Vacation Student Health & Safety

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: 

This 12-week paid vacation placement offers an opportunity to gain practical Workplace Health and Safety experience while exploring a potential future career with Kestrel. Working alongside experienced health and safety professionals, you'll develop valuable insights into how health, wellbeing and occupational hygiene programs support a safe, healthy and high-performing workforce within an underground mining environment.

This opportunity is designed for students studying Occupational Health, Public Health, Health Science, Exercise Physiology, Paramedicine, Nursing, Work Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Safety Science, Risk Management or a related discipline who are looking to apply their university learning in a real-world environment. Throughout your placement, you'll gain exposure to workplace health and wellbeing programs, health surveillance activities, occupational hygiene initiatives, injury management processes, risk management activities and safety systems within a large underground mining operation.

In this role you will work closely with Health, Safety, Training and Operational teams, contributing to meaningful project work while developing practical skills, industry knowledge and professional networks.

Why you’ll love working here:

• A 12-week paid placement supported by experienced engineers and industry professionals.
• Great work arrangements – Monday to Friday or a 9-day fortnight, the choice is yours.
• Get paid while you learn – Competitive remuneration, with accommodation provided for the duration of the placement.
• Supported to grow – Gain valuable industry experience through mentoring, development sessions and hands-on project work.
• 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: 

• Assisting with workplace health, wellbeing and safety initiatives across the operation.
• Supporting health surveillance, fitness-for-work and monitoring programs.
• Assisting with occupational hygiene programs, including exposure monitoring and health risk management activities.
• Participating in workplace inspections, audits and verification activities.
• Assisting with risk assessments and the implementation of risk controls.
• Supporting incident investigations, corrective actions and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Assisting with the collection, analysis and reporting of health and safety data and trends.
• Contributing to projects focused on employee wellbeing, injury prevention and workforce health outcomes.
• Assisting with health promotion campaigns, workforce education and safety awareness initiatives.
• Working alongside operational leaders and health and safety professionals to develop an understanding of workplace health and safety risks within the mining industry.
• Developing reports, presentations and project documentation.
• Contributing ideas and solutions that enhance workforce health, wellbeing and safety performance.

About you:

You're a motivated and curious student who is keen to gain practical industry experience and learn from experienced professionals. You enjoy working with people, solving problems and contributing to initiatives that positively impact employee health, wellbeing and safety. You have a genuine interest in understanding how effective health and safety systems, risk management practices and wellbeing programs contribute to safe and sustainable operations.

You will also have:

• Currently studying Occupational Health, Public Health, Health Science, Exercise Physiology, Paramedicine, Nursing, Work Health & Safety, Occupational Health & Safety, Safety Science, Risk Management or a related discipline, and ideally have completed at least your second year of study.
• A genuine interest in workplace health, safety and wellbeing within mining, resources or heavy industry.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and critical-thinking abilities.
• A proactive attitude and willingness to learn.
• The ability to work effectively both independently and as part of a team.
• Strong organisational skills and attention to detail.
• Sound computer literacy and proficiency in Microsoft Office applications.
• A commitment to safety and willingness to comply with site requirements, including medical assessments and site inductions.
• Willingness to be based in Emerald, Queensland, for the duration of the 12-week vacation placement.

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:  18 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.