How to Find Farm, Cattle Station and Agricultural Jobs in Australia: The Complete Guide

Find your place in the bush. Build your future. Enjoy the journey.

For some young Australians, their first job on a cattle or sheep station is also their first big adventure away from home. It means packing their bags, earning their own money, making friends and discovering what they're capable of.

Imagine being paid to ride a horse or motorbike across vast stretches of cattle country, learning to muster livestock and developing practical skills alongside experienced stockpeople. Or perhaps your adventure is working with a harvest crew, caring for children at a remote homestead, cooking for a station team or maintaining the infrastructure that keeps a property running.

There are early starts, hard days, new skills, memorable people and extraordinary parts of Australia to discover. Some workers arrive for a season and stay for years. Others take home experience, savings and memories that shape whatever comes next.

You don't have to have grown up in the bush to find your place in it. Whether you're an Australian leaving home for the first time, a backpacker, a working holidaymaker, a travelling couple or someone changing careers, this guide will help you find work, prepare properly and make the most of the opportunity.

1. Where to find farm and station jobs in Australia

Backpacker Job Board — ideal for newcomers

Website: https://www.backpackerjobboard.com.au/jobs/farm-work/

Despite its name, Backpacker Job Board is not just for overseas travellers. Australians and others with appropriate work rights can use it too. Its seasonal and entry-level advertisements can be particularly useful if you have little or no agricultural experience. Search for farm hand, station assistant, harvesting, packing, dairy and rural hospitality jobs.

Tip: Look for 'no experience necessary', 'training provided' and 'accommodation available'. Always read the individual position's requirements.

Bush Recruitment — specialist rural recruitment

Website: https://bushrecruitment.com.au/

A specialist resource for people seeking station, livestock, cropping and other agricultural employment, from practical property roles to skilled and management positions. Keep an eye out for junior roles as well as jobs suited to experienced workers.

AusAG Rural — agricultural recruitment

Website: https://ausagrural.com.au/

Another specialist rural recruitment resource to check for farming and pastoral opportunities. Explore the available vacancies and requirements rather than restricting your search to one type of property.

Drover Ag — livestock, cropping and farm management

Browse jobs: https://www.droverag.com.au/jobs/

Drover Ag recruits across beef, sheep, wool, dairy, cropping, horticulture and mixed farming, including junior farm hands, station workers, machinery operators, harvest staff and experienced managers.

Jora — search across agricultural industries

Website: https://au.jora.com/

Alongside SEEK, Jora is useful for searching a wide range of agricultural roles. Try cattle station, sheep station, sugarcane, cotton, cropping, horticulture, farm machinery, harvest and farm hand, then narrow the results by region and experience requirements.

RFTTE Jobs — cattle, sheep and remote properties

Website: https://rfttejobs.com/jobs/

Browse specialist rural and remote vacancies, including station hands, stockpersons, cooks, governesses, home tutors, maintenance and management roles.

AG Workforce — agricultural and homestead employment

Website: https://www.agworkforce.com.au/jobs/

A recruitment resource covering livestock, cropping, machinery, transport and homestead work. Its domestic categories are especially useful for cooks, gardeners, caretakers, housekeepers and governesses.

SEEK

Website: https://www.seek.com.au/

Search for 'cattle station jobs', 'jackaroo', 'station hand', 'farm hand accommodation', 'station cook', 'crop operator' and 'farm caretaker'. Set up job alerts for the regions you would consider.

Workforce Australia

Website: https://www.workforceaustralia.gov.au/

The Australian Government's employment platform is another source of farm, regional and seasonal vacancies.

Agri Labour Australia

Website: https://www.agrilabour.com.au/

Worth checking for harvesting, horticulture, agricultural production and seasonal employment.

Other useful resources: Grey Nomads Jobs (travelling workers and caretaking), Farm Army (farm assistance, including volunteer and other arrangements) and the National Farmers' Federation's Australian Farm Jobs directory. Don't rely on one job board: check several, and sign up for alerts where available.

2. Cattle and sheep station jobs — from beginner to manager

A station's daily work might include mustering, yard work, livestock handling, checking waters, fencing, maintenance and machinery. Some properties use horses, some use motorbikes, and others rely on vehicles, helicopters or a combination.

• Jackaroos, jillaroos and junior station hands: entry-level and training opportunities on suitable properties.
• Stockpersons and station hands: livestock, fencing, yard duties, water checks and general property work.
• Bore runners: monitoring and maintaining stock water infrastructure.
• Mechanics and machinery operators: looking after essential vehicles and equipment.
• Head stockpersons, overseers and station managers: more experienced leadership and operational roles.

If you dream of getting paid to ride your horse or motorbike, search for advertisements specifically mentioning horseback or motorbike mustering. Not all stations operate the same way. Some provide equipment and training; others require substantial riding experience and relevant licences.

First-job advice: Be upfront about your abilities. Reliability, safe work habits, willingness to learn and asking questions matter more than pretending you already know everything.

3. Apply directly to pastoral companies

Major pastoral companies often list opportunities on their own careers websites, including station, livestock, feedlot, mechanical, administration and management roles.

