What does a development geologist do?
A Development Geologist is responsible for geological static modeling and database management. They report best-practice technological advances to management.
Development geologist responsibilities
Here are examples of responsibilities from real development geologist resumes:
- Manage the field budget, and liability of MWD field equipment.
- Manage the installation of geophones, tiltmeters, inclinometers, passive vent wells, gas caps, and ORWs.
- Create mineral rights lease maps utilizing ArcMap (GIS).
- Correlate well logs using PETRA and other programs, and research production zones for solid and fluid minerals.
- Prospect generation and development has been expedite by becoming proficient in Petra mapping software.
- Review farm-out requests, prepare well prognoses, monitor area-drilling activity, and conduct miscellaneous well-site activities in Texas and Oklahoma.
- Used PowerPoint to effectively communicate technical information to geologists, engineers, and managers.
Development geologist skills and personality traits
We calculated that 22% of Development Geologists are proficient in Reservoir Characterization, AFE, and Production Data. They’re also known for soft skills such as Communication skills, Physical stamina, and Problem-solving skills.
We break down the percentage of Development Geologists that have these skills listed on their resume here:
- Reservoir Characterization, 22%
Completed regional reservoir characterization for multiple reservoirs in Main Pass 41/299 Fields.
- AFE, 7%
Involved with preparation of exploration and development program budgets and AFE planning.
- Production Data, 6%
Record search for production data, drilling and completion data, and historic subsurface interpretations.
- Well Log, 6%
Prepared geologic reports and maps, interpreted well log data and recommended further exploration and development.
- Petrel, 6%
Build / maintain Geological static models for three tight gas unconventional fields using Petrel.
- Log Analysis, 6%
Log analysis and interpretation, and experienced in locating and providing geological support to drilling operations.
"reservoir characterization," "afe," and "production data" are among the most common skills that development geologists use at work. You can find even more development geologist responsibilities below, including:
Communication skills. To carry out their duties, the most important skill for a development geologist to have is communication skills. Their role and responsibilities require that "geoscientists must be able to present their research findings clearly to a variety of audiences, including both scientists and those who do not have a background in geoscience." Development geologists often use communication skills in their day-to-day job, as shown by this real resume: "ensured communication, coordination, and compliance with various regulatory agencies. "
Physical stamina. Many development geologist duties rely on physical stamina. "geoscientists need to be physically fit because they may need to hike, sometimes to remote locations, while carrying equipment for fieldwork.," so a development geologist will need this skill often in their role. This resume example is just one of many ways development geologist responsibilities rely on physical stamina: "prepared comprehensive geologic exploration reports to management, including geophysical log analysis and geologic maps. "
Problem-solving skills. Another skill that relates to the job responsibilities of development geologists is problem-solving skills. This skill is critical to many everyday development geologist duties, as "geoscientists must be able to analyze statistical data and other information in order to address problems." This example from a resume shows how this skill is used: "vetted database exports, resolved assay and geological data qaqc issues and maintained the integrity of project data. "
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Compare different development geologists
Development geologist vs. Geology internship
In a geology internship, an intern has the opportunity to gain insights and practical experience while performing various support tasks under the directives and supervision of a geologist or manager. Their duties typically include working on different projects, conducting research, doing fieldwork, gathering and analyzing samples, collecting photographs or videos as evidence, completing surveys and assessments, and producing reports, submitting them according to protocols and standards. Additionally, they also have clerical duties, such as handling calls and other forms of correspondence, preparing and processing paperwork, and running errands when necessary.
While similarities exist, there are also some differences between development geologists and geology internship. For instance, development geologist responsibilities require skills such as "reservoir characterization," "afe," "well log," and "wireline." Whereas a geology internship is skilled in "database management," "gps," "arcgis," and "gis." This is part of what separates the two careers.
On average, geology interns reach lower levels of education than development geologists. Geology interns are 12.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree and 1.4% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Development geologist vs. Geophysicist
A Geophysicist studies the Earth's physical properties. They also examine the effects of the atmosphere on radio and satellite communications.
While some skills are similar in these professions, other skills aren't so similar. For example, resumes show us that development geologist responsibilities requires skills like "afe," "well log," "log analysis," and "petra." But a geophysicist might use other skills in their typical duties, such as, "data collection," "geophysical data," "c++," and "r."
Geophysicists may earn a lower salary than development geologists, but geophysicists earn the most pay in the energy industry with an average salary of $125,764. On the other hand, development geologists receive higher pay in the hospitality industry, where they earn an average salary of $143,333.geophysicists earn similar levels of education than development geologists in general. They're 0.7% less likely to graduate with a Master's Degree and 1.4% more likely to earn a Doctoral Degree.Development geologist vs. Geological specialist
There are many key differences between these two careers, including some of the skills required to perform responsibilities within each role. For example, a development geologist is likely to be skilled in "reservoir characterization," "afe," "production data," and "well log," while a typical geological specialist is skilled in "gis," "technical support," "meeting materials," and "geotechnical."
When it comes to education, geological specialists tend to earn lower degree levels compared to development geologists. In fact, they're 5.6% less likely to earn a Master's Degree, and 4.1% less likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Development geologist vs. Project geophysicist
Even though a few skill sets overlap between development geologists and project geophysicists, there are some differences that are important to note. For one, a development geologist might have more use for skills like "reservoir characterization," "afe," "production data," and "well log." Meanwhile, some responsibilities of project geophysicists require skills like "data processing," "uxo," "gis," and "electromagnetic induction. "
In general, project geophysicists hold similar degree levels compared to development geologists. Project geophysicists are 4.7% less likely to earn their Master's Degree and 2.4% more likely to graduate with a Doctoral Degree.Types of development geologist
Updated January 8, 2025
