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Category
Geotechnical & Survey
Work Pattern
Onshore with offshore survey support
Reports To
Lead Geophysicist / Survey Manager
Position Overview
The Geophysicist (Offshore) specializes in the acquisition, processing, and interpretation of shallow geophysical data for offshore site characterization, route selection, and hazard identification. This role is essential for de-risking offshore developments by providing subsurface geological models that inform foundation design, pipeline routing, and cable installation planning.
Key Responsibilities
- Plan and specify offshore shallow geophysical survey programs including seismic, sub-bottom profiling, and sonar acquisitions
- Process and interpret high-resolution seismic reflection data (2D/3D UHR) for shallow geohazard assessment
- Develop integrated ground models combining geophysical, geotechnical, and geological data
- Identify and characterize seabed and shallow subsurface hazards including shallow gas, buried channels, boulders, and pockmarks
- Prepare geophysical interpretation reports, hazard registers, and route assessment documents
- Coordinate with geotechnical engineers on borehole and CPT location selection and ground truthing
- Review contractor geophysical survey specifications and deliverables for technical compliance
- Support UXO (unexploded ordnance) risk assessment and survey interpretation
- Provide geophysical input to environmental impact assessments and consent applications
- Ensure geophysical work products comply with relevant standards (IOGP, NORSOK, DNV) and client specifications
Qualifications
Required
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Geophysics, Earth Sciences, or Geology; Master's degree preferred
- Certifications: BOSIET/FOET (for offshore support); Valid Offshore Medical; professional geophysicist registration preferred
- Experience: Minimum 5 years in offshore/shallow geophysics; experience with high-resolution seismic interpretation and site characterization
- Technical Skills: Seismic interpretation (Kingdom, Petrel, SeisWorks); sub-bottom profiler data interpretation; ground modeling; shallow hazard assessment; GIS and mapping software
Preferred
- Experience with 3D UHR seismic interpretation
- Offshore wind site characterization experience
- UXO survey interpretation expertise
- Integrated geoscience ground modeling
Market Intelligence
$500–$850/day
Shortage Level: High
Key Skills Gap: Geophysicists with shallow (engineering-scale) geophysics experience rather than exploration-scale; the transition from O&G exploration geophysics to engineering geophysics requires different skills and mindset
Regions in Highest Demand: North Sea, East Coast US, East Asia, Mediterranean, Australia
Demand Drivers: Offshore wind site assessment creating unprecedented demand for shallow geophysics; CCS storage site characterization; pipeline and cable route surveys requiring detailed geohazard assessment