Looking for answers about cattle station jobs, agricultural careers or working in rural Australia? You have come to the right place.
RFTTEJOBS.com connects job seekers with employers across Australia’s cattle stations, farms, feedlots, transport businesses, rural services and agricultural industries. Below you will find practical answers about applying for jobs, cattle station life, pay, accommodation, seasonal work, visas and advertising vacancies.
Can’t find the answer you need? Contact RFTTEJOBS.com and we will point you in the right direction.
Last updated: July 2026
Why trust RFTTEJOBS.com?
Yes. Searching and applying for jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com is completely free for job seekers. You can browse current rural, agriculture, feedlot and cattle station vacancies at any time.
Yes. Creating a free job seeker account allows you to apply for vacancies, upload your resume, update your profile and manage your applications.
Yes. Once your account is created, you can upload your resume and update it whenever your experience, licences or contact details change. A current PDF resume is generally the safest format to use.
Yes. Subscribe to the free RFTTEJOBS.com newsletter to receive new rural and agricultural vacancies by email. Opportunities change regularly, so job alerts can help you apply early.
RFTTEJOBS.com advertises jobs across rural, remote and regional Australia, as well as agricultural roles based in larger towns and cities. Common vacancies include:
Cattle station jobs are commonly found across the Northern Territory, Queensland, Western Australia, South Australia and northern New South Wales. Major employment regions include the Kimberley, Pilbara, Barkly, Gulf Country, Cape York and Channel Country.
RFTTEJOBS.com also advertises farming, feedlot, livestock and rural business roles throughout Australia.
Yes, some employers recruit entry-level station hands, jackaroos and jillaroos - particularly at the beginning of the mustering season where training can be provided before starting. A strong work ethic, reliability, fitness, willingness to learn and a positive attitude can be just as important as previous station experience.
Experience with livestock, horses, motorbikes, machinery, fencing, trades or physical outdoor work can strengthen your application. Always check the job advertisement, as some positions require experienced applicants.
Many entry-level station jobs do not require formal qualifications. Employers commonly look for practical ability, safe work habits, reliability and a genuine interest in station life.
Useful qualifications and licences may include:
Not for every station job. Some cattle stations still use horses extensively, while others rely more heavily on motorbikes, side-by-sides, vehicles and helicopters.
If confident horse riding is essential, it should be stated in the advertisement. Be honest about your ability. Never claim to be an experienced rider if you are not.
Usually not. Stations that require horse work normally provide suitable working horses and may also supply station tack. Experienced workers sometimes bring their own horse or gear, but you must obtain the employer’s permission before arriving.
Yes. Some employers advertise roles suitable for couples, particularly where two complementary skills are needed. Examples may include cook and station hand, mechanic and administration, bore runner and gardener, or machinery operator and cook.
Apply only when the advertisement states that couples are welcome, or contact the employer before lodging two separate applications.
Some stations provide family accommodation, particularly for managers, overseers, tradespeople and other permanent senior staff. Availability varies considerably, so check whether housing, schooling arrangements and partner employment are included before applying.
The minimum working age varies between Australian states and territories. Restrictions may also apply to school-aged workers, working hours and hazardous duties.
In practice, many cattle station employers prefer applicants who are at least 17 or 18 and hold a provisional or full driver’s licence because station work often involves vehicles, machinery and remote travel.
Important: There is no single minimum working age that applies identically across Australia. Check the rules for the state or territory where the job is located.
A strong rural resume is clear, honest and easy to scan. It should include:
Your cover letter should explain why you want that particular job and what you can contribute. Avoid sending the same generic message to every employer.
SEE OUR BLOG: How to Get a Station Hand Job in Australia (2027 Guide)
A photo is optional - though it can make your resume stand out from the pile! Some rural employers appreciate a friendly, professional head-and-shoulders photograph, but your skills, experience, references and suitability for the job are more important.
It may take a few days, several weeks or occasionally longer. Rural employers are often managing livestock, staff, weather, maintenance and day-to-day station operations while reviewing applications.
Recruitment for the following season may begin months before the intended start date. Do not put all your cows in one paddock. Apply for several suitable vacancies rather than relying on a single application.
Yes, provided the advertisement includes contact details and does not ask applicants not to call. A polite follow-up after one or two weeks can demonstrate interest. Keep it brief and be ready to confirm your availability, experience and work rights.
Not always. Employers may receive a large number of applications and may only contact shortlisted candidates. Do not take a lack of response personally. Continue applying for jobs that genuinely match your skills and availability.
No two days are exactly the same. Depending on the season and role, a day may involve mustering, yard work, checking waters, feeding livestock, fencing, machinery operation, maintenance, cleaning, gardening or preparing meals.
