Prepared for:

Interview Plan for a

Station Manager
By Hayley Bowman

Applicants Name:
Interviewers Name:
Date of Interview:
Contents
Scoring Information ............................................................................................................................. 3
Job Description .................................................................................................................................... 4
Details: ................................................................................................................................................. 4
Tasks: ............................................................................................................................................... 5
Knowledge, Skills, Attributes and Abilities......................................................................................... 6
1. Knowledge ................................................................................................................................ 6
1.1. Knowledge of Stock .......................................................................................................... 6
1.2. Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property ................. 6
1.3. Knowledge of Weeds and Pests which effect the Stock .................................................... 6
1.4. Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and
Occupational Health and Safety................................................................................................... 7
2. Skills.......................................................................................................................................... 7
2.1. Problem Solving ................................................................................................................ 7
2.2. Mustering ........................................................................................................................... 7
2.3. Organisation ....................................................................................................................... 8
2.4. Operation of Machinery..................................................................................................... 8
2.5. Be able to handle a Young Horse used for Mustering ....................................................... 8
2.6. Be able to train new working dogs and horses for stock work .......................................... 8
2.7. Ability to use Technology ................................................................................................. 8
2.8. Teamwork .......................................................................................................................... 9
2.9. Dispute Resolution............................................................................................................. 9
3. Attributes ................................................................................................................................... 9
3.1. Self-sufficient and Hardworking ....................................................................................... 9
3.2. Honesty and integrity......................................................................................................... 9
3.3. Leadership........................................................................................................................ 10
4. Abilities ................................................................................................................................... 10
4.1. Working in Adverse Conditions ...................................................................................... 10
4.2. Communication................................................................................................................ 10
4.3. Teaching of Skills to New Workers................................................................................. 10
Assessed Using Other Selection Methods: ........................................................................................ 11
1. Certificates and Awards: ......................................................................................................... 11
2. Licences: ................................................................................................................................. 11
3. Information Technology Skills: .............................................................................................. 11
4. Leadership Skills:.................................................................................................................... 11
5. Practical Skills: ....................................................................................................................... 11
Interview ............................................................................................................................................ 12
Situational Questions ..................................................................................................................... 14
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 Behavioural-Based Questions ........................................................................................................ 18
Conclusion to Interview ................................................................................................................. 22
Overall Rating and Impression of the Applicant ............................................................................... 22
Example Answers Ideal and Bad .................................................................................................... 23
Future Use .......................................................................................................................................... 27
Ideal Candidate .................................................................................................................................. 27
Acknowledgements ............................................................................................................................ 28

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Scoring Information
o Applicants will be scored over a five-point rating scale
o With 0 being the applicant is unable to answer the question
o 1 being a poor answer when compared with the ideal answers
o 2 is a satisfactory answer when compared with the ideal answers
o 3 is a good answer when compared with the ideal answers
o 4 is an excellent answer when compared with the ideal answers
o Diagram of scale
0 1 2 3 4
o There is leniency in the marking for answers which are able to be full justified by the
applicant
o Examples of ideal and bad answers are given below the interview questions.

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Job Description
Employer: Contarff Station
Position: Cattle Station Manager
Work Schedule: full-time, live onsite, with 8 weeks holidays per year
Remuneration: salary can be negotiated upon selection based on experience. Housing is included.
Location: Central Queensland, southwest of Clermont
Start Date: Monday, 11th January 2016
Probation Period: 6 months from start date, with a review at two and four months
Applications Close Friday, 27th of November 2015 via email submission to Dominico Deverko at
ddeverko@stationsaus.com.au by 5pm AEST.