• Australian Agricultural Company (AACo) — careers
• North Australian Pastoral Company (NAPCo) — careers

Don't overlook family-owned stations and smaller businesses. Search for pastoral companies in the Kimberley, Pilbara, Gulf Country, Channel Country, western Queensland, the Northern Territory and other regions that interest you. Some recruit through rural agencies, community contacts or direct expressions of interest.

4. Harvesting, cropping and other seasonal farm work

If livestock isn't your thing, Australia's cropping and horticultural industries offer another way to earn money and experience regional life. Seasonal work can be a practical first step into agriculture or a way to work while travelling.

• Grain harvesting and storage
• Cotton production, picking and processing
• Fruit and vegetable picking and packing
• Vineyard pruning and grape harvesting
• Orchard and horticultural work
• Sugarcane harvesting
• Irrigation, planting and crop maintenance
• Machinery operation and grain handling

Some positions need little experience; others require licences or proven machinery skills. Harvest timing depends on region, crop and weather, so investigate likely seasons and apply before peak recruitment. Start with Backpacker Job Board, Agri Labour Australia, AG Workforce, SEEK and Workforce Australia.

5. Agricultural contractors and projects

Contracting work may take you between properties and across several regions. It can be ideal for people who enjoy variety, travel and learning practical skills.

• Mustering crews: specialist livestock work, horse or motorbike mustering and camp support.
• Shearing teams: shearers, wool handlers, shed hands, wool pressers and cooks.
• Fencing and rural infrastructure: stockyards, fences, pipelines, tanks, pumps and maintenance.
• Machinery and harvest contractors: planting, spraying, harvesting, earthmoving and machinery support.

Search terms such as 'contract mustering', 'shearing shed hand', 'harvest crew', 'rural fencing' and 'agricultural machinery operator' can uncover jobs that never appear under 'farm hand'.

6. Au pair, nanny, governess and home tutor jobs

Not every station job involves working outdoors with livestock. Remote families may need assistance caring for children and supporting distance education. These roles can provide a memorable introduction to everyday family life in the bush.

Au pairs and nannies help with agreed childcare duties and routines. Governesses and home tutors help children manage distance education, organise lessons and stay on track with schoolwork. Employers may seek childcare or teaching experience, references and relevant child-safety clearances.

Where to look: AuPairWorld, Backpacker Job Board, AG Workforce domestic positions and RFTTE Jobs.

Ask about the children's ages, responsibilities, hours, accommodation, privacy, transport and time off. Every station family's needs will be different.

7. Homestead caretakers, cooks and domestic staff

The homestead is often the hub of station life. Keeping it running requires skills that can come from hospitality, gardening, maintenance, cleaning and many other backgrounds.

• Homestead caretakers: looking after grounds, gardens, buildings, animals and general upkeep.
• Station cooks: preparing meals for station workers, contractors and mustering teams.
• Housekeepers and all-rounders: laundry, cleaning, accommodation preparation and household work.
• Travelling or resident couples: some properties recruit partners for complementary jobs, such as maintenance and cooking, or livestock work and homestead management.

Check AG Workforce, RFTTE Jobs, Bush Recruitment, Grey Nomads Jobs and SEEK. Some caretaking arrangements are paid employment, while others are described as volunteering or accommodation exchanges; confirm the legal arrangements, duties, hours and compensation before agreeing.

8. Travelling Australia and working along the way

Agricultural work isn't just for school leavers or backpackers. Mature-age workers, grey nomads and travelling couples may find seasonal jobs, caretaking, gardening, cooking, farm sitting or maintenance work that fits their travels.

Ask whether caravan space, accommodation or meals are provided, how long the commitment lasts and whether you need your own transport. Grey Nomads Jobs and Farm Army are useful places to explore, alongside rural recruitment sites.

9. Backpackers, working holidaymakers and visa conditions

People with the right to work in Australia can apply for suitable agricultural jobs, subject to the conditions of their particular visa or work status. Working holidaymakers frequently look for rural work to experience the country and, where relevant, meet specified-work requirements for further visas.

Some eligible holders of Working Holiday (subclass 417) and Work and Holiday (subclass 462) visas need specified work for a second or third visa. This is often described as the '88 days', but the requirements vary. Not every regional job, postcode or agricultural role qualifies. Eligible UK passport holders applying under the subclass 417 arrangements introduced from 1 July 2024 are exempt from specified-work requirements for second and third visas.

Check official rules: Subclass 417 specified work and Subclass 462 specified work. Keep contracts, payslips and other records where required. Australian citizens and permanent residents do not need to complete Working Holiday specified work.

10. Finding opportunities through rural communities

Word of mouth remains important in regional Australia. Look at local community employment groups, reputable Facebook job groups, newspapers, rural employment services and agricultural shows or field days. Smaller family properties may advertise locally before using national job boards.

Introduce yourself professionally, explain your skills and availability, and include a clear résumé. Verify any employer and position before sharing sensitive documents, paying fees or travelling long distances.

11. How to apply for your first farm or station job

A good application doesn't need to be complicated. Employers want to understand your experience, availability, reliability and interest in the work.

