Head Stockman - Marion Downs Station, QLD

Napco; Queensland; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals and air-accommodation provided

Travel reimbursement

Season completion bonus

Traineeship in Agriculture

Social events

Job summary

Napco seeks an experienced Head Stockman for Marion Downs Station in Queensland's Channel Country. Lead a crew of seven, manage stock camp operations, and drive efficiency from mustering to livestock movements.

The role requires practical leadership, clear communication, and a hands-on approach to cattle, horses and maintenance in a remote setting. You’ll report to the Station Manager and contribute to safety and animal welfare.

Qualifications

• 3+ years cattle-station experience (Leading Hand/Head Stockman).
• Strong leadership and collaborative approach.
• Excellent livestock-handling, horsemanship and motorbike skills.
• Mechanical knowledge for routine maintenance work.
• Good planning and record-keeping with attention to detail.
• Ability to work remotely with minimal supervision in a remote environment.
• Current manual driver licence and First Aid certificate.
• MR/HR/HC licence or willingness to obtain one.
• Commitment to safety, animal welfare and professional conduct.

Responsibilities

• Lead the day-to-day running of the stock camp, keeping activities organised, efficient and on track.
• Coordinate, supervise and train station hands, setting clear expectations and leading by example.
• Plan and carry out mustering, drafting, processing and livestock movements.
• Handle cattle confidently on horseback and motorbikes using safe practices.
• Maintain accurate livestock movement, treatment and operational records.
• Undertake horse husbandry, tack care and routine maintenance of vehicles and equipment.
• Support fencing, water-point, weed-control and general infrastructure maintenance as required.
• Communicate clearly with station management and report concerns.
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure work aligns with HSE standards.

Skills

Leadership

Cattle station experience

Horsemanship

Motorbike riding

Maintenance know-how

Planning & records

Education

First Aid certificate

Manual driver licence

MR/HR/HC licence

Job description

Step into an exciting Head Stockman opportunity at Marion Downs Station in Queensland's Channel Country

12th October, 2026

150 Years of Cattle. People. Purpose. Join NAPCo in its 150th anniversary year and step into an exciting Head Stockman opportunity at Marion Downs Station in Queensland's Channel Country. Lead a stock camp and help shape the next generation of Australian agriculture.

About NAPCo
The North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) was founded in 1877 and is one of Australia's leading beef cattle companies, managing over 6.1 million hectares, largest single herd in the world and home to Five Founders Beef. NAPCo employs approximately 220 staff operating across Queensland and the Northern Territory, with 15 cattle stations, a Depot in Mount Isa, a Feedlot and Farm in the Darling Downs and an office in Brisbane's CBD.

Marion Downs Station, QLD
Spanning 1.2 million hectares in Queensland's Channel Country, Marion Downs Station is approximately four hours south of Mount Isa and one hour south of Boulia. The property's striking landscape ranges from expansive floodplains and open rolling downs to desert country and includes Herbert Downs Outstation.

The role
We're looking for an experienced Head Stockman to join the crew at Marion Downs Station. Reporting to the Station Manager and leading a crew of seven station hands, you'll play a key role in keeping the stock camp organised, safe and running efficiently. This hands-on position suits a practical leader who communicates clearly, plans ahead and leads by example.

Day to day duties include:

• Lead the day-to-day running of the stock camp, keeping activities organised, efficient and on track
• Coordinate, supervise and train station hands, setting clear expectations and leading by example
• Plan and carry out mustering, drafting, processing and livestock movements
• Handle cattle confidently on horseback and motorbikes using quiet, sensible animal-welfare practices
• Maintain accurate livestock movement, treatment and operational records
• Undertake horse husbandry, tack care and routine maintenance of vehicles, motorcycles and equipment
• Support fencing, water-point, weed-control and general infrastructure maintenance as required
• Communicate clearly with station management and report livestock, infrastructure, equipment or team concerns
• Promote a strong safety culture and ensure work is completed in line with NAPCo's HSE, animal-welfare and environmental requirements

Ideally the successful candidate will have/be:

• At least three years' cattle-station experience, including experience as a Leading Hand or Head Stockman
• Sound leadership skills and a practical, collaborative approach
• Strong livestock-handling, horsemanship and motorbike-riding skills
• Sound mechanical knowledge and confidence undertaking routine maintenance
• Good planning, computer and record‑keeping skills with strong attention to detail
• The ability to adjust priorities, meet deadlines and work with minimal supervision in a remote environment
• A current manual driver licence and First Aid certificate
• An MR, HR or HC licence, or willingness to obtain one
• A genuine commitment to safety, animal welfare and professional conduct

Employee benefits

• Permanent full-time position | Can commence from Nov/ Dec 2026 or with the 2027 Season
• Meals and Air-Accommodation provided (single or couple). If applying as a couple, please submit both resumes.
• NAPCo are proud to offer competitive pay, generous annual leave entitlements, travel reimbursement, season completion bonus and transfer opportunities between stations at the end of the year.
• We invest heavily in on-the-job training and all staff are offered and encouraged to complete a traineeship in Agriculture.
• NAPCo stations have a great social environment and give all employees the chance to attend our annual Station Challenge, ad-hoc campdrafts, sports days, fishing, camping etc..

NAPCo is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces, promotes and values diversity and inclusion.