About the placement
This NSW Skills for Net Zero internship is hosted by Biodiesel Industries Australia (BIA). The initiative is proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered by CSIRO.
As an intern working at BIA, you will contribute to a strategic research and analysis project focused on assessing the feasibility of converting BIA’s existing biodiesel plant in Rutherford into a renewable diesel production facility. This will involve evaluating the technical and operational requirements for such a transition and identifying any synergies with the current plant setup.
The project is primarily desktop-based, involving literature review and feasibility analysis, complemented by some on-site familiarisation to help you connect theory with practice. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals throughout the placement, ensuring a valuable learning experience in renewable energy innovation.
Key deliverables include:
- Supporting the development of a summary report comparing the current site’s capabilities with renewable diesel production requirements
- Contributing to an assessment of the technical and operational feasibility of a full transition, using internal data and expert input.
- Assisting in the formulation of recommendations outlining potential pathways for BIA to enable renewable diesel production.
- Participating in the preparation and delivery of a final presentation to the BIA Leadership Team, with mentoring provided to help you share your findings confidently.
Work arrangements
- Start date: 5- 6 week placement from late November to late January, with flexibility around university holidays and Christmas break.
- Working arrangement: Full time for 200 hours
- Remuneration: Casual position at $49.21 per hour, inclusive of casual loading.
- Location: Rutherford, NSW. Preferably based in or near Newcastle to support accommodation and supervision.
- PPE: Safety glasses, hard hat, and earmuffs will be provided. Students must supply their own long-sleeve drill shirts and pants, as well as steel-capped boots.
Desired capabilities
- Penultimate or final-year student in Chemical Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering
- Ability to conduct structured literature reviews and synthesise technical information
- Research and analytical skills, including the ability to assess production processes, equipment requirements, and utility needs for renewable diesel
- Understanding of financial modelling concepts and the ability to estimate project costs and timelines
- Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Interest in sustainable fuels, low-emissions technologies, and/or circular economy principles
Applicants must:
- Be in their penultimate or final year of study in a relevant qualification Bachelor, or Honours level, with a current credit-average or higher
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in New South Wales and able to enter an employment contract
- Meet general selection criteria at the application stage, including communication skills, aptitude, and attitude
- Not be an existing employee or intern (paid or unpaid) of the host organisation they are applying to
- Be willing to provide feedback on their placement experience
About the Host Workplace
Biodiesel Industries Australia (BIA), located in Maitland, NSW, is a subsidiary of the Bloomfield Group, a family-owned Australian mining and engineering company based in the Hunter Valley. Established in 2003, BIA operates NSW’s only commercial-scale biodiesel refinery, specialising in the production of biodiesel from used cooking oils. The facility has the capacity to produce up to 20 million litres per year and is known for consistently exceeding the Australian Biodiesel Fuel Quality Standard. BIA has supplied biodiesel to major fuel companies and is committed to high-quality, sustainable fuel solutions.
The Bloomfield Group, BIA’s parent company, brings over 80 years of experience in mining and engineering and employs more than 500 people across its operations. While BIA itself is a small business unit, it benefits from the shared resources and expertise of the broader group.
Apply
If you're interested in the internship, please log in to our Education & Outreach Portal to apply. Be sure to include the application code CODENZ013. You’ll need to submit your CV and complete the application.
About the placement
This NSW Skills for Net Zero internship is hosted by Biodiesel Industries Australia (BIA). The initiative is proudly funded by the NSW Government and delivered by CSIRO.
As an intern working at BIA, you will contribute to a strategic research and analysis project focused on assessing the feasibility of converting BIA’s existing biodiesel plant in Rutherford into a renewable diesel production facility. This will involve evaluating the technical and operational requirements for such a transition and identifying any synergies with the current plant setup.
The project is primarily desktop-based, involving literature review and feasibility analysis, complemented by some on-site familiarisation to help you connect theory with practice. You’ll be supported by experienced professionals throughout the placement, ensuring a valuable learning experience in renewable energy innovation.
Key deliverables include:
- Supporting the development of a summary report comparing the current site’s capabilities with renewable diesel production requirements
- Contributing to an assessment of the technical and operational feasibility of a full transition, using internal data and expert input.
- Assisting in the formulation of recommendations outlining potential pathways for BIA to enable renewable diesel production.
- Participating in the preparation and delivery of a final presentation to the BIA Leadership Team, with mentoring provided to help you share your findings confidently.
Work arrangements
- Start date: 5- 6 week placement from late November to late January, with flexibility around university holidays and Christmas break.
- Working arrangement: Full time for 200 hours
- Remuneration: Casual position at $49.21 per hour, inclusive of casual loading.
- Location: Rutherford, NSW. Preferably based in or near Newcastle to support accommodation and supervision.
- PPE: Safety glasses, hard hat, and earmuffs will be provided. Students must supply their own long-sleeve drill shirts and pants, as well as steel-capped boots.
Desired capabilities
- Penultimate or final-year student in Chemical Engineering or Renewable Energy Engineering
- Ability to conduct structured literature reviews and synthesise technical information
- Research and analytical skills, including the ability to assess production processes, equipment requirements, and utility needs for renewable diesel
- Understanding of financial modelling concepts and the ability to estimate project costs and timelines
- Demonstrated commitment to safe work practices
- Effective problem-solving skills
- Strong interpersonal and communication abilities
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
- Interest in sustainable fuels, low-emissions technologies, and/or circular economy principles
Applicants must:
- Be in their penultimate or final year of study in a relevant qualification Bachelor, or Honours level, with a current credit-average or higher
- Be an Australian citizen or permanent resident currently residing in New South Wales and able to enter an employment contract
- Meet general selection criteria at the application stage, including communication skills, aptitude, and attitude
- Not be an existing employee or intern (paid or unpaid) of the host organisation they are applying to
- Be willing to provide feedback on their placement experience
About the Host Workplace
Biodiesel Industries Australia (BIA), located in Maitland, NSW, is a subsidiary of the Bloomfield Group, a family-owned Australian mining and engineering company based in the Hunter Valley. Established in 2003, BIA operates NSW’s only commercial-scale biodiesel refinery, specialising in the production of biodiesel from used cooking oils. The facility has the capacity to produce up to 20 million litres per year and is known for consistently exceeding the Australian Biodiesel Fuel Quality Standard. BIA has supplied biodiesel to major fuel companies and is committed to high-quality, sustainable fuel solutions.
The Bloomfield Group, BIA’s parent company, brings over 80 years of experience in mining and engineering and employs more than 500 people across its operations. While BIA itself is a small business unit, it benefits from the shared resources and expertise of the broader group.
Apply
If you're interested in the internship, please log in to our Education & Outreach Portal to apply. Be sure to include the application code CODENZ013. You’ll need to submit your CV and complete the application.