Vocational Placement - Environmental Science

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 2, 2026, 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 Mining Hub, Pinjarra.

• Your direct Supervisor will be a Senior Environmental Specialist - Water & Social Surrounds.

• Workdays are 1-2 days/week.

• Ideal start and finish times each day are 730am to 330pm.

• A workplace culture that strongly values your safety.

• Executive coaching, leadership training, and access to industry events to support your growth.

• Opportunities to invest in Alcoa’s future through employee share plans.

• Visibility across senior leadership and potential progression into corporate or operational executive roles.

The project: Social Studies - Visual Amenity                                        

Support Alcoa’s Mine Studies Team in assessing and managing the visual impact of mining operations on surrounding communities. This project focuses on identifying and mapping sensitive receptors (such as homes and public spaces), using GIS tools, field verification, and visual simulations to better understand and communicate how future mining activities may affect the local environment and community perspectives.

Your involvement

• This project involves identifying and mapping “sensitive receptors” - such as homes and public spaces - to understand how mining may affect near neighbours and areas of community interest into the future. This role includes both fieldwork and digital analysis, giving a well-rounded experience.

• A key part of the role is working with Alcoa’s Global Information System (GIS), where you’ll help update and improve spatial datasets.

• Conduct field verification to ground-truth data

• Capture high-resolution imagery using drones

• Contribute to visual simulations that show what people may see from their homes or public viewpoints

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.

The candidate will need to be familiar with ArcGIS, hold a valid drivers licence and be willing to complete a drone certification short course.

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/Social 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.

#LI-DNI

About the Location

Pinjarra Hub is our centralised Mining Hub, which supports our two mine sites, Huntly and Willowdale. The location also hosts, separately, other departments who provide support to our WA Refineries. This office is situated on the Bindjareb land of the Noongar people, in the Shire of Murray, just east of the Pinjarra town site. We pride ourselves on fostering an inclusive and respectful workplace where new ideas are embraced, and everyone has an equal opportunity to succeed.

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.