During mustering and processing, early starts and long days can be common. At quieter times, work may focus on maintenance and property improvements.
Mustering is the process of locating, gathering and moving cattle from large paddocks to yards or another part of the property. Depending on the terrain and station, teams may use horses, motorbikes, side-by-sides, vehicles and helicopters.
Processing cattle may include identification, ear tagging, vaccination, weighing, recording livestock information and other animal husbandry tasks. Duties vary by station and must be carried out under the employer’s animal welfare and safety procedures.
Accommodation varies from property to property. It may include single rooms, shared staff quarters, cottages or family housing. Bathrooms, kitchens and recreation areas may be shared.
Many stations provide air conditioning, laundry facilities and internet access, but standards and inclusions should always be confirmed before accepting a job.
Meals are commonly included for station staff, particularly on larger or more remote properties. Some stations employ a cook, while others supply groceries or provide self-catering facilities.
Read the advertisement carefully and confirm whether meals, groceries or a board deduction apply to the position.
Connectivity has improved on many stations through Wi-Fi, Starlink and mobile services, but coverage can still be limited or unreliable. Telstra is commonly used in remote Australia, although service depends on the location.
Ask the employer what coverage is available and whether staff internet use is limited.
That depends on the distance to town, road conditions, your roster and whether the property is accessible during the wet season. Some staff travel to campdrafts, rodeos and nearby towns on days off, while others may remain on the station for extended periods.
Only with the employer’s approval. Many cattle stations do not allow staff dogs because of livestock safety, wild dog control, working dog teams, accommodation and barking concerns.
Some properties are dog-friendly, but conditions may apply. Your dog may need to remain confined during work hours, be vaccinated and stay under control at all times.
Always ask the employer for a property-specific packing list before travelling.
Some employers arrange airport or bus pick-ups, while others require workers to make their own way to a town, depot or station entrance. Never assume transport is included. Confirm all travel arrangements before booking flights or beginning a long drive.
Pay varies according to the role, experience, classification, location, roster and employment arrangement. Entry-level station hands may be paid at or above the relevant award rate, while experienced overseers, machinery operators, cooks, tradespeople and managers generally earn more.
Accommodation and meals may form part of the overall employment package. Always compare the full package, not just the headline salary.
Many cattle station, livestock and farming positions are covered by the Pastoral Award or another relevant modern award. The correct award and classification depend on the actual duties and employment arrangement.
Minimum rates can change, so employers and workers should check the current Fair Work information rather than relying on an old salary guide.
Depending on the applicable award, agreement, roster and duties, workers may be entitled to overtime, penalties, allowances or other payments. Remote employment does not automatically create a universal isolation allowance.
Your written employment offer should clearly explain your rate of pay, ordinary hours, overtime arrangements, deductions and included benefits.
Positions may be permanent, fixed-term or seasonal. Northern mustering roles often run through much of the dry season (typically April through to November - depending on when the wet season ends and begins), while other station, feedlot, farming and management jobs continue year-round.
Confirm the expected start date, finish date, probation period and notice requirements before accepting a role.
Accommodation and meals are often provided, but this does not always mean they are completely free. Some employers make lawful board or accommodation deductions. These should be clearly explained in your employment offer and payslip.
Many workers save a substantial portion of their wages because accommodation, meals and utilities may be provided or subsidised. Your ability to save will depend on your pay, deductions, personal spending, travel and other commitments.
Australian employers are generally required to hold workers’ compensation insurance under the laws of the state or territory in which they operate. Coverage and claims processes differ between jurisdictions.
Report workplace injuries promptly and follow the employer’s incident and medical procedures.
Workers should receive an induction and appropriate information, instruction, supervision and training for their duties. Safety procedures may cover livestock handling, vehicles, machinery, firearms, chemicals, fatigue, heat, remote travel and emergency communication.
Do not operate equipment or undertake a task unless you are trained, authorised and confident it can be completed safely.
Many northern cattle stations begin advertising between September and November for roles starting early the following year. Recruitment continues into summer and early autumn as crews are finalised.
Experienced and senior roles may be advertised earlier. Vacancies can also appear at any time when workers leave or operational needs change.
Across much of northern Australia, the dry season generally runs from around April to October, although timing varies by region and annual rainfall. Mustering, processing, fencing, road work and cattle movements are often concentrated during this period.
Wet-season work may include feeding, checking waters, repairs, maintenance, fencing, machinery servicing, gardening, cooking and property improvements. Some stations retain a smaller permanent crew when mustering slows or roads become inaccessible.
Conditions may include heat, humidity, heavy rain, flooding, insects and temporary road closures. Remote properties can become isolated, so workers must follow local travel instructions and be prepared for limited access to town.
