Head Stockperson

500 A.A Company Pty Ltd; Headingly; On-site; AUD 90,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

The Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) is seeking a Head Stockperson to lead the team at Headingly Station. You’ll coordinate daily livestock operations, mentor the stockcamp crew, and ensure work is conducted safely with high animal welfare standards.

Working alongside the Operations Manager and Station Manager, you’ll drive performance across livestock handling, infrastructure and station programs while building a strong, proactive team culture at Headingly.

Qualifications

• Leading Hand or Head Stockperson experience within a pastoral operation.
• Cattle handling, horse-riding and animal husbandry skills.
• Ability to lead, coach and develop people.
• Knowledge of livestock welfare, biosecurity and QA requirements.
• Desirable experience with Stockmate or similar systems.
• Strong communication, planning and problem-solving skills.
• Current 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 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 maintenance of water infrastructure, fencing, yards and station assets.
• Contribute to the planning and delivery of station work programs.

Skills

Cattle handling

Horse riding

Animal husbandry

People leadership

Communication

Planning

Problem solving

Biosecurity knowledge

Animal welfare

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. We are fostering a culture that values safety, inclusion and opportunity, and are committed to integrating care for our people, animals and land into the way we do business - Reimagining Australian agriculture to share with the world - and we’d love you to join us.

About the role

We are seeking a Head Stockperson to lead the team at Headingly Station. Headingly Station is located near Urandangie, approximately 200 km southwest of Mount Isa. As the Head Stockperson, 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 Operations Manager & 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 is rooted in history and driven by innovation.

At Headingly, you’ll enjoy:

Spending your downtime fishing or waterskiing in the permanent waterholes along the Georgina River, with Mount Isa and local events just a short trip away for that perfect balance of outback and social life.

Join a welcoming, down-to-earth crew where people back each other, celebrate wins, and make Headingly feel like more than just a workplace.

Take advantage of hands-on training and real progression opportunities within the company, build skills, confidence, and a long-term future.