Job Overview
Location: Wichita, KS
The Project Geologist will be responsible for the design, implementation, and management of water-injection projects. Primary focus will be on Enhanced Oil Recovery (EOR)—specifically using injected water to maintain reservoir pressure and sweep "trapped" oil toward producing wells. Potential for exposure to exploration geology as asset matures.
Key Responsibilities
Subsurface Interpretation and Modeling: Constructing detailed stratigraphic and structural maps of Kansas reservoirs (e.g., Arbuckle, Lansing-Kansas City, Marmaton or Mississippian formations).
Net Pay Analysis: Determining the thickness and lateral continuity of oil-bearing zones to identify where water injection will be most effective.
Cross-Section Generation: Utilizing software like Geographix/PETRA/Kingdom to correlate well logs and identify flow barriers or "thief zones."
Injection Pattern Design: Determining the optimal "pattern" (e.g., 5-spot or peripheral flood) to ensure maximum sweep efficiency.
Void Replacement: Work with engineers to balance the volume of fluid injected with the volume of oil/water produced to maintain reservoir pressure.
Water Chemistry: Evaluating the compatibility of source water (often produced brine) with the reservoir rock to prevent scale or clay swelling that could clog the formation.
Well Integrity: Coordinate with engineering to oversee the conversion of old producers into injectors and ensure wells meet KCC (Kansas Corporation Commission) Class II injection well standards.
Regulatory Filings: Work with Regulatory department in preparing and submitting Form U-1 (Application for Injection) to the KCC.
Drilling Oversight: Supervising the drilling of new infill wells or deepening existing wells to improve flood performance.
Requirements & Qualifications
Education & Licensure
Degree: Minimum of a Bachelor's in Geology or Earth Science, Master's of Science in Geology preferred but not required
Professional Geologist (PG) License preferred but not required
Technical Skills
Software: Proficiency in GeoGraphix, Petra or Kingdom
Log Interpretation: Expert-level ability to read gamma-ray, resistivity, and porosity logs to identify subtle "pay" missed during primary production.
Seismic – interpret and identify structure and trapping mechanisms for waterflood projects and potential drilling locations
Local Knowledge: Familiarity with the unique geology of the Pennsylvanian and Mississippian Reservoirs in Western Kansas and the Central Kansas Uplift.