We are looking for an experience full time Truck Driver to join our team at JHW Paterson & Son. We are a family-owned agricultural enterprise encompassing 'Hells Gate', a 25,000hd cattle feedlot located 55km east of Balranald, New South Wales. In addition, we operate breeding/backgrounding properties across Western District Victoria and run a broadacre cropping regime including cotton and cereals.
The successful applicant will be responsible for the safe, compliant, and efficient operation of heavy vehicles across the agricultural enterprise, including feedlot, cropping, and livestock transport operations. This role includes carting cattle between properties, saleyards, processors, and the feedlot as well as hauling grain, commodities, machinery. The position requires professionalism, strong driving skills, and a thorough understanding of livestock welfare and transport regulations.
Key Responsibilities
1. Transport & Logistics
* Cart livestock safely and efficiently between paddocks, properties, sale yards, depots, and processors.
* Transport cotton, grain, fertiliser, hay, silage, feed commodities, machinery, and other materials between properties or sites.
* Complete livestock movement documentation including NVDs, PIC transfers, and NLIS requirements when directed.
* Follow biosecurity and washout procedures for livestock trailers.
* Assist with harvest and peak agricultural periods by transporting grain and inputs as required.
* Complete delivery dockets, weighbridge slips, and logbook entries accurately.
2. Vehicle Operation & Maintenance
* Safely operate heavy vehicles including semis, B-doubles, road trains (if applicable), and livestock crates.
* Conduct daily pre-start checks and ensure vehicles comply with road transport standards.
* Perform minor servicing and report mechanical issues promptly.
* Ensure livestock crates and equipment are cleaned, washed out, and maintained to welfare standards.
* Maintain clean, tidy, and compliant trucks at all times.
3. Livestock Transport & Welfare
* Load, secure, and unload cattle safely following animal welfare standards and enterprise protocols.
* Ensure livestock are handled calmly, minimising stress or injury.
* Monitor cattle condition during transport and take appropriate action if issues arise.
* Comply with the Australian Animal Welfare Standards & Guidelines for Land Transport of Livestock.
* Coordinate with livestock staff regarding loading plans, timing, and route planning.
* Follow strict biosecurity protocols including washdowns, disinfection, and movement approvals.
5. Cropping Support
* Haul cotton & grain from paddock to storage during harvest.
* Assist with moving equipment, seed, and fertiliser between sites.
* Operate loaders or augers (if trained) to assist with loading trucks.
6. Safety & Compliance
* Adhere to all road transport laws, fatigue management regulations, and company WHS requirements.
* Maintain accurate logbooks, docket records, and livestock documentation.
* Follow load restraint guidelines for both general freight and livestock.
* Participate in safety inductions, training, and toolbox meetings.
Skills & Experience
Essential
* Current MC truck licence
* Experience with heavy vehicle operation in agricultural or commercial settings.
* Livestock transport experience or strong understanding of cattle handling.
* Knowledge of animal welfare standards and livestock loading/unloading procedures.
* Good record-keeping and communication skills.
* Ability to work in a fast-paced, seasonal environment.
Desirable
* Previous experience in feedlot or livestock production.
* Loader or machinery operation experience for loading feed commodities or grain.
* Basic mechanical troubleshooting skills.
* Understanding of NLIS, NVDs, and livestock traceability systems.
Personal Attributes
* Calm, patient, and confident when working with livestock.
* Reliable, punctual, and self-motivated.
* Safety-focused with a professional and responsible attitude.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a wider operations team.
* Flexible and adaptable to seasonal workloads and varying tasks.
We offer a competitive salary based on experience and for the successful applicant on-farm accommodation options may be available.
If you are looking for an opportunity to work in fast-paced collaborative environment within a growing family-owned business, we encourage you to apply.