Valera Vale Droughtmasters is a family owned and managed business, which operates several properties in Southeastern Qld and Pinnacle and Yanna Stations in Central Western Queensland as well as the Bull Depot at Avilion, Greymare.
We are looking for an experienced station hand to join our team at Pinnacle. The role would suit a young family, but single people are encouraged to apply also.
Valera Vale Droughtmasters is a stud operation (one of the largest in the country) and a major supplier of Droughtmaster genetics throughout Northern Australia. The stud is heavily involved in Gene Testing and Genomic and other cutting-edge research. This role would appeal to people who want exposure to modern animal husbandry, cattle selection and management practices. The enterprise has 2 full time vets on staff. The Pinnacle based team includes 3 full time staff and several contractors.
Pinnacle is located between Augathella and Charleville. Also required to travel to other locations as needed.
Pinnacle is a picturesque, highly improved 13,000 ha. Buffel grass grazing property with a carrying capacity of 3,000 AE including 1,000 Stud Breeders. The Pinnacle team also contribute to much of the cattle work on Yanna (22,000 ha) which is located 120Km to the South. Pinnacle is located just south of Augathella with Charleville (56 km away: 12 Km formed gravel plus 44 km Mitchell Highway) being the main town. Charleville is a major regional centre with two Primary Schools, a High School (with School Bus access) and Hospital and Medical Services etc. It has Airline and Bus Services to Brisbane and Toowoomba.
REPORTING TO: STATION MANAGER
MAIN DUTIES/RESPONSIBILITIES include but are not limited to:
Mustering on Horseback, and two wheeled motorbikes.
Care of Valera Vale plant horses
Working cattle through yards for management procedures including but not limited to vaccination, pregnancy testing, semen testing, veterinary and husbandry procedures (including the safe use of chemicals), weaner handling and branding.
Feeding bagged stock lick supplements and other fodder
Checking stock for health and management purposes such as recording data such as birth dates, udder scores and mothering up.
Maintenance of a clean and safe workspace, including vehicles, onsite accommodation and yards, and abide by workplace health and safety policies and guidelines.
Stocktake for vaccines and veterinary supplies.
Assisting in the construction of property improvements.
Checking and maintenance of fences and waters.
Chemical spraying of weeds.
Operating machinery if required
PERFORMANCE GOALS:
Punctuality.
Cheerful, team player contribution to the working environment
Follow instructions
Completion of tasks in a thorough and efficient manner
Ensure completion of timesheets, yard books and other station records.
Ensure workspace, and vehicles are clean and presentable at all times.
Diligence and accuracy in Data Recording.
Deal with clients, suppliers and other employees professionally at all times.
The role includes
Lots of cattle work including mustering mostly on horseback (own plant horses welcome). Bikes and buggies are also used.
Practicing low stress stock handling techniques.
A substantial amount of weaner handling as Pinnacle is a weaner depot for the other properties
General Station Duties
Maintaining waters and fences including exclusion fencing
Working in a team environment
Ability to work unsupervised
Interest in machinery operations & basic maintenance (Dozer/Grader/Loader/HR or HC/MC Truck) is a positive but not essential
Very high standards of animal welfare are important to us. Attention to detail and the ability to keep accurate animal records are essential.
SKILLS & EXPERIENCE
Experience:
More than 12 months experience in a large scale cattle operation or similar is advantageous.
Experience mustering on horseback and working cattle in a low stress manner is essential.
Skills:
Confidence mustering on horseback and two wheeled motorbikes.
Ability to work independently as well as in a team.
Ability to follow directions and receive and respond to feedback.
Ability to keep accurate records of cattle
Flexibility to work weekends/ alternative hours as required.
Good work ethic.
Attractive remuneration package based on experience
A comfortable airconditioned cottage (3 Bedrooms)
Mobile Phone and Starlink Internet service
Bus Service to Charleville Secondary and Primary Schools
Good infrastructure and modern cattle yards
Exposure to modern cattle breeding technology and cutting-edge research
This is a permanent position and not available to Working Holiday Visa Holders (Backpackers) or overseas applications.
Applications without required skills and experience listed in the ad will not be considered.
Valera Vale Droughtmasters is a family owned and managed business, which operates several properties in Southeastern Qld and Pinnacle and Yanna Stations in Central Western Queensland as well as the Bull Depot at Avilion, Greymare.
