciences, Geophysics, Geological Engineering, or a related discipline.
- Minimum of 5 years of relevant professional geoscience experience.
- Extensive, demonstrated geothermal exploration and/or development experience specifically within the Basin and Range geologic province is required.
- Strong understanding of Basin and Range geology, including extensional tectonics, fault systems, structural geology, and geothermal resource characteristics.
- Experience supporting geothermal exploration, subsurface characterization, and development projects.
Required Technical Skills
- Horizontal Well Drilling: Experience planning and supporting horizontal well drilling operations.
- Seismic Integration: Experience integrating active and/or passive seismic surveys into subsurface conceptual models.
- Petrophysics: Hands-on experience analyzing downhole petrophysical logs and borehole image logs.
- Subsurface Characterization: Ability to interpret well logs to characterize geological conditions, fractures, and rock properties.
- Structural Geology: Demonstrated experience in field geological mapping and structural geology.
- Geological Modeling: Experience developing subsurface conceptual models using integrated geological, geophysical, and well datasets.
- Technical Software: Proficiency with relevant geological mapping, interpretation, and modeling applications, including ArcGIS, ENVI, Global Mapper, Petrel, Leapfrog, WellCAD, or Surfer.
Preferred Qualifications
- Ph.D. in a relevant geoscience discipline.
- Direct experience with Enhanced Geothermal Systems (EGS) exploration, development, or operations.
- Experience characterizing subsurface stress distribution, orientation, and geological stress regimes.
- Experience modeling fracture initiation, propagation, and interaction based on rock properties and geological conditions.
- Experience supporting hydraulic fracturing or geothermal reservoir stimulation programs.
- Experience characterizing igneous and metamorphic geological environments.
- Experience modeling geothermal heat flow, subsurface heat sources, and interpreting surface heat flow indicators.
- Experience interpreting magnetotelluric, gravity, and other geophysical datasets.
- Experience with quantitative analysis, data science, or advanced geoscience modeling.
- Project management experience; CAPM or PMP certification preferred.
Additional Skills & Requirements
- Strong analytical, problem-solving, and technical decision-making capabilities.
- Ability to independently manage multiple projects and collaborate with multidisciplinary teams.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including technical reporting and presentations.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and geological data management systems.
- Ability to evaluate geological uncertainties and communicate technical recommendations.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
Physical Requirements & Travel
- Ability to work in office, geothermal power plant, wellfield, and active drilling environments.
- Ability to access remote field locations and navigate steep, rugged terrain in varying weather conditions.
- Ability to safely operate four-wheel-drive vehicles and wear appropriate personal protective equipment.
- Ability to perform extended computer-based work and periodically lift up to 25 pounds.
- Willingness to travel up to 30%, including occasional international travel.
Salary Range: $170,000 - $230,000
