POSITION DESCRIPTION
Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas and
Ministry Responsible for Housing
POSITION TITLE:
Senior Petroleum Geologist (LSO4)
POSITION
NUMBER(S):
75579 – WW
DIVISION:
(e.g., Division, Region,
Department)
Oil and Gas Division
UNIT:
(e.g., Branch, Area, District)
Geoscience and Strategic Initiatives Branch
LOCATION:
Victoria
SUPERVISOR’S TITLE:
Director, Petroleum Geology
74297
SUPERVISOR’S
CLASSIFICATION:
LSO5
POSITION
NUMBER
PHONE NUMBER:
95774 - FF
PROGRAM
The Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas (EMNG) is the catalyst and facilitator for developing sustainable and
competitive energy and mineral resource sectors for British Columbians. The ministry administers programs in oil and
gas; mining and minerals; electricity and alternate energy. The ministry researches, develops and manages new
projects that result in increased investment in: oil and gas resource development; mining development; and electricity
and alternate energies.
The Oil and Gas Division is leading the way towards stimulating investment in the province's traditional oil and gas
resources as well as new, untapped potential in shale gas. The division is comprised of three core branches under the
Assistant Deputy Minister: Royalty Policy Branch; Geoscience and Strategic Initiatives Branch; and Petroleum and
Natural Gas Titles Branch. The primary role of the Oil and Gas Division is to identify opportunities within the oil and gas
sector that will support the ministry goal of increased investment, and act as the catalyst or facilitator to turn these
opportunities into tangible benefits for all British Columbians.
The Geoscience and Strategic Initiatives Branch (GSIB) is the lead unit within the Ministry in supplying oil and gasrelated geoscience to the province. The GSIB has the mandate to provide the geological foundation in support of the
Ministry Service Plan and offers a crucial service by providing expert interpretations and advice to the public, industry
and government stakeholders with regard to the provincial oil and gas resources. GSIB promotes and encourages
optimal development of the Province’s oil and gas resources by providing comprehensive regional geological studies
and research. GSIB provides technical assessments and may be directly involved in the development, support and
justification related to amendments of acts, regulations and policy such as those issues surrounding the initiation of
shale gas operations in the province, new basins development or new land tenure regulations such as shallow rights
reversion. The Branch also provides comprehensive oil and gas resource assessments to both the tenure planning and
the treaty negotiation processes. In addition, it provides provincial leadership in acid gas disposal, CO2 sequestration,
and enhanced recovery related to the BC oil and gas industry. Other key roles of the GSIB are to facilitate oil and gas
projects, policy, and development through geosciences research, interagency collaboration, and stakeholder
consultation. The GSIB will lead, develop and implement broad province-wide programs and strategies, including shale
gas projects, basin specific strategies, and environmental stewardship programs.
PURPOSE OF POSITION
The Senior Petroleum Geologist renders authoritative interpretations and determinations concerning the mapping and
assessment of conventional oil and gas resources as well as unconventional resources such as shale gas and tight gas
Senior Petroleum Geologist #75579/95774, GSIB
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throughout the province. The Senior Petroleum Geologist may also provide geological assessments and resourcerelated recommendations to other government and non-government agencies.
The Senior Petroleum Geologist identifies, plans, organizes, and conducts regional geologic studies and projects related
to oil and gas resource delimitation, quantification, and assessment either directly or by selecting and supervising
geological and drafting contractors.
These regional studies have important implications and could incur significant economic impact to the province (e.g.
shallow rights reversion, the sequestering of greenhouse gases, security of energy supply, and the development of
governmental policy and the formation of legislation). They may also provide industry vehicles for investment either by
introducing new geological concepts or by promoting the conventional petroleum or shale gas opportunities within the
province, whether in established producing areas, unconventional plays or interior basins (e.g. Bowser Basin and
Nechako Basin).
NATURE OF WORK AND POSITION LINKS
This position is not an entry level or working level position. It is expected to attain national level expertise and develop
new geologic models and theories to be utilized by other geoscientists in specific areas relating to the oil and gas
resources of BC. Presentation of results will be required at national and international technical conferences and
symposiums. Publishing of findings in internationally recognized journals and jointly with national agencies like the
Geological Survey of Canada will also be a component. This position must remain up-to-date in developing technology,
including new geologic mapping techniques and software and incorporates new theories and techniques into daily
activities and regional studies.
The Senior Petroleum Geologist’s technical work is not subject to supervision or review. Technical conclusions may be
discussed at peer level with the Director of Petroleum Geology or with peers at a national level in outside agencies or
institutions. This is an expert level position with broad scope, independence and responsibility. This position furnishes
the petroleum geology expertise within the BC Government and as such the technical merit of the advice,
interpretations, judgments and recommendations provided by this position are accepted as presented. The work is
conducted independently except on issues with sensitive political implications or where there may be considerable
impact to industry. On these occasions reference is made to the Director or Executive Director level.
Position Links

