Station Leading Hand

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo); Goonoo Goonoo; On-site; AUD 70,000 - 100,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive remuneration

Employee discounts

Training & development

Job summary

Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) invites applications for a Station Leading Hand at Goonoo Station. Join our Wagyu-focused operation in the Central Highlands of Queensland, a part of AACo's network of stations, feedlots and farms delivering high-quality branded beef.

You will lead daily station activities, supervise mustering, cattle handling and animal husbandry, ensure safety and welfare, maintain records, and support improvements with the station leadership.

Qualifications

• Experience on cattle stations or feedlots required.
• Strong cattle handling, mustering and animal husbandry skills.
• Demonstrated leadership to train and mentor others.
• Knowledge of livestock welfare standards and QA documentation.
• Valid driver’s licence required.
• Excellent communication and teamwork abilities.
• Ability to work independently in remote conditions and manage priorities.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate daily station activities to meet production targets.
• Organise mustering, livestock movement and animal husbandry programs with head stockperson.
• Oversee safe cattle handling and welfare compliance.
• Maintain livestock records and reporting in company systems.
• Support maintenance and infrastructure projects at the station.
• Contribute to safety, training and mentoring of team.

Skills

Cattle handling

Mustering

Animal husbandry

Leadership

Record keeping

Livestock welfare standards

Current driver’s licence

Communication skills

Independent work

Organisational skills

Problem solving

Remote environment adaptability

Job description

We are looking for a talentedStation Leading Handto 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.

Benefits:

• Competitive remuneration & allowances
• Service recognition & employee discounts with preferred suppliers
• Ongoing training and development, both on-the-job and from external providers