Station Leading Hand

AAco; Emerald; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Service recognition

Employee discounts

Ongoing training

Job summary

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) seeks a Station Leading Hand to join our Goonoo operation in the Central Highlands of Queensland. You will coordinate daily station activities, supervise mustering and animal husbandry, and uphold safety and animal welfare standards.

This role requires proven cattle handling, leadership, and the ability to work independently in a remote environment. You will maintain livestock records and contribute to maintenance programs while supporting long-term

Qualifications

• Experience working on a cattle station, feedlot or similar livestock operation.
• Strong practical skills in cattle handling, mustering and animal husbandry.
• Demonstrated leadership with ability to train and coach others.
• Knowledge of livestock welfare standards and record keeping.
• Current driver’s licence and good communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and prioritise in a remote environment.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily station activities and communicate work priorities to achieve production targets.
• Organise and supervise mustering teams and livestock movements.
• Oversee cattle handling to ensure safety and animal welfare standards.
• Monitor welfare and management of cattle and horses, including feeding and training.
• Maintain accurate livestock records and reporting in company systems.
• Support QA programs and compliance with documentation requirements.
• Assist maintenance and capital improvement programs and infrastructure.

Skills

Cattle handling

Mustering

Team leadership

Livestock welfare

Records management

Excellent communication

Problem solving

Job description

We are looking for a talented Station Leading Hand to join our team in Goonoo. Goonoo Feedlot & Station is situated in the Central Highlands of Queensland, 65km southeast of Emerald, and is a specialised Wagyu feedlot & backgrounding operation.

Who are we:

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.

Key Responsibilities:

As a Leading Hand, you will:

• Coordinate daily station activities and communicate work priorities to ensure production targets are achieved.
• Organise and supervise mustering teams, livestock movements and animal husbandry programs alongside the head stockperson.
• Oversee cattle handling practices, ensuring all activities are completed safely, efficiently and in line with animal welfare standards.
• Monitor the welfare and management of cattle and horses, including feeding, treatment, training and husbandry activities.
• Maintain accurate livestock records, stock movements and reporting requirements through company systems.
• Support Quality Assurance programs by ensuring compliance with livestock identification, treatment recording and documentation requirements.
• Support maintenance and capital improvement programs, including station infrastructure, fencing, yards, waters and equipment.
• Work closely with station leadership to implement operational plans, allocate resources and achieve business objectives.
• Contribute to performance development, coaching and mentoring of team members.
• Promote and maintain safe work practices and compliance with company policies and procedures.

Required Skills & Experience:

To be successful in this role, you will bring:

• Previous experience working on a cattle station, feedlot or similar livestock operation.
• Strong practical skills in cattle handling, mustering, animal husbandry and general station operations.
• Demonstrated leadership experience with the ability to train, coach and support others.
• Knowledge of livestock welfare standards, quality assurance requirements and livestock record keeping.
• A current driver's licence.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• The ability to work independently while contributing positively to a team environment.
• Excellent organisational skills and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• A proactive approach to problem-solving and continuous improvement.
• Flexibility, resilience and a strong work ethic in a remote operational environment.
• Service recognition & employee discounts with preferred suppliers
• Ongoing training and development, both on-the-job and from external providers