Details:
o This job is not for the faint hearted, you will be on an isolated property which is
approximately an hour and a half from the nearest town and have to work without
supervision for the majority of the year.
o This position includes the supervision of two station hands, as well as eight stockman
during mustering times.
o Reports monthly to head station manager at Belfast Station. This report will include lost
stock, water levels, feed levels, stock ready for sale, performance of station hands and
stockman and major maintenance which may be required.
o Year 12 senior certificate with passes in English and Mathematics is preferred but not
essential
o Agriculture college or have grown up on a working station and have evidence of being able
to manage the property
o Trade experience is preferred if little experience working on a property
o Have had experience supervising staff, or be willing to learn from departing station
manager
o Well-developed skills in working with stock (cattle, sheep, goats and horses), especially
having mustering experience
o Mustering experience on motor bikes, quad bikes and horses is required
o Having a university or TAFE degree is a bonus, especially in the areas of business,
agriculture, horticulture, animal behaviour and commerce.
o A thorough understanding of Microsoft applications is a must (word, excel and Outlook)
o Knowledge of Biosecurity laws, transportation laws and Occupational Health and Safety
laws is highly recommended or have the ability to learn these laws before commencing
employment
o Have a Medium Rigid Licence Code (MR) or have the ability to obtain within 2 months of
beginning employment
o A helicopter or plane licence will be considered favourable
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 o Ability to operate tractors, dozers and graders is favourable, however, training can be
provided to the right applicant
o A senior first aid certificate or higher is required due to supervisory role and distance from
nearest hospital
Tasks:
o Repair fences and gates, as well as the construction of new fences when required
o Muster stock from across the property (10 paddocks at approximately 300acers per
paddock), using multiple forms
o Direct station hands to do the daily feed outs
o Do daily paddock checks to ensure fences are still standing, feed is available for stock,
check water levels, ensure stock is not injured or trapped
o Operating machinery (Graders, dozers, quad bikes, motor bikes, plows, harvesters, etc.)
o Remove deceased stock from around water and feed troughs
o Being able to cook, or have someone able to assist during musters to prepare five meals
per day (breakfast, morning tea, lunch, afternoon tea and dinner)
o Order in feed before it is absolutely necessary
o Ensure fire breaks are clear of debris
o Put out lick every three months and then check every day until empty. If it rains, they need
to be emptied asap
o Be able to draft the stock and direct workers on which stock is required in each paddock
o Be skilled at dehorning, castrating and tagging of stock during weaning time
o Dipping of stock before transportation over the tick line
o Deciding which bull is to be put to each paddock of cows
o Assisting cows having difficulty calving
o Deciding in co-ordination with owner and senior station manager on which cattle will go to
market and which market they will go to
o Authorising accounts payable on behalf of the owner for items such as; fence posts, wire,
diesel, aviation fuel and other property items approved by owner
o Planting and harvesting of crops to ensure feed during drought times
o Training of new stock horses in co-ordination with local breaker
o Training of new working dogs to ensure a continued supply of quality dogs to assist with
mustering and stock management
o Check power supplies (i.e. wind mill or solar panels)
o Make sure that the gates are opened or closed as required and that stock is in the correct
paddock
o Set dingo traps
o Service machinery or direct workers to do so
o Grade the roads when required to ensure that they are clear at all times
o Scrub pulling when required
o Service and use radios to communicate throughout the property with base and workers

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Knowledge, Skills, Attributes and Abilities
Below are the main KSAAs which a station manager will require. While most of the mention KSAAs
are in some ways incorporated into the interview questions, only the main KSAAs will be
specifically questioned. The specific KSAAs assessed in the interview are as follows:
- Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property
- Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational
Health and Safety
- Problem Solving
- Mustering
- Teamwork
- Dispute resolution
- Honesty and integrity
- Working in Adverse Conditions

1. Knowledge
1.1. Knowledge of Stock
In the role of station manager, you must be able to differentiate between the different breeds of
stock, as well as conduct assessments on the health of all stock on the property. This can include;
assisting with the birthing of new stock, castrating of male stock which are not going to be used in
the breeding program, determining which stock is ready for sale and whether the stock need to be
moved to a different paddock due to lack of essentials (food and water). This will be assessed
through a practical assessment, where the applicant will be asked to identify the cattle in the yard.
1.2. Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property
As a station manager a thorough understanding of the weather is a necessity. This is due to the
fact that a major weather event can cause catastrophic damage to infrastructure and injure or trap
stock. By understanding and acting on weather forecasts and warnings, the property manager
needs to be able to prepare as much as possible prior to the event and ensure that they have
enough supplies available to last until the bad weather has passed. This knowledge section will be
evaluated in the below interview.
1.3. Knowledge of Weeds and Pests which effect the Stock
As there are many weeds which are poisonous to stock, it is vitally important that a station
manager knows about the weeds which affects their stock and how to identify and remove them.
This cannot be assessed in an interview, however, it could be assessed by showing the applicant
photos of different plants to see if they are able to determine which ones are poisonous and which
are not.
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 1.4. Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and
Occupational Health and Safety
A station manager needs to have a comprehensive understanding of the different laws which
govern the transportation of stock, biosecurity and occupational health and safety. As the laws
differ between different states and even in many cases different regions, the manager will need to
learn about the laws affecting the property that they will manage. Some of these laws and
regulations will be assessed within the interview, with other more specific laws being given to the
selected applicant to read and learn before commencing employment. As these laws and
regulations are enforced by the government, the manager must strictly adhere to them, as failure
to do so will be grounds for immediate dismissal.

