Vocational Placement - Environmental Science (Cultural Heritage)

Shape Your World

At Alcoa, you will become an essential part of our purpose: to turn raw potential into real progress. The way we see it, every Alcoan is a work-shaper, team-shaper, idea-shaper & world-shaper.

Shape your career by joining Alcoa’s Vocational Placement program! You’ll have the chance to put your university knowledge into practice, propelling you toward a career path that exceeds your wildest expectations. Throughout your unpaid placement in Semester 1, 2027, you’ll experience professional growth, technical expansion, and join our vibrant community, where inspiration and daily challenges await.

With best-in-class bauxite mining and rehabilitation practices, the lowest-carbon alumina refining system on the planet, game-changing innovations in aluminium smelting, and the industry’s most comprehensive portfolio of low-carbon products, Alcoa is working to turn raw potential into real progress, and we want you to join us!

Throughout the placement, you will be paired with an experienced specialist who will provide you with the hands-on training, mentoring, and coaching to support you in becoming a creative problem solver, helping you towards completing the meaningful projects that you will be assigned.

What’s on offer

• Please note that Vocational Placements at Alcoa are unpaid.
• Initial placements will only be offered for up to 150 hours however there is a possibility of extension in certain circumstances.
• You will be based at Perth Office.
• Your direct Supervisor will be a Senior Manager Heritage Indigenous Engagement and Agreements.
• Workdays are Monday to Thursday.
• Ideal start and finish times each day are 700am to 300pm.
• A workplace culture that strongly values your safety.

The project: Social Surroundings (Cultural Heritage) Assessment

In collaboration with the Gnaala Karla Booja Aboriginal Corporation, Alcoa will commence an assessment of the cultural heritage aspects of its proposed new mine regions from a social surroundings perspective.  This study will consider the tangible and intangible cultural heritage identified in the region through traditional cultural heritage surveys, from an environmental perspective.  It will investigate the direct and indirect impacts on these values that might arise from impacts to the environment that could occur from Aloca's proposed activities (such as dust deposition, vibration, changes to vistas etc) and develop strategies to avoid or mitigate these potential impacts.  

Your involvement

• Conduct background research and compile relevant cultural heritage information.
• Assist with preparing and documenting research findings and reports.
• Support the planning and coordination of fieldwork logistics.
• Observe Social Surroundings assessment fieldwork activities, where appropriate.
• Gain exposure to the assessment of tangible cultural heritage values.
• Gain exposure to the assessment of intangible cultural heritage values.
• Develop an understanding of cultural heritage fieldwork methodologies.
• Engage with cultural heritage management practices in collaboration with Traditional Owners and Knowledge Holders, subject to their agreement.

About you

We are interested in hearing from curious university students:

• Where successful completion of a placement is either mandatory for graduation or a requirement for a unit of study.
• Self-motivated and passionate for their chosen discipline, eager to learn and expand their knowledge.
• Capable of working independently with the ability to communicate and engage with multiple stakeholders to obtain a project outcome.
• Strong team players with effective time management, organisational and problem-solving skills.
• Able to travel to and from your work location each day, including visits to Larego Mine Region on occasion.

You’ll receive a suitable level of responsibility to tackle assigned project(s), leveraging your innovative thinking, motivation to learn, and passion for growth to make meaningful contributions to the business. In an open-minded workplace, your ideas will be highly valued within a supportive environment that encourages thinking outside the box.

If you are currently studying tertiary qualifications in Environmental Science or a related discipline, we want to hear from you!

How to apply

• Please submit your online application by attaching your current resume, cover letter and academic transcript.
• Find out more about working for Alcoa in Australia at www.alcoa.com.au/opportunities-aus

Additional Information

Once the selection process is complete, we will request copies of the University’s Insurance Certificates of Currency from you and a contract will be drawn up between Alcoa and the University for signing by the student before the placement can commence.

Be part of shaping our organisation and join us in building a legacy of excellence for future generations.

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About the Location

Recognized as an industry pioneer, Alcoa has established itself as an international company with operations across six continents. Alcoa's Australian portfolio includes: two bauxite mines in Western Australia, three alumina refineries at Kwinana, Pinjarra and Wagerup and one aluminium smelter in Portland VIC and two corporate office facilities in Bindjareb and Booragoon. Wherever you choose to join us, you'll be joining a global team committed to advancing sustainability and delivering excellence and innovation.

We are values led, vision driven and united by our purpose of transforming raw potential into real progress.  Our commitments to Inclusion, Diversity & Equity include providing trusting workplaces that are safe, respectful and inclusive of all individuals, free from discrimination, bullying and harassment and that our workplaces reflect the diversity of the communities in which we operate.    

This is a place where you are empowered to do your best work, be your authentic self, and feel a true sense of belonging. Come join us and shape your career!  

Your work. Your world. Shape them for the better.