Head Stockperson

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo); Avon Downs; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Accommodation provided

Prepared meals provided

Job summary

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) requires a Head Stockperson at Avon Downs to coordinate daily livestock operations and lead the stockcamp, ensuring safe, efficient work and top‑tier animal welfare.

You will work with the Station Manager to drive performance across livestock, people, infrastructure and station operations while fostering a strong team culture. Accommodation and meals are provided.

Qualifications

• Experience as Leading Hand or Head Stockperson in pastoral operations.
• Proficient cattle handling, horse riding and animal husbandry skills.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Sound understanding of livestock welfare, biosecurity and QA requirements.
• Experience with stock recording systems is desirable.
• Strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Valid Driver's Licence and Firearms Licence (or ability to obtain).

Responsibilities

• Lead, mentor and develop the stockcamp team.
• Coordinate mustering, processing, drafting and livestock movements.
• Champion safe work practices and promote a strong safety culture.
• Coach and assess team members using AACo’s framework.
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and low-stress stock handling.
• Monitor livestock health and maintain records.
• Support maintenance of water, fencing, yards and assets.
• Contribute to planning and delivery of station work programs.

Skills

Cattle handling

Horse riding

Animal husbandry

People leadership

Communication

Planning

Problem solving

Tools

Stockmate

Job description

Who we are:

Established in 1824, Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is one of Australia’s largest integrated cattle and beef producers and is the country’s oldest continuously operating company. Today, AACo owns and operates a strategic balance of stations, feedlots and farms spanning approximately 6.5 million hectares of land across Queensland and the Northern Territory. Our people manage a large-scale Wagyu herd, producing consistently high-quality branded beef distributed to over 20 countries around the world.

About the role:

As the Head Stockperson at Avon Downs, you’ll play a hands-on role coordinating daily livestock operations, leading and developing your team, and ensuring work is completed safely, efficiently and to the highest animal welfare standards. Working closely with the Station Manager, you’ll help drive performance across livestock, people, infrastructure and station operations while fostering a strong team culture.

Key Responsibilities:

• Lead, mentor and develop the stockcamp team.
• Coordinate mustering, processing, drafting and livestock movements.
• Champion safe work practices and promote a strong safety culture.
• Coach and assess team members through AACo’s Operational Skills Framework.
• Maintain high standards of animal welfare and low-stress stock handling.
• Monitor livestock health and maintain accurate livestock records.
• Support the maintenance of water infrastructure, fencing, yards and station assets.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of station work programs.

What We’re Looking For:

• Previous experience as a Leading Hand or Head Stockperson within a pastoral operation.
• Strong cattle handling, horse-riding and animal husbandry skills.
• Proven ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Sound understanding of livestock welfare, biosecurity and quality assurance requirements.
• Experience with Stockmate or similar livestock recording systems (desirable).
• Strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Current Driver’s Licence and Firearms Licence (or ability to obtain).

Why AACo?

We’re a values-led organisation where curiosity, generosity and accountability guide how we work. We care deeply about our people, our animals and the land on which we live and work, and we’re proud of our legacy - one that’s rooted in history and driven by innovation.

Here’s what you can look forward to at Avon Downs:

• Comfortable air-conditioned accommodation and prepared meals provided.
• Opportunities to transfer to other AACo properties as roles become available.
• Supportive teams that work hard and enjoy the journey together.
• Strong horse culture and the chance to ride some exceptional horses.
• Experience the Australian outback at its best.