2. Skills
2.1. Problem Solving
This is an essential skill for a station manager as they need to be able to solve problems which
arise between workers, as well as problems which occur during the day-to-day running of the
property. Having the ability to solve problems quickly and effectively will allow the manager to
achieve more in the daily operation of the property, meaning that they will be able to enjoy more
free time. As this is one of the most important skills for this job, an applicant who does not possess
at least a reasonable level in this skill will not be considered further in the application process. This
skill will be tested in the interview, as well as through practical skill demonstrations.
2.2. Mustering
Like every other property, the stock needs to be mustered four times per year. This is done to
ensure the health and safety of the stock, as well as separate the weaners from their mothers,
castrate, de-horn and move stock between paddocks. During the muster the station manager will
be in charge of which paddock is being done on which day and the method being used (helicopter,
quad/motor bikes or horseback) depending on the terrain and the stock being mustered. Along
with this responsibility, they will also be responsible for ensuring that the station hands and
stockmen are fed five times per day and have adequate sleeping quarters available. These times
are the busiest in the year, so it is imperative that the manager plans well in advance for the
muster by having the stock yards ready the selected mustering method prepared. This is will be
partially tested in the interview and will also be checked through consulting with the applicants
referees and possibly a skills test if more information is required.

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 2.3. Organisation
Due to having many jobs to get completed on a daily basis, a station manager needs to have
excellent organizational skills. This comes in handy as the manager needs to be able to organise
the station hands to complete the work that needs to be done on the day, as well as complete
their own jobs. This skill will be assessed through contacting of the applicants referees.
2.4. Operation of Machinery
This is an essential skill to have as a station manager, as it saves time and money. This is because
hiring drivers for machinery is extremely expensive and on many occasions such drives are difficult
to find in remote locations. This means that the manager will need to possess these skills or be
willing to learn them. Due to the nature of this skill, it will not be tested in the interview, but
rather through proof of competency (certificate, demonstration of skill or through referee).
2.5. Be able to handle a Young Horse used for Mustering
This is more of a stockmans or station hands job. However, as a station manager you must be able
to handle all stock on the property. This extends to being able to handle young horses which are
being broken in for the muster or need to be re-broken due to the time between when they were
last ridden and the upcoming muster. The other skill needed in handling young horses is being
able to ride them when they become scared about a new object, so it is imperative that you
expose them to a number of situations before using them in the muster. This is not a skill which
can be assessed in an interview, so it will be assessed in a practical assessment or through video
evidence or support from the applicants referees.
2.6. Be able to train new working dogs and horses for stock work
Due to the level of work required from the working dogs, new dogs need to be trained on a
regular occurrence to ensure that a sufficient number are available for during the musters. As this
is a time consuming job, it may be possible in some situations to purchase already trained dogs.
However, as this is generally expensive it is preferable that the station manager, along with the
station hands be able to train new dogs when mustering is not occurring. This is not a skill which
can be assessed in an interview, so it will be assessed through contacting the applicants referees.
2.7. Ability to use Technology
A station manager must be able to use a wide variety of technology effectively. This is especially
important during mustering and working away from the main house yard. As mobile phones are
extremely unreliable, radios and satellite phones are the main forms of communication. Due to
these factors the station manager needs to understand the basic workings and procedures for
both. Another important technology which is used in a computer. Reports are sent to the head
station manager via email monthly and instructions will be received via email. Therefore, the
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station manager needs to be able to competently use computer programs. This skill will be
assessed through a practical skills assessment which will be given to short listed applicants.
2.8. Teamwork
Team work is one of the most important skills that a station manager needs to possess. As there
are only normally two other employees on the station, teamwork been the people on the property
is essential to the property running. Like many jobs, without teamwork not much gets done.
Therefore, this is a vitally important skill which a station manager needs to already have, as it is
difficult to learn how to work as a team in a short period of time. This skill will be assessed through
an interview question pertaining to a previous team task and how that task went. Evidence will
also be sort from the applicants referees to determine that the candidate has excellent teamwork
skills.
2.9. Dispute Resolution
Like in all work places there will be disputes working on the property. As the station manager, you
will be responsible for resolving disputes between other employees and with other local stations.
If you are unable to dissolve the dispute, then it will need to be passed on to the senior station
manager. Due to this skill being difficult to assess, it will be assessed during a staged situation
given to the shortlisted applicants, as well as partially being assessed in the interview.

