AddressOur client, a reputable family owned and operated cattle company, owns and operates a successful, quality Droughtmaster breeding operation in North Queensland located 2 hours north of Rockhampton and south of Mackay at Stanage Bay. In addition, coastal pastures on the nearby Duke Island aggregation of islands, also owned by our client, is utilised for grazing stock, and provides a support to the property on the mainland.
Reporting to the General Manager located on the main property at Stanage Bay, the Caretaker would be required to reside on Marble Island, one of the three islands within the Duke Island aggregation. Approximately 100 breeders are currently on the islands and the progeny is transported to the mainland. In addition, the Caretaker could expect to be involved in land management practices, infrastructure & machinery maintenance and management, house maintenance and manage any guests to the island by the direction of the owners and general manager. At times, guests do enjoy visiting the islands as do deer hunting groups that are arranged by a separate entity. A private barge is owned by the cattle company which is kept at Marble Island and utilised to transport cattle to and from the mainland, in addition to two boats and a fixed wing aeroplane and airstrip located on Marble Island.
The position will incorporate the following duties, responsibilities, and expectations, but not be limited to:
- The successful candidate to relocate permanently to the Duke Island aggregation – located 12 nautical miles from Stanage Bay (50-minute boat ride).
- To bring initiative and the capabilities to effectively always monitor the Droughtmaster herd of approximately 100 head.
- To deliver a weekly report to the owners and general manager detailing stock condition, rainfall, work plans and any people movements on the islands.
- To carry out stock management work in consultation with the General Manager such as mustering, basic hands-on yard work, and transport of cattle in addition to maintaining stock watering points in good condition at all times. Stock are all handled in an extremely low stress manner and any employees are expected to maintain this calm working environment.
- To operate machinery as required.
- To ensure all infrastructure, machinery and general property maintenance work is attended to as required. This may include roads, the airstrip, fences, gates, loading facilities, cattle yards, houses, sheds, fuel, boats and barges and rust proofing of tooling and equipment. This also includes spot spraying of weeds, mowing and slashing and maintenance of the solar pumped bore for quality and depth. The houses, dongas and guest accommodation must be maintained to high standards in terms of building maintenance, cleanliness, and vermin control. House yard animals such as ducks and chickens are to be looked after as is the vegetable garden.
- Ultimately, to be successful within this position for the long term, you will understand from the very beginning that this role is located within a very remote location. It’s important that the successful candidate possesses ‘seaworthy’ skills and a likeness of living by the ocean.
- To be capable of working autonomously (or as a couple) and bring a “can-do” attitude to the role along with the ability to treat property, livestock, and equipment respectfully.
- To bring prior cattle management skills and experience to the position.
- To have a current boat licence and firearms licence (for deer culling).
- To be capable of operating machinery such as boats, barge, tractor, excavator, small dozer and light plant and equipment.
- To be fit, healthy and able to capably carry out the physical component of the position.
- To assist coordinating skilled personnel to carry out trades outside your skill set.
- To enjoy a quiet lifestyle, surrounded by the ocean and animals and contribute positively toward this fulfilling opportunity.
- A very comfortable and well-appointed 3-bedroom, 1 bathroom home with brand new modern kitchen located on Marble Island is available to the successful couple.
- Next to No living expenses! A base salary + home + power + several included flights to the mainland per year.
- Droughtmaster cattle breeder operation.
- Island living + cattle work + general property management.
- Permanent, full-time position.
