Stockperson

About Ferguson Hyams

Ferguson Hyams Investment Management (FHIM) is one of Australia’s fastest-growing agricultural investment and livestock businesses, focused on sustainable sheep production, premium protein and supporting regional communities. We’re proud to invest in Australian agriculture, create local jobs, and help feed growing markets both here and overseas.

About the role

The Stockperson is a capable and practical person who will support farm operations in the Central West region of NSW, the purpose of this role is to assist in the day-to-day farming operations. This role will involve the daily feeding, livestock management/monitoring, pen management, machinery operation and general maintenance. This role will also include general farm duties such as maintenance and upgrades to water infrastructure, fencing infrastructure, yards and property maintenance.

The Stockperson will work closely with a Farm Overseer and take direction from the Farm Manager. This role is hands-on and will suit someone with experience in sheep enterprises, sound machinery skills and a willingness to be flexible and learn.

This is an on-site role based at Forbes NSW. Local candidates, or those willing to relocate, are encouraged to apply.

Key Responsibilities

1. Livestock Handling and Animal Health

• Conduct daily pen checks – monitor health, feed intake, behaviour, water and pen conditions.
• Identify livestock health/welfare issues and report issues to the farm overseer/farm manager
• Complete the necessary onboarding and outboarding of animals, including scanning, health treatments and weighing.
• Assist in executing the animal husbandry program, including animal health treatments, shearing, foot bathing, etc.
• Low-stress handling of livestock using predominantly working dogs.

2. Feeding and Machinery Operation

• Operate heavy and light machinery, including tractors, loaders, feed mixers and water trucks.
• Support feed preparation and delivery, bunk management, trough monitoring and pen maintenance.
• Complete pre-start checks and basic maintenance on all machinery before use.

3. Record Keeping and Communication

• Record all necessary data in AgriWebb, Datamars Livestock systems or similar systems – including deaths, mob movements and tasks.
• Communicate clearly and respectfully with the Farm Manager, Farm Overseer and co-workers daily.
• Report livestock, infrastructure, machinery, biosecurity or safety issues in a timely manner.
• Participate in all necessary safety and toolbox meetings.

4. General Farm Support

• Assist with necessary maintenance or upgrades for fencing infrastructure, water infrastructure and machinery maintenance.
• Support general farm cleanliness/presentation and biosecurity protocols.
• Assist with ad-hoc property maintenance as it arises.

5. WHS, Biosecurity and Compliance

• Follow all workplace health and safety policies and procedures.
• Use appropriate PPE as instructed by senior management.
• Follow animal welfare, biosecurity and chemical handling requirements relevant to the role.
• Immediately report hazards, incidents, near misses and injuries.

About You

A reliable and practical employee with some experience in large-scale livestock operations, confident working with sheep in a temporary containment environment or similar systems, operating machinery, following feeding and animal health instructions, and maintaining high standards of animal welfare and presentation. You are comfortable working as part of a team, communicating issues early and contributing to the wider goals of the business.

Key Skills & Competencies

• Proven livestock handling experience, preferably in sheep enterprises, with training or demonstrated competency in low-stress stock handling and access to a team of working dogs preferred.
• Competent operating heavy and light machinery, quick to learn new equipment, with general mechanical knowledge and a high standard of machinery care and cleanliness.
• Strong observation and problem-solving skills — able to identify operational and safety issues, escalate them to management, and ask for guidance when needed.
• Clear verbal communicator with a professional, respectful and cooperative approach toward managers, co-workers and contractors.
• Willingness to take on a range of tasks and adapt to changing daily priorities.

Essential Qualifications and Experience

• Valid driver’s licence
• Q-fever vaccination or willingness to get one
• Two to three years of livestock handling experience
• Nice to have
• HR or MR licence
• Mechanical aptitude
• Experience in large-scale livestock operations
• Experience operating large machinery
• Experience with livestock management technology such as AgriWebb
• Experience working with a team of working dogs

Other Requirements

• The role will require weekend work and after-hours work as needed.
• The successful applicant must be physically capable of working in outdoor conditions and safely performing manual farm duties.
• Travel to other properties or worksites may be required from time to time.
• The position may be subject to a probation period and reference checks.

What we offer

• Structured career progression and grading framework
• Ongoing training and development opportunities
• Clear expectations and measurable performance goals
• A supportive environment focused on developing and retaining great people

We are committed to developing our people and providing clear opportunities for career progression. Our structured grading framework gives employees a clear pathway to build their skills, take on greater responsibility and progress within the business.