Leading Hand

The Employer

BEEFGEN is a livestock export business that handles everything from sourcing quality livestock, protocol and quarantine requirements and delivery worldwide. Its experienced team specialises in cattle exports for breeders, feeders, and slaughter markets in Australia and New Zealand.

The Employer-Owned Live Export Quarantine Facility covers 1600 acres and accommodates up to 9000 head of cattle. It features state-of-the-art steel cattle yards with a 5-way air draft and hydraulic cattle crush, along with well-fenced paddocks. It also manages extra cattle on agistment, ranging from 500 to 1000 head, depending on the season.

The Role

The Farm Leading Hand will report to the Quarantine Manager and is responsible for supporting the daily operations of the livestock quarantine facility in accordance with the Australian Standards for the Export of Livestock (ASEL) and the facility's quarantine manual.

This role ensures the welfare of all livestock in care and upholds best practices in farming standards in Victoria. The successful candidate will benefit from a solid foundation of skills from experience on a farm or feedlot, but a knowledgeable and supportive team will provide comprehensive training.

Key responsibilities include caring for livestock and managing quarantine operations, such as feeding, watering, and moving animals through an intensive rotational grazing system, conducting treatments and inductions, and monitoring animals' health and welfare.

You will also maintain the property and facilities, performing routine upkeep on fencing, water troughs, and other infrastructure to ensure readiness for quarantine use. This includes managing weed control and assisting with fertilising and pasture management as needed.

The quarantine manager will receive regular updates on daily operations, and accurate records must be kept according to compliance standards. Adhering to safety procedures and promoting the use of personal protective equipment (PPE) is essential, as is contributing to environmental standards and biosecurity protocols.

The Offer

The successful candidate will receive a competitive remuneration package that includes accommodation, a farm work Ute, a laptop, and a phone allowance. The farmhouse is a comfortable, basic two-bedroom cottage and offers air conditioning, a fireplace, and a double carport.

The location is just 10 minutes from the village of Dartmoor and is centrally positioned between Mount Gambier (35 minutes), Hamilton (1 hour), and Portland (1 hour). There is excellent access to the Glenelg River and the coast at Nelson, which is ideal for fishing.

The Ideal Candidate

We are looking for someone who prioritises animal welfare and can work effectively both as part of a team and independently. This role requires a strong commitment to completing tasks to a high standard, as it will involve a significant degree of autonomy. Trustworthiness and integrity are essential qualities for this position. Ideal candidates should possess the following attributes:

- Solid knowledge of cattle husbandry, welfare, and health

- Q fever vaccination

- Experience driving tractors and/ or telehandlers an advantage

- Valid driver/'s license

- Gun license and chemical user certification are beneficial (assistance in obtaining these can be provided)

- Good communication skills, honesty, a strong work ethic, and attention to detail

- Efficiency, reliability, problem-solving abilities, and organisational skills

- Effective record-keeping skills while following Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S) policies, Export of Livestock (ASEL) standards, and the facility's quarantine manual.

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

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