• Prepare a clear résumé with employment history, licences, relevant skills and references.
• Explain why you're interested in the position and where you're willing to work.
• State when you can start and how long you can commit.
• Mention transferable skills from hospitality, construction, childcare, mechanics, gardening or other jobs.
• Be honest about horse riding, motorbike handling, machinery and livestock experience.
• Follow the application instructions and send one polite follow-up if appropriate.

Example introduction: I'm looking for my first opportunity on a cattle station. I enjoy outdoor work, I'm keen to learn livestock handling and general station duties, and I'm reliable and happy to start in a junior role. I can relocate and would welcome the opportunity to build practical agricultural skills.

12. What to ask before accepting a remote job

A beautiful location is only part of the picture. Make sure you understand the employment arrangement and daily reality before you accept.

• Wages, ordinary hours, overtime, days off and applicable employment conditions
• Whether accommodation and meals are provided or charged for
• Transport to the property, vehicle requirements and travel costs
• The work you'll actually do and the training or supervision provided
• Necessary licences, clothing, personal protective equipment and equipment
• Phone reception, internet, remoteness and access to health services
• Length of employment and any roster or seasonal commitments

Migrant workers generally have Australian workplace protections too. For wages, awards and entitlements, consult the Fair Work Ombudsman. Be wary of vague pay arrangements, suspicious upfront charges or employers unwilling to provide clear information.

13. Leaving home for the first time — getting ready

Moving to a station can be exciting and daunting in equal measure. You may be organising your own finances, sharing accommodation, learning to work with people from different backgrounds and spending more time away from family than ever before.

Know where you're going and how you'll get there. Ask your employer what is provided before spending money on gear, and make sure someone you trust knows your travel and accommodation details.

Depending on the job and region, you may need durable work shirts and trousers, suitable boots, a hat, warm layers, toiletries, medications, a torch, an alarm clock, spare batteries, bedding and practical bags. A swag may be necessary for camp-outs, but confirm first.

For more help, read our What to Pack When Going to Work on a Cattle Station guide in the Farm & Station Essentials section of Outback Clothing Co. It covers useful everyday gear and how to prepare for the realities of station living.

14. Earn, learn and build your financial future

A farm or station job can give you much more than a wage. It's a chance to grow your confidence, gain skills, experience extraordinary country and build a financial head start.

Some positions include accommodation and meals, potentially reducing everyday expenses. Imagine finishing your first year with new friends, practical experience, valuable qualifications and savings towards a car, further training, travel or a home deposit.

• Save from every pay: put aside an achievable amount regularly.
• Set a goal: build an emergency fund and decide what you're working towards.
• Understand your super: check your entitlements and contributions; temporary residents may face different rules when leaving Australia.
• Invest in your skills: first aid, machinery, mechanics, welding, livestock handling or agricultural technology could open new doors.
• Learn about investing: understand risks and timeframes before making decisions; start with MoneySmart.
• Enjoy yourself: explore on days off, meet people, take photos and make memories worth keeping.

Build a life, not just a résumé. The aim isn't to work every minute or save every dollar. It's to have a fantastic experience while making choices that strengthen your future.

15. Where an agricultural career could take you

A junior station hand might become a head stockperson, overseer or manager. A seasonal harvest worker could develop specialist machinery skills. A homestead assistant may discover a passion for rural hospitality; a fencing labourer could build a contracting business.

Or you might spend one memorable season in the bush before following a completely different path. Either outcome can be worthwhile. Not knowing exactly what you want from life is no reason to miss an opportunity to discover it.

16. Frequently asked questions

Can I get a cattle station job with no experience?

Yes, some employers offer entry-level positions and training. Search for junior station hand, jackaroo, jillaroo or trainee roles and check each employer's requirements.

Do I need my own horse or motorbike?

Not necessarily. Equipment, experience and licence requirements vary by station. Ask before applying.

Are accommodation and meals included?

Sometimes. Always clarify what is provided, what is charged and what you need to bring.

Can a couple work on the same station?

Yes, some employers advertise roles for couples, including livestock-and-domestic combinations, caretaking and management.

Can older Australians find rural work?

Yes. Experience, skills and suitability for duties matter. Consider caretaking, cooking, maintenance and seasonal jobs.

Can farm work count towards a second Working Holiday visa?

Some work qualifies under specified visa rules; other work does not. Check the relevant subclass, activity and location with Home Affairs before relying on it.

How long does seasonal work last?

It varies from weeks to months, sometimes longer, depending on the enterprise, season and weather.

Your next adventure might be waiting in the bush

You might find yourself watching the sun rise over cattle country, working alongside a harvest team, helping children at a remote homestead or finding satisfaction in fixing something with your own hands.

There will be challenges, early starts and dusty days. There can also be incredible experiences, lasting friendships and opportunities to build a future you're proud of.

Find your place in the bush. Build your future. Enjoy the journey.

From Matt & Mel at Outback Clothing Co — we wish you every success with your job search and every adventure that follows.

This guide is general information. Outback Clothing Co is not an employment or migration agency and does not recruit for the organisations listed. Jobs, links, workplace conditions and visa requirements may change. Confirm details directly with employers and relevant government authorities.