Graduate People / Human Resources
Date: 12 Jun 2026
Location: Emerald, Queensland, Australia
Company: Kestrel Coal
About Us:
We are Kestrel - one of the world’s largest producing underground coking coal mines, delivering around 7 million tonnes of high-quality metallurgical coal annually to global steelmakers.
But what truly sets us apart is our culture. It’s not uncommon to walk down the breezeway and strike up a conversation with our CEO or Executive Leaders. We believe that great ideas come from anyone, and we empower our team members to bring their insights forward - knowing they’ll be heard, valued and that the path from idea to implementation is refreshingly short.
We strive to create an environment where everyone feels respected and supported. Whether you’re an experienced professional or just starting your career, at Kestrel, you’ll find opportunities to grow, contribute, and have meaningful impact.
With a mine life to 2033 and reserves to 2046, we’re planning for a future that’s safe, sustainable, and full of opportunity - for our industry and our people. We’re proud of where we’ve come from, and even more excited about what’s ahead.
About the role:
The Graduate People role provides an exciting opportunity to build a career in Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Capability and Organisational Development within the mining industry. Reporting to the Manager People & Capability, this role supports a broad range of people initiatives that contribute to attracting, developing and retaining a high-performing workforce.
Working as part of Kestrel's Organisation Development and People Performance (ODPP) team, you will gain practical, hands-on experience across recruitment, employee lifecycle activities, leadership and capability development, early careers programs, employee engagement and workforce planning. This role forms part of Kestrel's NEXTGEN Graduate Program, designed to develop future capability through meaningful, real-world projects and on-the-job learning.
Why you’ll love working here:
- A permanent role on a site with a strong future – long mine life and room to grow.
- Monday to Friday or a 9-day fortnight, the choice is yours.
- Great pay and perks - Including competitive incentives, housing options, and salary packaging.
- Health-first mindset - With our award-winning Health Program and subsidised private health insurance.
- Supported to grow - We’ll back your development through tailored programs like our award-winning ‘Unleashed’ Leadership Program and study assistance.
- A culture that walks the talk - Respect, agility, commitment and collaborating as one, aren’t just values - they’re how we operate, every day.
In this role, you will support Kestrel by:
- Supporting recruitment and talent acquisition activities, including candidate management, onboarding and employment lifecycle processes.
- Assisting with the delivery of Kestrel's NEXTGEN programs, including scholarships, apprenticeships, vacation work and graduate programs.
- Contributing to leadership, capability and organisational development initiatives across the business.
- Assisting with workforce planning, succession planning and talent management activities.
- Supporting employee engagement, recognition and wellbeing initiatives.
- Preparing reports, presentations and workforce data analysis to support business decision-making.
- Assisting with policy reviews, process improvements and people-related projects.
- Building positive relationships with employees, leaders and external stakeholders across site.
- Supporting internal communication and community engagement initiatives as required.
- Contributing to continuous improvement activities that enhance employee experience and organisational effectiveness.
- Gaining exposure to a broad range of HR disciplines while developing practical business partnering skills.
About you:
You're an early-career professional or recent graduate who is passionate about people, culture and helping organisations succeed through their workforce. You enjoy building relationships, solving problems and working collaboratively with a variety of stakeholders. You're curious, proactive and excited by the opportunity to learn in a dynamic operational environment.
You will also have:
- A tertiary qualification in Human Resources, Business, Psychology, Organisational Development or a related discipline.
- A genuine interest in building a career within Human Resources, Talent Acquisition, Organisational Development or related people disciplines.
- Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the confidence to engage with employees, leaders and external stakeholders.
- Well-developed organisational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and maintain attention to detail.
- Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with an interest in using data to support decision-making.
- A proactive approach to learning and continuous improvement.
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to prepare reports, presentations and business correspondence.
- Sound computer literacy, including Microsoft Office applications and the ability to learn new systems quickly.
- A willingness to learn, take initiative and contribute as part of a collaborative team.
- Willingness to complete required site training (e.g. S11, medical and site inductions).
A Place Where You Can Be You:
At Kestrel, we’re building a workplace where everyone can thrive. Inclusion is active, and equity is intentional - not a KPI.
We celebrate people from all cultures, communities, and identities, and we’re committed to creating a safe, respectful, and supportive environment where you can be yourself.
We welcome applications from everyone - including First Nations people, women and candidates from culturally diverse backgrounds.
If you need adjustments or support through the application process, just let us know - we’re here to help.
How to apply:
Ready to take the next step? Hit the Apply Now link to send us your resume.
Got questions? Reach out to: recruitment@kestrelcoal.com
Applications close: 12 July 2026.
Please note: We may progress suitable candidates before the closing date – so don’t wait too long!
What to Expect from the Recruitment Process:
At Kestrel, we’re focused on building the right team – people who bring energy, integrity, and the skills to make a difference. Our recruitment process is designed to help both you and us make informed, confident decisions.
From your first enquiry to final offer, you’ll be supported by a dedicated in-house recruiter – someone who’s part of the Kestrel team and who understands the role and the workplace.
The process typically involves initial conversations, two-way interviews and a site visit so you can get a real feel for working at Kestrel. We also conduct pre-employment checks including criminal history screening, medical assessments, work rights and qualification verifications, and reference checks.
We’ll keep the process clear, respectful and timely – and we’re here to support you at every step.