3. Attributes
3.1. Self-sufficient and Hardworking
Being self-sufficient and hardworking are important attributes for a station manager to have. Due
to the nature of the job, there will be minimal supervision, which means that the station manager
needs to be able to make decisions in the best interest of the property on their own and be able to
complete the vast majority of the work on the property by themselves, with the assistance of the
station hands. These attributes cannot be assessed sufficiently in an interview, which means that
the main assessments will be made by consulting the applicants referees and if they make it to the
probation period it will be evaluated closely before the end of that period.
3.2. Honesty and integrity
Due to the lack of supervision by the owners, the station manager needs to have a high level of
honesty and integrity. If the applicant does not have this, they cannot proceed any further in apply
for this job. As these are difficult attributes to assess, the assessment will be based on what
previous employers have to say about the applicant.

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 3.3. Leadership
Due to the position of station manager, the applicant needs to have excellent leadership skills. This
attribute is about being able to lead and direct other employees to complete the tasks required. If
you are an ineffective leader, tasks will not be completed in time. This means that maintenance
and other tasks will not be completed. Therefore, the applicant needs to demonstrate leadership
attributes in order to be considered for this position. To evaluate this attribute, the applicants
pervious employers and referees will be contacted.

4. Abilities
4.1. Working in Adverse Conditions
Due to the location of the property, a station manager needs to be able to work in a number of
conditions which are not ideal. These conditions can range from high temperatures in the summer
to below zero in the winter, as well as cope with the ever changing climate which ranges from
severe drought to flooding rain. The ideal applicant will be dynamic and be able to work in this
ever changing landscape. As this is a difficult ability to get information from the applicant on, the
selected applicant will have the six month probation period in which to see if they are able to
adopt to the local climate.
4.2. Communication
The essence of any job is communication. In the position of station manager, the applicant will
need to be able to receive communication from the property owner and distribute the information
appropriately to the station hands and stockman. Without effective communication, task will
either be completed incorrectly or not done at all. Being the manager also means that they need
to be able to communicate with neighbouring properties and suppliers in an effective and
respectful manner. Therefore, an applicant will need to have good communication skills to be able
to succeed in this job.
4.3. Teaching of Skills to New Workers
As the manager of a station, the station manager needs to be able to instruct new employees on
how certain tasks are completed and when. They will also need to teach new employees about the
machinery used on the property, the stock run on the property, station perimeters and any tasks
which will be designated to that employee. This is a practical ability, so it will be assessed using a
practical assessment, where the short listed applicants instruct a new employee on how to do a
task. Therefore, this ability will not be assessed in the interview.

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Assessed Using Other Selection Methods:
These are knowledge, skills, attributes and abilities and other important information which cannot
be fully determine through an interview. While some sections can be bought up in the interview,
they need to be demonstrated practically or documentation provided to support the applicants
claim at having a particular skill, licence, certificate or award.

1. Certificates and Awards:

Certificates and award proficiencies will be assessed by applicant presenting either a certified copy
of the original transcript or presentation of the original document for copying by employer. If
documentation is yet to be received a letter from the training organisation will be sufficient until
documents have been received by applicant

2. Licences:
Presentation of licences or documentation displaying applicants lessons towards obtaining specific
licence classes.

3. Information Technology Skills:

These skills will either be assessed via a skills assessment or by contacting one of the applicants
referees for confirmation of the applicants skills in this area. If this needs to be assessed provide
a computer and ask the applicant to show their skills in each of the required applications.

4. Leadership Skills:
These skills will be assessed in part during the interview process and will be clarified through
contacting the applicants referees to determine if this is a skill that the applicant possess to the
level required for this job.

5. Practical Skills:
These skills will be tested by asking the applicants to demonstrate their skills in operating
machinery, mending a section of a fence and handling of stock, especially the safe riding of stock
horses. Only short listed candidates will be asked to demonstrate these skills. If the candidate has
video footage of themselves doing these tasks, then that can be taken into account.

