Welcome to the RFTTEJOBS.com FAQs page - you've had a cracker. Here you'll find answers to the most common questions from both job seekers and employers. Can't find what you're looking for? Contact us.
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Bloody oath it is! Searching and applying for jobs on RFTTEJOBS.com is 100% free for job seekers.
Yep, creating a free account allows you to apply for jobs, save job listings, and upload your resume for faster applications.
For sure. Once you create an account, you can upload your resume and update your profile anytime.
We list roles across rural, remote, and regional Australia - and a few in the big smoke too! From station hands and machinery operators to managers and tradies...
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Jobs are spread across Northern Australia - Northern Territory, Queensland (Gulf, Channel Country, Cape York), Western Australia (Kimberley, Pilbara). Many include accommodation and meals on-site. We also advertise jobs across Australia for all forms of agriculture.
Roles may include maintenance, feeding, fencing, and farmhand work, rather than mustering or cattle movement.
RFTTEJOBS.com connects you with rural, farming, and outback careers all over Australia – including the NT, QLD, WA and beyond. Jobs vary by region and season, but common roles include:
Cattle Station Jobs: Jackaroos, Jillaroos, Station Hands, Managers, Head Stockperson, Bore Runners, Cooks, Truck Drivers, Pilots, Gardeners, Machine Operators (Grader/ Loader/ Dozer)
Agriculture & Cropping: Machinery Operators, Farm Hands, Overseers, Agronomists, Labourers, Graduate
Trades & Skilled Roles: Mechanics, Boilermakers, Electricians, Carpenters, Plumbers, Butchers, Fencing Contractors
AgTech & Professional Roles: Feedlot Operations, Livestock Buyers, Research, Management
You can browse jobs by state or territory here:
Because opportunities change frequently, check back often or sign up for our free weekly Jobs Newsletter to stay up to date.
Most cattle stations across Australia begin recruiting around September–October for the following year’s season. This is the best time to apply if you want to secure a role before the wet season and be ready to start when mustering kicks off - generally around March/ April depending on when the wet season finishes and the type of role you have on your station - i.e. Head Stockman, they may need you earlier to begin planning for the mustering season.
Working on a cattle station is a uniquely Australian experience — it brings great satisfaction, lifelong memories, practical skills, and a bunch of mates for life. With hiring season for next season starting soon, there’s never been a better time to saddle up and give it a crack.
👉 BLOG: How do I get a job on a cattle station?
👉 Browse Current Cattle Station Jobs
👉 Sign Up for the Weekly Jobs Newsletter
How long are typical 'contracts'?
Most station contracts are seasonal (6-8 months) or permanent. Mustering season roles often run during the dry season only.
What is accommodation like on stations?
Most stations provide excellent amenties including shared or semi-private staff accommodation, with communal kitchen and bathroom facilities. Meals are often provided or subsidised.
Can I leave the station between shifts or on days off?
That depends on the remoteness of the property and road conditions. Some staff stay on station for extended periods; others head to the nearest town on days off if practical, i.e. rodeo/ campdraft and other social events.
Most station jobs include accommodation and meals as part of your employment package - this is a big perk, as it keeps your living costs low while you work.
Here’s what you can usually expect in addition to your weekly pay:
Accommodation: Shared or single staff quarters (generally air-conditioned)
Meals: Often provided and cooked for you - or groceries supplied if you prefer to cook, or to make your own smoko/ lunch; whilst you get hot meals for breakfast and dinner.
Digital Connectivity: Many stations now have Wi-Fi or 4G coverage, though it can be patchy or limited — perfect for staying in touch, but not for heavy streaming.
Each listing on RFTTEJOBS.com will specify exactly what’s included, so be sure to read the job ad carefully.
👉 Browse Cattle Station Jobs
Most stations expect you to bring your own basic gear. Depending on your role at the station, essentials usually include:
Work gear: Long-sleeve shirts, tough jeans, boots (work & riding), wide-brim hat: check out the kit from our mates at JUST COUNTRY AUSTRALIA
Personal items: Bedding, towels, toiletries, sunscreen, insect repellent
Practical gear: Water bottle, pocket knife/multi-tool, alarm clock, torch/headlamp
Optional: Swag, first aid kit, horse gear (if required), warm layers for cold mornings
Each station may have different requirements, so always check the job ad or ask before you arrive.
👉 Full Packing List & Regional Tips
Pay on cattle stations varies based on your role, experience, location, and skills. Here’s a quick guide:
Entry-level or station hand roles tend to earn the base award rate or just above.