Oil and gas industry

Other agencies within the provincial government (e.g. Oil and Gas Commission)

Municipal and federal government agencies

First Nations

National Energy Board

Geological Survey of Canada

Members of the public
SPECIFIC ACCOUNTABILITIES / DELIVERABLES
1. Conduct expert level geological projects by:
 Analyzing and evaluating complex geological and geophysical aspects of petroleum geology related systems
using specialized and highly interpretive analytical techniques and a high degree of professional judgment and
knowledge;

Analyzing of well logs, well data, petroleum engineering and seismic data, well cuttings and core, surface
geolgogical data and utilization of subsurface geological mapping techniques in the delineation and
quantification of known hydrocarbon accumulations or systems;
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
Conducting specialized research and investigations into facets of petroleum geology including well log analysis,
stratigraphy, sedimentology, structure, thermal maturation, organic geochemisty, fluid analysis, drill stem test
interpretation and core analysis;

Supervise auxiliary, temporary and contract staff to carry out field and office research;

Digitally storing, retrieving and revising geological mapping data and database;

Publishing and presenting results to national and international technical conferences and symposiums;

Assessing the significance of new hydrocarbon discoveries and prioritizing resources using professional
judgment and experience.
2. Develop and incorporate innovative geological interpretations, theories and models by:

Conducting original research into aspects of BC’s petroleum geology;

Maintaining an awareness of advances in petroleum geology related knowledge and techniques;

Study evolving techniques and recommending unique applications to petroleum geology related applications.
3. Planning, organizing and conducting, in conjunction with management, a work plan for the delivery of Branch and
Section goals and deliverables by:

Maintaining a budget control system and reporting monthly progress reports to the senior geologist or
Manager, Petroleum Geology

Assisting in preparing contract specifications, acquiring proposals from contractors, providing technical
evaluation of proposals and recommending contract awards, approving acceptance of contract work and
approving payment of contract work.

Advising industry on the geological aspects of oil and gas activity.

Interacting with other staff of the Ministry or government.

Assessing computer hardware/software training and manpower needs and communicating recommendations
to senior management.
4. Provide expert geological advice on policy issues and legislative requirements by:

Ensuring that the geological components of Petroleum and Natural Gas Act and its Regulations encompass
changes in technology and industry standards by recommending changes, amendments and improvements to
senior management;

Performing geological analysis, making recommendations and offering advice on geological and regulatory
issues and resolving especially complex issues, in response to requests from the public, industry, government
agencies and Ministry of Energy, Mines and Natural Gas sources.
Senior Petroleum Geologists - Provincial Authority Scope:
The incumbent directs mapping projects and identify components regarding the stratigraphy, reservoir and production
characteristics, trapping mechanisms, estimated resource potential, known accumulations and play trends, and any
associated conceptual exploration targets, plays and facilitates distribution.
Unconventional, Marginal:
This incumbent requires extensive expert level knowledge on the unconventional (i.e. tight and shale gas) plays and
prospects in the British Columbia portion of the Western Canadian Sedimentary Basin, including the Deep Basin, Jean
Marie, and the principle shale gas horizons in the province and/or hold promise for large undiscovered petroleum
resources. The incumbent is responsible for evaluating the oil and gas resources in all regions of BC including the Deep
Basin, Plains, foothills and Interior Basins by mapping and identifying stratigraphy, reservoir and production
characteristics, trapping mechanisms, estimated resource potential, known accumulations and play trends and any
associated conceptual exploration targets.
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The key duties are:

To identify and initiate, plan, organize, implement and conduct expert level regional geologic studies and
mapping projects relating to resource delineation, assessment of oil and gas-related resources throughout the
province. The position has the scope to conduct geological fieldwork as required;

To encourage oil and gas exploration and foster regional development by generating and disseminating
geoscientific information regarding oil and gas geology to government, industry, academia and the public
through technical publications and presentations at recognized conferences;

To provide geological assessments of discovered and undiscovered hydrocarbon resources;

To provide expert technical advice regarding the development of new legislation and regulations and provide
recommendations to Ministry Executive to make informed decisions on oil and gas resources;

Develop, implement and evaluate policy and legislation to meet the objective of the ministry; and

