Geophysical Interpreter – Technical Advisor High-Level Role Overview The
Geophysical Interpreter – Technical Advisor provides high-level technical expertise within the UTD Subsurface team and contributes directly to the client’s global exploration and development portfolio. This role delivers strategic guidance in geophysical interpretation, seismic analysis, and subsurface characterization to support exploration, appraisal, and field development activities.
The advisor applies best-in-class geophysical technologies, methodologies, and workflows to reduce subsurface uncertainty, maximize hydrocarbon discovery, and enhance recovery. Working closely with multidisciplinary teams—including geologists, reservoir engineers, drilling teams, and asset managers—the role ensures geophysical insights are fully integrated into exploration strategies, opportunity screening, and development planning.
In addition, the Technical Advisor promotes technical excellence across projects by reinforcing best practices in seismic interpretation, quantitative analysis, and integrated subsurface workflows. The position plays a key role in opportunity evaluation, prospect maturation, and risk assessment, ensuring geophysical perspectives are embedded in strategic and portfolio decision-making.
Reporting Line- Reports to the Exploration Hub Manager
Key Responsibilities- Provide hands-on technical leadership in seismic interpretation using Petrel, including seismic inversion, DHI evaluation, AVO analysis (Hampson-Russell), SAAM analysis, and quantitative seismic interpretation.
- Support exploration and development projects through integrated interpretation of seismic, geological, and reservoir data.
- Lead advanced geophysical studies, including depth imaging, rock physics analysis, seismic attribute interpretation, and reservoir characterization.
- Evaluate and mature exploration opportunities through prospect definition, play-based exploration, and risk assessment.
- Contribute to the design and planning of geophysical data acquisition programs (seismic and non-seismic) in collaboration with technical specialists.
- Assess technical risks, resource potential, and economic drivers to support prospect ranking and drilling prioritization.
- Ensure application of industry best practices in seismic processing, interpretation workflows, uncertainty quantification, and quality assurance.
- Review, validate, and approve geophysical deliverables, ensuring consistency, accuracy, and high technical standards.
- Manage geophysical datasets, consolidating information into georeferenced and auditable project databases.
- Prepare clear and concise technical reports, integrating maps, seismic displays, and interpretation outputs to support decision-making.
- Communicate technical conclusions and uncertainties effectively to project teams and senior leadership to influence investment and development decisions.
Education & Qualifications- Master’s degree or PhD in Geophysics, Geology, or related Earth Sciences.
- Minimum 15–20 years of experience in exploration and development geophysics within the oil and gas industry.
- Extensive experience in seismic interpretation, attribute analysis, time-to-depth conversion, seismic inversion, and seismic-driven reservoir characterization.
- Strong understanding of basin analysis, structural geology, and petroleum systems.
- Demonstrated proficiency with industry-standard software including Petrel, Hampson-Russell, PaleoScan, or equivalent platforms.
- Knowledge of 4D seismic, geostatistics, and rock physics modelling, including fluid substitution techniques.
- Experience applying machine learning or advanced analytics in geophysical workflows is desirable.
- Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Project).
- Excellent written and spoken English.
- Basic knowledge of Spanish is advantageous but not required.
Required Skills & Behaviours- Proven ability to work effectively within multidisciplinary asset teams to deliver integrated subsurface interpretations.
- Strong technical leadership, communication, and mentoring capabilities.
- Ability to translate complex geophysical results into clear, actionable insights for technical and non-technical stakeholders.
- Adaptability in applying corporate RCM standards for static reservoir characterization and 3D subsurface modelling.
- Demonstrates professionalism, sound technical judgement, and a continuous improvement mindset.
Location- Madrid (primary project location)
With over 90 years' combined experience, NES Fircroft (NES) is proud to be the world's leading engineering staffing provider spanning the Oil & Gas, Power & Renewables, Chemicals, Construction & Infrastructure, Life Sciences, Mining and Manufacturing sectors worldwide. With more than 80 offices in 45 countries, we are able to provide our clients with the engineering and technical expertise they need, wherever and whenever it is needed. We offer contractors far more than a traditional recruitment service, supporting with everything from securing visas and work permits, to providing market-leading benefits packages and accommodation, ensuring they are safely and compliantly able to support our clients.
