Operations Geology Supervisor / Manager

The Operations Geology Supervisor / Manager provides technical and supervisory leadership for the operations geology function supporting a multi-rig development and exploration drilling program. This role combines hands-on operations geology expertise — Geosteering, well placement, and wellsite/office coordination — with people leadership, budget oversight, and cross-discipline planning for the assigned asset team. The Supervisor mentors and directs operations geologists, partners with the Drilling Department to ensure technically sound and safe execution of drilling programs, and represents operations geology in multi-disciplinary asset team planning and management reviews.ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES/DUTIESSupervise and direct the operations geology group assigned to the region, including workload allocation, technical guidance, and day-to-day oversight of wellsite and office-based operations geologistsParticipate in the performance review process and personnel career development for direct reports; make recommendations on hiring, promotions, or status changes of SM employees and contractorsLead and participate in multi-disciplinary asset team meetings, driving geotechnical projects and providing discipline-specific input and management of the assigned regional development programManage Ops Geo budget, including mud logging projects and Geo-steering contractorsProvide geologic support and oversight for the multi-rig development and exploration drilling program at the asset team level, including pre-drill assessments and integrated drill plans prior to spudEnsure effective communication with drilling personnel to target intervals dictated by the asset team, providing guidance and geological support as necessaryOversee monitoring of active drilling progress, including evaluation of directional surveys and geologic data and directional changes in the lateral to maintain geological target zones on long-reach horizontal wellsCoordinate and integrate wellsite and office-related geologic functions across the team; interface and establish best practices with third-party 24-hour steering vendors, and track progress over time.Ensure technical work from the team is sound and communicated effectively to management, with a specific focus on value impactSupport the asset team in the reserves booking process and discussions, completion recommendations, management reviews, budget planning, and special mapping/science projectsEvaluate alternative development options in collaboration with reservoir characterization, drilling, completions, production, facilities, and land teamsOversee post-drill summary reports and lookback evaluations of lateral placement; support regulatory efforts as neededMonitor industry operational activity and remain current on the latest proven technologies and methods for the geoscience discipline; make recommendations accordinglySupport evaluation of asset bolt-on opportunities and coordinate with the Resource Expansion and Business Development teams as neededIdentify, evaluate, and implement changes that increase operational efficiencies across the operations geology function, and track the progress of those effortsConduct business with the highest ethical standards; demonstrate decision-making that ensures the safety of all persons associated with SM facilitiesOther duties as assignedKNOWLEDGE, SKILLS & ABILITIESProven experience leading, mentoring, and developing a team of geoscience professionals, including listening to others and motivating teams through unique development/operational challenges in unconventional exploitationStrong knowledge of geological principles, drilling and engineering procedures/terminology, and relevant analog theories, with the ability to prioritize technical outputs to address challenges for the assigned regionKnowledge of and demonstrated experience geosteering horizontal wells with various geosteering software – StarSteer preferredHigh level of experience and technical understanding of key geoscience software and how outputs are generated; experience with Petrel/GGX/Kingdom required, ArcPro, Spotfire and Claude/AI a plusAbility to analyze log data, correlations, and control points, and generate/oversee geologic mapsHighly skilled in Microsoft Office, particularly PowerPoint and ExcelStrong written and verbal communication and presentation skills, including presenting to upper managementAnalytical problem-solving and decision-making skills; error-free, detailed workSelf-motivated, organized, and results-driven, with effective and efficient time management skillsTeam player with willingness and ability to integrate/collaborate across multi-disciplinary teams toward common goalsFamiliarity with the Midland, Delaware and Mavrick Basins, Austin Chalk experience is a plusEXPERIENCE/EDUCATIONEducation: B.S. and M.S. degree in Geology, Geophysics, or Geoscience is required.Experience: Minimum of 12+ years of combined wellsite and/or office-based operations geology experience, including demonstrated supervisory, team lead, or mentorship experience.OTHERThis is a hybrid work schedule, offering a mix of in office and work from home flexibility; office weeks based in Denver or Midland, with semi-regular travel to the other location focused on team collaboration and effectivenessAnticipate sporadic round-the-clock communication and problem-solving with the asset and drilling teamsAnticipate “outside of office” hours to perform necessary duties while drilling laterals, dependent on rig activity and needed team supportSM Energy offers competitive compensation and benefits programs which include, but are not limited to, variable pay, health care coverage, retirement plan, protection coverage, time off and leave programs, training and development opportunities and a range of allowances connected to specific work situations. Details are available at Careers :: SM Energy Company (SM) (sm-energy.com).Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until the position is filled.