CHPP Operator

Kestrel Coal Pty Ltd; Emerald; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Permanent role

7/7 roster

Accommodation support

Competitive pay

Health program

Growth opportunities

Inclusive culture

Job summary

Kestrel Coal Pty Ltd in Queensland is seeking a CHPP Production Operator to operate and monitor plant safely, support start-ups and outages, and help maintain product quality. You’ll work with maintenance and operations to improve reliability, while upholding a strong safety culture and accurate handovers.

The role is permanent, on-site with a 7/7 roster, accommodation options, and a pathway to professional growth through tailored programs and study assistance.

Qualifications

• Previous experience operating fixed plant in coal handling or similar industrial environment.
• Understanding of plant processes, safety checks and safe isolation practices.
• Strong safety commitment and ability to identify hazards and manage risk.
• Ability to monitor plant performance and follow operating procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork, with clear shift handovers.

Responsibilities

• Operate and monitor CHPP plant and equipment safely to support production and quality targets.
• Conduct routine inspections, identify hazards and escalate issues promptly.
• Respond to alarms and process changes in line with procedures.
• Support start-ups, shutdowns, isolations and basic maintenance activities.
• Complete shift logs and handovers for clear cross-team communication.
• Work with maintenance, lab and operations to improve plant reliability.
• Contribute to safety culture by following procedures and continuous improvement.

Skills

Fixed plant operation

Coal handling

Safety awareness

Teamwork

Communication

Job description

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:

Our Coal Handling and Preparation Plant (CHPP) plays a critical role in processing and preparing Kestrel’s high-quality metallurgical coal for our customers. We’re seeking a skilled and safety-focused CHPP Production Operator to join our high-performing team and help keep the plant operating safely, reliably and efficiently.

Working as part of the CHPP team, you’ll operate and monitor plant and equipment, respond to changing conditions and work closely with maintenance and operational teams to support safe, consistent production.

If you’re looking for a permanent role where you can contribute to a well-established operation that values safety, teamwork and continuous improvement, we want to hear from you.

Why you’ll love working here:

• A permanent role on a site with a strong future – long mine life and room to grow.
• 7/7 lifestyle roster - Real work-life balance that gives you time for what matters most.
• Accommodation support - Housing, camp accommodation or an allowance options may be available to support your living arrangements.
• 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.

As a CHPP Production Operator, you will support Kestrel by:

• Operating and monitoring CHPP plant and equipment safely and efficiently to support production and product quality targets.
• Completing routine plant inspections, identifying hazards, defects and performance issues, and escalating concerns promptly.
• Responding to alarms, process changes and operational interruptions in line with site procedures and training.
• Supporting plant start-ups, shutdowns, isolations, housekeeping and basic operational maintenance activities.
• Accurately completing shift logs, production records and handovers to maintain clear communication across crews.
• Working closely with maintenance, laboratory and operational teams to troubleshoot issues and improve plant reliability and performance.
• Contributing to a strong safety culture by following procedures, managing risk and actively participating in continuous improvement.

About you:

• Previous experience operating fixed plant, ideally within a coal handling and preparation plant, mineral processing or similar heavy industrial environment.
• An understanding of plant processes, operational checks and safe isolation practices.
• A strong commitment to safety and the confidence to identify hazards, manage risk and speak up when something isn’t right.
• The ability to monitor plant performance, respond calmly to changing conditions and follow operating procedures.
• Good communication and teamwork skills, with the ability to provide clear shift handovers and work effectively across operations and maintenance.
• A practical, hands‑on approach and willingness to undertake physical work in an industrial environment.

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.

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.

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