Station Management Couple, SOUTH-WESTERN QLD

AusAG Rural; Queensland; Hybrid; AUD 120,000 - 140,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

4-bedroom home

Work vehicle

Board and keep

Job summary

AusAG Rural is seeking an experienced, hands-on management couple to operate a 3,000-head beef breeding station in Southwest Queensland. You will lead day-to-day operations, staff, and breeding programs, ensuring high welfare standards and budget discipline from Hungerford to Thargomindah.

The role offers a comprehensive package, including a fully furnished home, board and keep, a work vehicle and a separate remunerated partner role. An early December 2026 transition is anticipated.

Qualifications

• Experience managing a cattle station or breeding operation.
• Strong leadership and team coordination skills.
• Ability to manage budgets, spend and resources.
• Commitment to low-stress stock handling and welfare.

Responsibilities

• Plan and oversee all cattle operations and breeding activities.
• Lead a team of five and allocate daily tasks.
• Oversee property maintenance, waters and infrastructure.
• Maintain accurate records and monitor expenditures.
• Ensure cattle welfare and low-stress handling practices.
• Provide catering during mustering and manage crew meals.

Skills

Cattle management

Team leadership

Budget management

Safety leadership

Tools

Mustering equipment

Job description

Station Management Couple, SOUTH-WESTERN QLD

• A genuine management opportunity: Take responsibility for the day-to-day running of an established beef breeding operation, with the autonomy to lead the property and its team.
• Hands-on station management: Oversee cattle operations, staff, livestock, waters, infrastructure and general property operations across a substantial breeding enterprise.
• A strong package: Manager's remuneration of $120,000-$140,000 plus board, keep, a work vehicle and a 4-bedroom, furnished home, with a separately remunerated role available for the second partner.

AusAG Rural is seeking an experienced, hands-on management couple to take ownership of a 3,000-head beef breeding operation on behalf of a family-owned cattle enterprise in the Hungerford-Thargomindah district of Southwest Queensland, leading a team and delivering a high standard of station management. The business runs approximately 3,000 breeding cows across two adjoining cattle stations and is seeking an experienced management couple to take responsibility for one of its cattle stations. Located in a remote but well-established pastoral district, the properties sit between Hungerford and Thargomindah, close to the Queensland-New South Wales border and the meeting point of three Australian states. The region offers genuine outback station living, wide open country and the opportunity to become part of a close-knit rural community where practical skills and reliability are valued. This is an opportunity for a couple who enjoy the demands of station life, take pride in running a well-maintained property and want to make a meaningful contribution to an established cattle operation.

This is a hands-on management position responsible for the day-to-day operation of the property and leadership of a team of five, including the management couple. The successful couple will oversee cattle operations, staff coordination, property maintenance, livestock records and general station priorities. Mustering is supported by motorbikes, buggies and helicopter assistance, with horses historically used for tailing out weaners, although horsemanship is not essential. The role also involves catering for one permanent staff member residing at the main homestead, as well as a small crew during mustering periods. The owners are looking for a dependable, capable couple who lead by example, communicate well and understand the importance of good cattle handling, organisation and accountability. An early December 2026 transition is anticipated, allowing the incoming management team to take over the operation.

Key Responsibilities & Duties:

• Plan and oversee all cattle operations, including mustering, drafting, yard work, branding, weaning and general animal husbandry across the breeding enterprise.
• Lead, supervise and coordinate a team of five, allocating daily work, providing clear direction and maintaining a safe, respectful and productive working environment.
• Manage the day-to-day operation of the property, including monitoring waters, checking infrastructure, coordinating repairs and prioritising general station maintenance.
• Maintain accurate livestock, property and operational records, monitor expenditure and manage supplies to ensure the property operates efficiently and within budget.
• Oversee livestock welfare and ensure cattle are handled calmly and consistently, setting clear expectations for low-stress stock handling across the team.
• Provide catering for one permanent staff member at the main homestead and organise meals for a small crew (typically 3-4) during mustering periods.

Selection Criteria:

• Demonstrated cattle station management experience, with sound practical knowledge of beef breeding operations, cattle handling, mustering and general livestock husbandry.
• Strong leadership and communication skills, with the ability to organise a team, provide clear instructions, lead by example and maintain positive working relationships with staff and owners.
• A calm and practical approach to cattle handling, with a genuine commitment to low-stress stock handling methods and maintaining good livestock welfare standards.
• Sound organisational and business management skills, including the ability to plan workloads, maintain accurate records, manage supplies and make sensible operational spending decisions.
• Honest, trustworthy and accountable, with a willingness to take responsibility, follow through on commitments and communicate openly when issues arise.
• Physically fit, hands-on and well-presented, with a positive attitude, strong work ethic and genuine appreciation for rural living.
• A current HC truck licence is considered important.

Additional Particulars:

• Position: Full-time station management opportunity for a couple, with the second partner's position offering flexibility for either part-time or full-time employment.
• Remuneration: Manager's salary of $120,000-$140,000 per annum, dependent on experience and suitability. Separately remunerated partner's position, with duties including catering during mustering and the opportunity to undertake additional station responsibilities. Hours, duties and remuneration will be agreed according to skills and experience.
• Accommodation & inclusions: 4 bedroom airconditioned and fully furnished home, board and keep, plus a work vehicle.
• Please note that our client does not offer visa sponsorship for this position and are unable to accept applications from candidates currently on a Working Holiday visa in Australia.