To perform other related duties.
FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY
Branch Budget: $ million (12/13)
Branch ftes:
Division ftes:
DIRECT SUPERVISION (i.e., responsibility for signing the employee appraisal form)
Role
# of Regular FTE’s
# of Auxiliary FTE’s
Directly supervises staff
Supervises staff through subordinate supervisors
PROJECT /TEAM LEADERSHIP OR TRAINING (Check the appropriate boxes)
Role
# of FTE’s
Role
Supervises students or volunteers
Provides formal training to other staff
Lead project teams
Assigns, monitors and examines the work of staff
# of FTE’s
SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS
Must possess and maintain a valid BC driver’s license
TOOLS / EQUIPMENT
Standard office equipment.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Office environment
Overnight travel to attend conferences
May conduct field work for collection of data
EXCLUDED MANAGER AUTHORIZATION
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I confirm that:
1. the accountabilities / deliverables were assigned to this position effective: (Date).
2. the information in this position description reflects the actual work performed.
3. a copy has / will be provided to the incumbent(s).
NAME:
SIGNATURE:
DATE:
ORGANIZATION CHART
Assistant Deputy Minister, Oil and Gas Division
Executive Director, Geoscience and Strategic Initiatives Branch, SL / 90249
Director, Petroleum Geology, BL / 74297
Senior Petroleum Geologist (LSO4) – TOPIC POSITION
8 FTE’s
SELECTION CRITERIA
Education and Experience:
 A Master of Science degree in geology and 5 years of experience working in the oil and gas industry OR a Bachelor
of Science degree in geology and 7 years of experience working in the oil and gas industry.
 Experience conducting scientific research from project inception to completion as demonstrated by a publication
record;
 Preferred related work experience in the provinces of British Columbia and/or Alberta;
 Related work experience for or in a public sector environment would be an asset; AND
 Registered (or be eligible for registration) in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British
Columbia.
NOTE - Applicants with less years of experience may be considered if they are registered (or be eligible for registration)
in the Association of Professional Engineers and Geoscientists of British Columbia
Knowledge:
 Sound regional knowledge of the petroleum geology of British Columbia, including the Western Canada Basin.
 Subsurface mapping, stratigraphy, sedimentology, depositional models, diagenesis and economic potential
(especially relating to petroleum) of sedimentary rocks, preferably in British Columbia.
 Sound log analysis skills.
 Geological interpretation of geophysical data with particular emphasis on well logs.
 GIS, geological mapping and graphics software, computerized spreadsheets and databases.
 Scientific competence demonstrated by technical publications and presentations in the field of petroleum geology.
Skills and abilities:
 Thoroughly identify and examine issues and problems and implement workable solutions.
 Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationships with individuals or a variety of interest groups (i.e.
teamwork and cooperation).
 Ability to assemble material and to organize, analyze and present data with scientific accuracy and completeness.
 Superior written and oral communication skills and attention to detail in communicating both orally and in writing.
 Plan, prioritize and organize numerous projects.
 Demonstrates ability to carry out duties in a results and service oriented manner.
 Commitment to continuous learning, either through on the job training or course work.
 Demonstrate competence with word processing software, data base management and computer graphics (e.g.
Word, Excel, Access, GeoScout, Accumap, ArcGIS, etc.).
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


Demonstrated ability to give scientific and technical presentations.
Verbally and in writing, communicate in a thorough and concise manner that allows for understanding by a variety
of technical and non technical target audiences.
Ability to establish and maintain effective and productive working relationships with a variety of interest groups.
Competencies
Service Orientation means displaying a desire to identify and serve customers/clients, who may include the public,
colleagues, partners (e.g. educational institutes, non-government organizations, etc.), co-workers, peers, branches,
ministries/agencies and other government organizations and focusing one's efforts on discovering and meeting the
needs of such customers/clients.
Results Orientation means showing concern for surpassing a standard of excellence, be it one's own past performance
(striving for improvement); an objective measure (achievement orientation); challenging goals one has set; or even
improving or surpassing what has already been done (continuous improvement).
Teamwork and Cooperation is demonstrating the ability to work co-operatively within diverse teams, work groups and
across the organization to achieve group and organizational goals.
Commitment to Continuous Learning is the commitment to think about the ongoing and evolving needs of the
organization and to learn how new and different solutions can be utilized to ensure success and move the organization
forward.
Building Partnerships with Stakeholders is the ability to build long-term or on-going relationships with stakeholders.
This type of relationship is often quite deliberate and is typically focused on the way the relationship is conducted.
Implicit in this competency is demonstrating a respect for and stating positive expectations of the stakeholder.
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