Geophysicist III (San Diego)

Calpine Corporation is America's largest generator of electricity from natural gas and geothermal resources with operations in competitive power markets. Its fleet of 77 power plants in operation represents over 27,000 megawatts of generation capacity. Through wholesale power operations and its retail businesses, Calpine serves customers in 22 states and Canada. Its clean, efficient, modern and flexible fleet uses advanced technologies to generate power in a low-carbon and environmentally responsible manner.

The company was established on the premise that a strong commitment to the environment is inextricably linked to excellence in power generation and corporate responsibility. Since its founding in 1984, Calpine has led the power industry in its unwavering commitment to environmental stewardship. In addition, its renewable geothermal plants use steam generated deep below the earth's surface to produce clean, renewable electricity.

Job Summary (includes but is not limited to the following, other duties may be assigned)

Continuously evaluate and update the state of seismicity in The Geysers. Report to management and staff on the progress of such evaluations. Interface with researchers at the national laboratories (e.g. Lawrence Berkeley National Laboratory), the U.S. Geological Survey and universities conducting investigations of Geysers seismicity and related phenomena (e.g. subsidence). Assist in the planning and execution of drilling programs and injection strategies. Assist in the evaluation of geothermal reservoir performance.

Job Responsibilities

• Seasoned professional with advanced applied seismology background.
• Applies advanced skills contributing to knowledge areas within function, but not yet an expert in all.
• Makes recommendations on moderately complex issues regarding project components and tasks.
• May make recommendations on new processes, tools and services; supports and contributes to development of new products, services or techniques.
• Works on problems of diverse scope ranging from moderate to complex.
• Uses independent judgment requiring in-depth analysis of variable factors.
• Collaborates with senior professionals in selection of methods, techniques, and analytical approach.
• Little instruction on day-to-day work, general instructions on new assignments.
• Serves as project/technical lead on small to medium sized projects; may coordinate work of professionals, technicians and others outside of own department.
• This is the most senior skill level without moving to the management or specialist track.
• Resource integrator builds professional networks and identifies and connects resources to achieve goals. Regularly contributes actionable ideas in brainstorming and planning sessions.

Specialized Job Information

Work is split between field and office work. Specific areas for this group include:

• Assist in preparation of Drilling Plans and AFEs.
• Monitor seismic activities in the Geysers and write necessary reports.
• Provide operational input and review for Business Development efforts as needed.
• Work with other resource and engineering personnel to find the best method of optimizing the geothermal resource.
• Review optimization opportunities within the current operating systems. Present findings to management for further action.
• Investigate operational problems alone or as part of a team to resolve the problem and disseminate the findings to other personnel as appropriate.
• Coordinate with Central Engineering and the Geysers plants any request and on-going efforts.
• Assist Geologists with development and maintenance of 3D Structural Model.
• Assume special assignments as directed.

Job Requirements

• MS or PhD. degree in Geology/Geophysics required from an accredited academic institution.
• Knowledge of geological background, especially in structural geology and petrology required.
• Seasoned professional; typically requires 5+ years experience.

Preferred Qualifications include

• Industrial/Field experience, preferably in Geothermal or Oil/Gas.
• Expert knowledge of 3D Geologic and Structural Visualization software like SKUA GoCAD or Leapfrog.
• Working knowledge of working with Geophysical maps, seismic surveys, aerial photographs and satellite images

Salary Information

• Salary Range - $119,371.57 - $168,611.34

Additional Calpine Information:

• Equal Opportunity Employer of Minorities, Females, Protected Veterans, and Individuals with Disabilities.
• Calpine is committed to Equal Employment Opportunity and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with physical and/or mental disabilities. If you are interested in applying for employment and need special assistance or an accommodation to use our website or to apply for a position, please send an e-mail with your request to [email protected] . Determination on requests for reasonable accommodation are made on case-by-case basis.

Please view Equal Employment Opportunity Posters provided by OFCCP here

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.