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Interview
Greet the Candidate
(Small talk prior to starting the interview)

Good Morning/Afternoon ..............................., please take a seat. My name is ............................

and I am one of the owners of Contarff Station, along with ........................ who is the head
stockman, and....................... who is our Station Manager at Belfast Station, which is 20 minutes
from Contarff Station and will assist the selected applicant in settling into their responsibilities.
Would you like a tea or coffee before we get started?

I am sure you are familiar with what is required in the role as a station manager. However, just to
give you a brief reminder. We are looking for someone who is confident and has the skills and
abilities to operate a station with minimal supervision, as well as supervising station hands and
stockman. The ideal applicant will have diverse skills and be able to adapt to the changing
environment of the station.

Before we get into any other questions, we just want to confirm that you understand where this
job will be located and if there will be any problems for you (and your family) moving to Contarff
Station?
(Yes/No question if yes, find out what the problem may be and see if it can be worked around. For
example: if it is because they believe that they cannot take their horse, dog, car, family, etc. then
this can be arranged. If the problem is due to isolation, then this cannot be overcome and the
applicant need not progress any further.) Please write candidates answer and questions or
information provided.
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Can you briefly tell us about yourself and why you would like to work as the station manager at
Contarff Station? (This question is primarily to get a feel for the applicants likes and dislikes and
will not be scaled. The answer to this question may be taken into account, but is not necessary.)
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Situational Questions
1. You are approached by one of the station hands informing you that the other station hand
has been stealing diesel from the tank and selling it to a friend. What do you do? (Problem
solving, integrity and honesty and dispute resolution)

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2. The neighbours contact you letting you know that your cattle have wondered into their
property. They have asked you to come and collect them as soon as possible. You are
currently in town having lunch with your friends and collecting supplies. What do you do?
Please explain the reason for your answer. (Problem solving and honesty and integrity)
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 3. A major storm warning has been issued for your location in an hour. The storm is predicted
to include large hail stones. In what order do you instruct the station hands to put the
following machinery in the shed? Water truck, quad bikes, motor bikes, ATV, 1970's plow,
2012 harvester, your vehicle and the transport truck. Why did you choose this order?
(Problem solving, understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property and
teamwork)

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4. You are responsible for moving a truckload of cattle from Contarff Station to the sales
yards in Armidale, NSW. What laws and requirements will you need to consider before
leaving? (Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational Health
and Safety)

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 5. You are getting the selected horses ready for the muster starting next week. As you are
checking one over, you find a deep gash on its fetlock. What do you do? Is this horse to be
used in the muster? Explain your actions and order. (Mustering, problem solving and adverse
conditions)

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6. You have ten working dogs available to select. You are going to be dealing with some cattle
which are not easy to handle. What type of dog do you take? Why? (Mustering and problem
solving)

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 7. You know that your working dogs are coming up for their annual vaccinations. What
vaccinations do they require? (Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity
and Occupational Health and Safety)

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8. How often do you have to worm the horses on the property? Are there any other monthly
or year veterinarian requirements for equines which need to be completed? (Laws and
Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational Health and Safety)

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Behavioural-Based Questions
1. What is the biggest challenge you have faced while working with stock? Please explain the
situation and your role. (Teamwork, problem solving, mustering, adverse conditions, dispute resolution
and honesty and integrity)

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2. Give an example of how you worked well in a team situation. What did the team need to
accomplish? Did the group accomplish the final goal in the time stipulated? Who can verify
this? (Teamwork, mustering, problem solving, adverse conditions, dispute resolution, honesty and integrity
and Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational Health and
Safety)

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 3.
a. Tell me about a time when you made a mistake? Did this mistake have a high risk that it
could injure a person or animal? (Honesty and Integrity)
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b. How did you fix it? (Possibly: teamwork, dispute resolution, mustering, Laws and Regulations pertaining to
Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational Health and Safety and Understanding the Impacts of
Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property)

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c. Who did you tell about this mistake? And why did you tell them? (Honesty and Integrity)
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4. Tell me about a time when you witnessed a fellow employee or employer conduct an
unsafe work practice. What did you do in this situation? (Laws and Regulations pertaining to
Transportation of Stock, Biosecurity and Occupational Health and Safety and honesty and integrity)