More skilled and experienced roles often come with higher pay.
Remote location allowances, overtime and shift work can also boost your earnings.
Here's a rough range for some roles (important to note most stations include Meals and Accommodation):
Station Hand / Jackaroo / Jillaroo: $55,000 – $70,000 per year
Bore Runner / Machinery Operator: $65,000 – $80,000 per year
Head Stockperson / Overseer: $80,000 – $110,000 per year
Cook/ Chef: $65,000 – $85,000 per year (can be higher on large, remote stations)
Management Roles (Station Manager): $100,000 – $150,000+ per year
For full details, examples, and a breakdown by role & region, check our blog:
👉 How Much Do You Get Paid on a Cattle Station?
Most pastoral, feedlot, and agricultural roles are paid under the Pastoral Award or Agricultural Award. In addition to base hourly rates, you may be entitled to:
Overtime and penalty rates for extra hours, weekends, or public holidays.
Remote area or “isolation” allowances depending on the employer.
Travel allowances for work-related trips.
Always confirm pay rates and entitlements in your job offer or with the employer before accepting.
What health and safety protocols exist on cattle stations?
Most stations have strict safety procedures including inductions, safe work policies, and training in animal handling, vehicles, and machinery. Stations must comply with state-based Workplace Health and Safety regulations.
Do Employers provide workers’ compensation or medical coverage?
Yes. Employers are legally required to have workers’ compensation insurance. This covers workplace injuries. Many stations also have staff trained in first aid and keep first aid kits and emergency communication equipment on-site. Some employers will also provide first aid training.
To secure a role on a cattle station:
Apply early: Most stations start recruiting September–October for the next season. Make sure you have the legal right to live and work in Australia - we do not accept applications from overseas and most ads do not accept WHV applications, so please - CHECK THE AD!
Highlight relevant skills: Include experience with horses, machinery, or farm work, plus licences or first aid certificates.
Tailor your application: Write a clear resume (pdf file format) and cover letter focused on the role. Take time in preparing this documentation - first impressions are important! Remember, it takes work to find work...
Follow up: Show interest and ask any clarifying questions - 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil!'
For full tips and timing advice, see our guide: How Do I Get a Job on a Cattle Station?
While many cattle stations do not permit dogs due to concerns about livestock safety, wild dog control, and accommodation logistics (and barking!), some stations are dog-friendly - so long as dogs are kept in designated areas, kept on a leash and under control at all times.
Tip: Always check the specific station's policy before bringing your dog. Even if dogs are allowed, they may need to be confined during work hours, and you will be responsible for their care and exercise.
For more details, read our blog: Why some stations don't take dogs
To stand out in cattle station or agricultural job applications:
Be authentic: Employers value genuine enthusiasm. Tailor your cover letter to reflect your interest in the specific role and station - put some time and thought into it.
Highlight relevant experience: Even if you're new to the industry, emphasise transferable skills like teamwork, reliability, and a strong work ethic.
Include a recent photo: A professional photo can make your application stand out.
Keep it concise: A brief, well-organised CV and cover letter are more effective than lengthy documents.
For more detailed guidance, refer to our blog: How Do I Get a Job on a Cattle Station?
How do wet and dry seasons affect station work?
Dry Season (typically Apr–Oct): Mustering, branding, and cattle movements happen during this period. Work is usually busy and full-time.
Wet Season (Nov–Mar): Access can be limited by flooding and roads may close. Some stations scale back staff or switch focus to maintenance and feeding programs.
What should I expect working during the wet season?
Expect heavy rain, humidity, heat, and possible isolation if roads are cut. Bring appropriate wet-weather gear and prepare for slower, maintenance-focused work. Wet season work sometimes means having the entire station to your self - it can be a magical time.
Do stations provide transport to get to remote properties?
Many employers offer assistance such as airport pick-ups, but it varies. Always confirm with the employer before you travel. In some cases, you may need to arrange your own transport to a meeting point.
Sometimes! Please check the ad as to whether they accept WHV applicants, if they are permanent positions then generally not. However some employers do advertise for seasonal workers, backpackers, or couples travelling the country.
No. To apply for jobs listed on RFTTEJOBS.com, you must be an Australian permanent resident or hold a valid visa that allows you to live and work in Australia.
The majority of employers advertising on our platform advertise for permanent positions and as such can only accept applicants who already have the legal right to work in Australia.