Yes. Vacancies may include machinery operators, chaser bin drivers, farm hands, mechanics, truck drivers, cooks, agronomists and seasonal labour. Availability depends on crop type, region and harvest timing.
Sometimes. Some employers advertise seasonal or short-term roles suitable for Working Holiday Visa holders, but many cattle station and agricultural vacancies are permanent and require applicants with ongoing Australian work rights.
Read every advertisement carefully. Apply only when your visa conditions, availability and experience match the employer’s requirements.
Most employers advertising on RFTTEJOBS.com require applicants who already have the legal right to live and work in Australia. RFTTEJOBS.com does not arrange visas or guarantee employer sponsorship.
Do not apply unless you meet the work-right requirements stated in the advertisement.
Visa options and eligibility depend on your citizenship, age, skills, occupation and circumstances. Requirements can change, so use the official Australian Government source for current information.
Visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs.
We do not get involved in arranging Visa's or Sponsorship.
No. RFTTEJOBS.com is a jobs advertising platform and does not provide migration services or match overseas applicants with sponsors. Any sponsorship opportunity will be stated by the employer in the individual advertisement.
Many New Zealand citizens are granted a Special Category Visa when entering Australia, provided they meet the relevant requirements. Immigration rules can change, so confirm your position with the Department of Home Affairs before applying or travelling.
Create an employer account, sign in and select the advertising option that suits your vacancy. You can then enter your job details, upload images and submit the advertisement for publication.
RFTTEJOBS.com offers several advertising options for different roles, campaign lengths and levels of promotion. Packages may include website listings, featured placement, newsletter advertising and social media promotion.
Visit the Employer Products page for current inclusions and pricing.
RFTTEJOBS.com specialises in agriculture, livestock and rural employment. Vacancies can be promoted through a targeted jobs board, social media community and weekly jobs newsletter rather than relying solely on a general employment website.
Our audience includes experienced station staff, agricultural workers, tradespeople, managers and people actively looking to begin a rural career.
Self-posted advertisements can generally be submitted as soon as payment and job details are complete. Publication timing depends on the package, content review and whether any information needs clarification.
Yes. A post-on-your-behalf service may be available for employers who would like assistance with formatting, structure, wording, images and presentation. Select the relevant option or contact RFTTEJOBS.com before purchasing.
Yes, but each advertisement package generally covers one position unless otherwise agreed. Employers recruiting regularly or across several properties should contact RFTTEJOBS.com to discuss a multi-ad package or ongoing arrangement.
Yes. Higher-visibility packages are designed for specialist, experienced, senior or harder-to-fill vacancies. These may include station managers, overseers, head stockpersons, mechanics, machinery operators, cooks and remote professional roles.
Yes. Employers can generally update a live advertisement through their account during the listing period. Contact support if you need help changing key details, images or application instructions.
Yes. Employers can review applicants and resumes through the employer dashboard where the candidate has applied through RFTTEJOBS.com. The exact workflow may depend on the application method selected for the advertisement.
RFTTEJOBS.com focuses on cattle stations, farming, feedlots, livestock, transport, machinery, trades, rural services, agricultural technology, remote tourism and related professional roles. Relevant office, sales and management positions may also be advertised.
Advertisements should accurately describe the role, location, duties, required experience, employment type, work rights, accommodation and application process. Employers must comply with applicable workplace, discrimination, safety, superannuation and workers’ compensation laws.
Pay must meet the applicable legal minimum. Employers should check current Fair Work information when preparing an offer.
Go to the sign-in page and select the password reset option. Follow the instructions sent to your registered email address.
Where the platform permits only one login email, employers may choose to use a shared company recruitment address. Protect the password carefully and remove access when a team member leaves the business.
Email hello@rfttejobs.com for account, advertisement or application support.
RFTTEJOBS.com combines a specialist rural jobs platform with the long-established Ringers From The Top End community. This gives employers targeted access to people interested in cattle stations, agriculture and regional careers.
For job seekers, it provides one place to find roles across cattle stations, farms, feedlots and rural businesses throughout Australia.
RFTTEJOBS.com was founded by Simon Cheatham following the growth of the Ringers From The Top End community, which began in 2007. The platform was created to help rural employers reach the right people and help job seekers discover genuine careers in Australian agriculture.
Whether you are looking for your first cattle station job, planning your next rural career move or trying to recruit reliable staff, we are happy to help.
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Simon Cheatham
Founder, RFTTEJOBS.com
What is the social life like on a cattle station?
Station life can be highly social, particularly during the dry season. Staff may attend local rodeos, campdrafts, race meetings, gymkhanas, fishing trips and community events.
Living and working closely with the same crew also means teamwork, respect and consideration are extremely important.