The Employer : Gunthorpe Cattle Company is a family-run beef cattle operation nestled in Central Queensland, located between Theodore and Banana, approximately two hours from Rockhampton. The operation manages a 2,000-3,000 LSU herd across four properties in the region, encompassing a Brahman and Brangus stud herd of 900 head, a steer backgrounding enterprise, and a crossbred commercial breeding operation. Known for being an innovative and progressive business, they promote an open dialogue and value a good attitude and common sense above all else. The small team is well-organised, and the role offers a reasonable degree of independence with minimal weekend work. The Role We are looking for a dedicated full-time Leading Hand/Assistant to the Manager to join our small team, with a planned start date in December 2025 or early 2026. You will work closely with the Operations Manager and will often be required to manage properties and operations independently for brief periods. As the Leading Hand, you'll play a vital role in the day-to-day operations of the stud and commercial enterprises. A core part of the position involves animal husbandry, encompassing mustering, branding, and transporting cattle. A dedicated focus will be on weaner education, ensuring the young stock are handled and managed effectively. Beyond direct stock work, you'll be responsible for water management, which includes monitoring all cattle water sources and maintaining or improving the watering systems across the properties. You will also be heavily involved in infrastructure upkeep, particularly with fencing, ensuring existing fences are well-maintained and installing new fence lines as required. Accurate and meticulous record-keeping is another crucial duty, essential for maintaining stud integrity and effective farm management. Finally, the role offers a chance for public-facing work, as you'll be expected to engage in client interaction, representing the stud at sales and liaising with customers. The Offer We offer a competitive wage based on experience, along with comfortable living quarters for a single person and a work vehicle during hours. Opportunities for growth within our family-oriented business include training in Low Stress Stock Handling, Grazing for Profit, and dog handling. Accommodation includes a one-bedroom workers' cottage with full amenities, including beef, power, and Wi-Fi. Two workhorses can be accommodated, and the owners will provide feed for four working dogs. Located about 42 kilometres from Moura and 82 kilometres from Biloela, where you can find all essential amenities, including grocery stores, hospitals, and sports facilities. Join an active local community with organisations like the Moura Rugby Club and the Barfield Road Producers Group, which host events and learning opportunities throughout the year. The Ideal Candidate We are seeking an enthusiastic candidate with long-term ambitions in the Australian agriculture and beef sector who aspires to progress into leadership roles. You Must Demonstrate the following attributes: A minimum of 4 years' experience in livestock husbandry, pasture management, and grazing practices. Excellent skills in handling and managing livestock and implementing low-stress stock handling methods. Exceptional organisational abilities, especially in maintaining records such as calving dates, EBVs, weights, scrotal sizes, and grazing charts. Outstanding interpersonal skills for effective communication at all levels. Honesty, reliability, enthusiasm for learning, and a tidy work ethic. Willingness to travel between properties (maximum 60km distance). Possession of a current driver's license and manual vehicle driving capability. HR Truck License. Proficiency in horse riding. Familiarity with broadacre farming tractor experience and a willingness to acquire skills related to grazing techniques are highly valued. Register your interest If you feel that you're the right fit for this position, please submit an up-to-date resume along with the contact details of 3 references. Preference will be given to those who supply a cover letter addressing their suitability - that is, tell us what you love about the role and how you think you're the right fit. For further information please call Haley on 0476 669 453 or email haley@droverag.com.au