If you do not currently hold an appropriate visa, you can find detailed information and apply through the official Australian Government website:
👉 immi.homeaffairs.gov.au
We do not provide visa advice. If you are overseas and exploring visa options (e.g. Working Holiday Maker visas, sponsored skilled visas), visit the Australian Department of Home Affairs for up-to-date visa requirements and application processes.
New Zealand Citizens: Most NZ citizens do not need to apply for a visa before arriving. When you enter Australia, you are generally granted a Special Category Visa (subclass 444) automatically, which allows you to live and work here indefinitely (as long as you meet health/character requirements).
Unofficially, many cattle stations and agricultural employers in Australia prefer their workers to hold a minimum of a red P (probationary) drivers license, which typically allows individuals to drive in town and for work-related purposes. The minimum age for obtaining a red P license is generally 17 years old.
Having a driver’s license demonstrates responsibility, discipline, and reliability, which are highly valued traits for roles that may involve driving farm vehicles, trucks, or other machinery. Since driving is often essential for tasks like transporting supplies, equipment, or livestock, employers tend to favor candidates who can drive legally and safely.
Overall, while the legal minimum working age may be 15 or 16, the practical and employment preference for a red P license at 17 reflects the importance of driving skills and responsibility in remote agricultural work environments.
But that's not always the case...
Here's the official answer from the Fairwork website:
The minimum age for working depends on the state or territory you’re working in.
The minimum age you can start work applies to all workers, including those starting an apprenticeship or traineeship... visit the Fairwork website for the details
In general, in Australia, the minimum legal age to work on cattle stations and in other agricultural settings is generally 15 years old. However, there are specific regulations and restrictions for younger workers, particularly minors under 18, to ensure their safety and well-being.
For example:
It's important to consult specific state or territory legislation, as rules can vary across Australia, and to adhere to safety and employment standards set by authorities such as Safe Work Australia.
We'll leave it to our employers and jobseekers speak for us, check out our testimonials page.
Not always. As you can imagine Employers are busy with day to day tasks and they may not always get back to you regarding your application - don't take it personally! Especially if it is the end of the year and you are apply for the next season, it can take sometime for employers to get back to you, sometimes months as they need sift through applications - and then some people pull out of their offer or just don't turn up - so don't become too despondent.
We suggest not putting all your 'cows in the one paddock' and apply to a few job vacancies to give yourself some options if one or two do not respond. If they have a contact email or phone, we also suggest you follow up a few weeks after submitting your resume - the old saying 'the squeaky wheel gets the oil' applies here.
Simply create an employer account here, then log in to your dashboard to post, edit, and manage your job ads.
Prices start at $295+GST per 30-day ad when self-posting. Or, have us post your ad for you for the Premium ad rate + $110 (includes formatting, layout and edits of company page and ad(s) + support). See our Employer Products page for advertising options.
Yes. Your dashboard lets you view, shortlist, and download applicants and resumes directly.
Yes, you can log in and make edits at any time during the 30/45-day listing period.
Absolutely. We offer Boosted Listings, Social Media Promotion, and Featured Newsletter Spots for extra visibility across our network of 400,000+ followers just choose the best ad option to suit your needs.
We focus on jobs in agriculture, farming, stations, remote tourism, outback logistics, infrastructure (tradies) and rural services - we even post corporate roles in the big smoke!
We'll leave it to our employers and jobseekers speak for us, check out our testimonials page.
Bugger. Go to the Sign In page and click ‘Forgot your password?’. Follow the prompts to reset it.
Yes. We recommend setting a shared or generic email/ password for teams managing the same company profile. Currently we can only have one email per account.
Email us at hello@rfttejobs.com and we’ll get back to you promptly.
Attracting skilled applicants, providing accommodation, and ensuring connectivity and safety are common challenges. Clear job descriptions (with plenty of images) and offering competitive pay and benefits helps attract staff.
Employers must pay at least Award rates, provide superannuation, workers’ compensation, and maintain safe working conditions. They must also provide fair employment contracts outlining hours, duties, and entitlements.
We’re Australia’s only dedicated jobs board for life and work in the bush. We combine a strong digital platform with one of the largest engaged Ag and outback communities in the country — with over 400,000 followers and 66,000 newsletter subscribers.
We'll leave it to our employers and jobseekers speak for us, check out our testimonials page.
Hooroo for now!
Simon | Founder RFTTEJOBS.com | Contact me and I'll get back to within 2 shakes of a lamb's tail: simon@rfttejobs.com
