The Employer
Our client is a family-owned farming business, operating across two properties within Western Australia. Based out of Esperance WA, they operate a mixed farm near Munglinup and sheep station at Cocklebiddy. With a progressive mindset, the company is striving to continue the development and modernisation of its properties and believes in empowering their employees to be the leaders of this.
The Role
Arubiddy Station, a large Merino sheep operation on the Nullarbor Plain, is seeking a dedicated Overseer. This unique opportunity involves hands-on work in a family-run enterprise focused on producing fine wool from approximately 17,000 Merino sheep across 300,000 hectares. The role is particularly well-suited for couples seeking variety and the rewards of remote living.
The Property is fully dog-fenced, divided into two dog-proof cells, 46 paddocks, and several laneways. With 16 bore locations, sustainable grazing practices have been implemented through multiple stock watering points in most paddocks. The station’s water system, featuring high-quality bore water and a desalination plant, is essential for operations.
They have constructed nine remote holding and drafting yards across the property, each with a capacity of around 3,000 head, to facilitate mobile crutching, lamb marking, and loading/unloading operations. The main complex features a six-stand shearing shed and central yards for 10,000 head.
The homestead complex features three residences: the main homestead and two smaller cottages, all powered by renewable energy with generator backups. There are basic shearing quarters for seasonal work. An upgraded VHF Radio Station with private channel enables communication across the property, with pre-tuned radios installed on key equipment. Mobile phone coverage is available in the southern paddocks and near the homestead. Additionally, there's a multi-runway airstrip next to the homestead.
As an Overseer you’ll be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the station, including:
* Overseeing sheep husbandry
* Managing and maintaining sheep infrastructure, which includes water supply, fencing, and equipment (small motors, generators and pumps)
* Preparing the property for seasonal activities including lamb marking, crutching, and shearing.
* Taking the lead in mustering operations by both personally mustering and coordinating employees and/or contractors where required.
* Ensuring that vehicles, motorbikes, buildings, and equipment are maintained to a high standard.
* Coordinating casual workers and contractors as needed, particularly during shearing and crutching
This role goes beyond daily station management; it’s a chance to shape the future of Arubiddy. The owners welcome new ideas and encourage technology, automation, and innovation to enhance operations. Opportunities include improving water management, establishing infrastructure for livestock, and implementing remote monitoring tools, allowing for a lasting impact.
The Offer
The successful candidate will receive an attractive remuneration package that will be negotiated based on experience. The package includes accommodation, a work vehicle, utilities (including Wi-Fi) and a food allowance. The residence will be the main homestead, which is a comfortable three-bedroom Bessa brick home, complete with an office, personal enclosed carports, yard, and wood fireplace.
The property is located on the Eyre Highway, approximately 450 km East of Norseman, with the Cocklebiddy Wedgetail Inn Hotel located across the road from the property’s main gate. Norseman is the nearest location with a supermarket, hospital, and mechanic, while all other primary services are located 650 km away in either Esperance or Kalgoorlie.
The Ideal Candidate
Ideally, candidates should have previous experience working on sheep stations and be suited to a young individual or couple due to the remote and isolated nature of the work. There is potential for employment on the station for a partner if their skill set is appropriate. Additionally, the following attributes are required:
* Skilled in sheep husbandry and low-stress stock handling
* Competent in water infrastructure maintenance, including managing water bores
* Mechanically minded with experience in small motors and generators
* Common sense, good communication, and organisational skills
* Fit, healthy and enthusiastic about station life
* Attention to detail, a well-presented appearance, and a trustworthy character
* Open to adopting new technologies or improving systems
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 #J-18808-Ljbffr