The Employer Tallawong Pastoral Co Pty Ltd is a family-owned, commercially focused business spanning 6,070 acres across five nearby properties, which are operated efficiently together to achieve the desired outcomes. The enterprise operates the industry-leading, heavy cutting, fine wool Tallawong Merinos Stud, comprising 1,600 breeding ewes, predominantly polled. The commercial enterprise includes 9,000 ewes lambed to Merinos and 2,400 to Poll Dorsets. Lambs are sold mainly direct to Gundagai Lamb under their QL5 carcase premium. The property is well-equipped with modern, well-maintained machinery, equipment and infrastructure, including its own stock truck, tractors, vehicles, feed mixers, and auto drafters. The Role This is a hands-on leadership position with scope for growth in a leading, progressive Merino stud and commercial wool-growing and lamb-fattening operation. The manager will oversee all aspects of the livestock and feed programs, including breeding ewes. This involves DNA testing, SG benchmarking, sire evaluations, and maintaining consistent top-end wether trial performances. The role also involves managing the commercial flock of Merino breeding ewes and Poll Dorset-mated ewes. You will be crucial in the intensive lamb fattening program, where Merino and crossbred lambs are initially supplementary fed post-weaning before being fattened on grazing crops like red wheat or Brassica. Responsibilities further extend to feed security and management, including harvesting and storing grain (Wheat) for both drought reserve and lamb production feeding, as well as storing fine chop silage or hay in opportunity years for production feeding or utilisation in confinement feeding during tough years. Suitable applicants must demonstrate a strong work ethic and a commitment to achieving results. They should possess well-developed skills in sheep husbandry and pasture management, including effective observation techniques to assess sheep health and condition. Additionally, they should show initiative in management decisions, with the ability to plan, prioritise, and organise tasks efficiently and promptly. Strong leadership is essential to motivate staff and casuals, ensuring effective outcomes. Additionally, maintaining accurate stock records and possessing good communication skills with the owner and other staff are crucial. The Offer A competitive salary package, commensurate with experience, is being offered. The package includes a recently renovated three-bedroom house and a working dog allowance. Additionally, a work vehicle (Ute) can be provided. This position is particularly well-suited for families, as it offers excellent opportunities for education and employment for partners due to its proximity to the Canberra CBD, which is only 25 km away. A school bus stop is also nearby. The Ideal Candidate To be successful in this position, candidates should possess extensive experience in Merino breeding and husbandry, coupled with a genuine passion for advancing genetic improvements and leading industry standards. The following qualifications are also highly desirable: Proven ability to liaise effectively with clients and promote the sheep stud A performance-driven mindset Competence in machinery operation and mechanical maintenance Hold a valid HR license Excellent communication skills to interact clearly with team members and maintain accurate stock records Initiative in management decision-making, with strong planning, prioritisation, and organisational abilities to ensure efficient task management for oneself and the team Possession of a chemical certificate 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
