Ventilation Officer (VO)

Role overview

Anglo American’s steelmaking coal business operates across Queensland’s Bowen Basin, with additional interests in manganese, copper exploration, and joint venture assets in Australia. The business is seeking an experienced, values-led Ventilation Officer to join the Aquila site team in Middlemount, Queensland.

This is a key statutory appointment focused on the management of underground mine ventilation and gas systems. The role supports safe, efficient, and productive operations by providing technical guidance, shaping ventilation and gas strategies, and contributing to short-, medium-, and long-range planning.

Key responsibilities

• Promote a strong safety-first culture by carrying out inspections, audits, incident follow-up, and compliance checks against legislation and site requirements.
• Carry out all statutory Ventilation Officer duties for underground mine ventilation and gas control.
• Advise the Mine Manager on ventilation and gas management matters to help improve operational performance and mine optimisation.
• Prepare and communicate ventilation and gas management plans that align with mine plans across the short, medium, and long term.
• Perform gas monitoring activities, including bag sampling, and assess system performance to identify corrective actions.
• Track ventilation system effectiveness and recommend improvements that strengthen safety and efficiency.
• Partner with operations teams, contractors, and other stakeholders to deliver team goals and continuous improvement initiatives.
• Look for practical uses of innovation and technology that can lift safety, productivity, and overall system performance.

Qualifications and experience

The ideal candidate will bring a mining engineering degree or equivalent coal industry qualifications and experience, along with formal Ventilation Officer Certificate of Competency in Queensland and a current Practising Certificate.

You should have substantial experience in underground coal mining and specialist knowledge of mine ventilation. Strong capability in hazard identification, risk assessment, and compliance with ventilation-related legislation and site safety systems is required.

The role also calls for the ability to create workable solutions to complex problems, maintain a continuous improvement mindset, and influence relationships across site teams and corporate technical specialists. Knowledge of Queensland mining legislation and broader Australian mining and resources industry experience are also important. S123 and G2 are required.

Working arrangements and additional information

This is a permanent, full-time position on a 7-on, 7-off roster. The package includes a competitive salary, 12% superannuation, and an annual bonus.

Location options include residential, FIFO with company-funded travel, and DIDO arrangements. Domestic relocation to Middlemount is available.

What the employer offers

Employees can expect a competitive pay and benefits package, flexible work arrangements where possible, and access to learning and growth opportunities ranging from technical training to leadership development. The organisation describes itself as a large multinational business that continues to expand, offering opportunities for career progression.

Safety, inclusion, and recruitment notes

The company emphasises safety, stating that it invests heavily in rigorous safety standards and new technologies designed to improve mine safety, including drones and data analytics. It also promotes an inclusive and diverse workplace and values equal opportunity for all colleagues.

Successful applicants will be required to complete background screening, which may include a criminal record check and verification of qualifications.

Employee referrals are accepted for this vacancy, subject to local referral guidelines and applicable conditions.

Recruitment agencies are advised that unsolicited applications are not accepted.

Application and closing date

Applicants must complete the online application form and may upload a CV and supporting documents. Screening and interviews may begin before the closing date, and the vacancy may close early.

Reference: REFXXXXX. Closing date: 17 June 2026.