Station Hand | Blackall | QLD

Alice Downs Grazing Company/Forest Park Santa Gertrudis Stud is seeking two full-time energetic Station hands to join our small team in 2026. Alice Downs is located 20km north of Blackall.

• permanent, full-time role

• can be couple or two singles

• to start mid-late January 2026

• competitive remuneration package

• accommodation includes furnished three-bedroom air-conditioned house (Wi-Fi, meat and electricity supplied)

• reports directly to the Station Manager.

Alice Downs consists of 5 adjoining properties run as a single aggregation over 93,000 acres. The country type is predominantly black soil Mitchell Grass (interspersed with Buffell grass on the ridges) and sandy Buffell grass country. The average rainfall is 20 inches. The properties are currently running 3,200 head of cattle and 300 sheep. The property is 20km to town.

The station currently has three permanent staff (including the Manager and his wife). Family members also help out when required. Mustering is done with two-wheeled motorbikes. A helicopter is used for the four large timbered paddocks.

There are two sets of cattle yards, laneways and two shearing sheds. Water is provided by a mixture of open dams and poly pipe.

There are two commercial breeder herds producing yearling steers and surplus heifers. Steers and heifers are sold via the Blackall saleyards and AuctionsPlus, depending on the season and the market.

The Forest Park Santa Gertrudis Stud sells approximately 70 bulls annually through the Barcoo Breeders Sale in October and paddock sales all year round.

There is a small flock of sheep bred for meat.

We are seeking two full-time energetic Station hands to join our small team in 2026. The duties listed below are desirable, however please note we are willing to provide training for an applicant who is willing to learn new skills.

• work with cattle and sheep (sheep experience not required)

• implementation of work programs as directed by Manager

• maintain stock waters and fences

• muster and draft cattle

• best practice animal welfare of cattle and sheep

• strong workplace health and safety 

• machinery and vehicle operation and upkeep 

• general station duties

• work on key improvement projects including further development of water infrastructure, fencing, grids and laneways.

Essential Criteria

• cattle handing experience

• motorbike mustering experience

• understanding of the highest standards of animal welfare and low-stress stock handling techniques

• the ability to maintain and service machinery including water infrastructure 

• a genuine interest and passion for working within the cattle industry and with stud cattle

• must be able to work as a part of a small, tight team

• be self-motivated, tidy, enthusiastic and have a great attitude towards what you do

• current drivers licence.

 Other criteria

• having a truck licence would be an advantage, but not necessary

• the ability to operate large machinery i.e. grader, front end loader an advantage, but not necessary.

• competitive remuneration package (based on experience)

• comfortable accommodation (Wi-Fi, meat and electricity supplied)

• supportive workplace

• ongoing opportunities for training and skill development

• be part of a progressive operation that values people, animals, and the land.

The township of Blackall has primary/secondary schools, doctors’ surgery, hospital, numerous sporting clubs (rugby league, golf, bowls, netball, shooting, fishing), bus service to Brisbane/Mt Isa and three return flights a week to Brisbane with QantasLink. Other social activities/clubs include local races, campdrafts and rodeos.