Probing Questions:
a. How did you feel in this situation
b. Would you have done anything different if given another chance
c. Was there anyone else who could have helped
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5. Tell me about a time when you have had to respond in a short amount of time to an
extreme weather event. (Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property)
Probing Questions to get more information is necessary:
a. What did you have to do?
b. Did you have assistance at the time
c. Were you directing others or were you following instructions
d. What were you feeling at the time
e. Would you have done anything differently if given another chance?
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 6. Tell me about a time how you have managed to work around drought conditions?
(Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property)

Probing Questions:
a. Where were you at the time?
b. What did you have to do to work with the drought conditions?
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7. Tell me about a time when you have had to resolve a dispute between work colleagues or
friends? (Dispute resolution)
Probing Questions:
a. How did you feel at the time?
b. How did you approach the situation?
c. Did you manage to help resolve the dispute?
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Conclusion to Interview
Do you have any questions for us before we conclude?
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(write down the questions asked by the applicant)
(Sum up the interview with a conclusion similar to below)
Thank you for your time in applying for this position. We will contact you within the next month
with our decision. Have a great rest of your day.

Overall Rating and Impression of the Applicant

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Example Answers Ideal and Bad
Question Responses
Situational Questions
1 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Confirm that the claim is correct
- Speak with the station hand involved
- Give them a chance to correct their behaviour
- If they continue to steal the diesel, report it to the senior station manager or
property owner
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Ignore the claim
- Get angry at the station hand who told you
- Ask the station hand who is stealing to cut you in, in exchange for not
reporting them
2 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- You tell them that you are in town and will collect them once you return and
give them an estimated time of your arrival
- Contact your station hands to see if they are able to collect the stock
- Contact you senior manager at Belfast and see if they are able to collect the
stock
- Tell the neighbours the truth about where you are and what you are doing
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Tell them you will get there when you get there
- Leave them there for a few days
- Prove they are my cows
- Ask them to take them back themselves
3 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Move all equipment undercover, starting with the most expensive machinery
and followed by other equipment and lastly your own person
equipment/machinery/vehicle
- Ask station hands to assist with putting the machinery/equipment/vehicles
away
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Leave the equipment out, it will be fine
- Putting your own personal machinery/equipment/vehicle away first
- Go inside and have a coffee
4 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Biosecurity laws for both QLD and NSW
- The cattle need to be dipped (cattle tick treatment)
- Movement document
- Have approved NLIS (National Livestock Identification System) device
- Waybill
- Cattle will need to be rested off the transport truck during transport
- Property Identification Code (PIC number)
- Muster the cattle at least 6 hours before transportation
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:

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 - Nothing needs to be consider, just move the cattle to the sales yard
5 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Clean the wound and apply antiseptic
- Put the horse in a small paddock to heal
- If wound is bad enough give horse an injection of antibiotics
- Re-do cleaning and redressing daily until wound heals
- If you have the knowledge, skills and equipment, stich up the wound.
- If would is to the bone or extremely infected call the property owner or the
horses owner for advice
- If the horse is in obvious pain and if property owner has given permission,
put it down humanely
No, you do not use it in the muster under any circumstances.
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- The horse will be fine
- Shot the horse
- Leave it to die
Yes, use the horse on the muster, it will be fine.
6 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- A dog with strong drive and is not afraid to get up close with the cattle
- A slightly more aggressive dog would be of use to move resistant cattle along
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Whichever dog you want
7 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Canine distemper
- Canine parvovirus
- Wormed monthly or via yearly vaccinations
- Flea and or tick treatment monthly or through the use of a flea/tick collar
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- They dont need anything in particular
- They will be fine
8 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Horses need to be wormed every 3 months when around cattle, and if the
cattle have worms, then the horses need to be redone asap
- They require tetanus and struggles yearly and possible Hendra virus
vaccination every six months
- Their teeth need to be done every 6 months to 2 years depending on the
horse
- They need their feet trimmed when they become too long. Varies from 6
weeks to 6 months (even longer in some environments)
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- The dont need anything, just put them through with the cattle
- If the need a vet shot them
Behavioural Questions
1 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Mention the challenge and give a through explanation of what the challenge
was and how they worked through the challenge
- Explains there role in causing the

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 - Inclusion of others involved in solving the challenge (they dont take all of the
credit)
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Never really faced a challenge
- Stock dont cause challenges
- Take all the credit and boast about it
2 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Explains the situation
- Why they think the team worked well
- How the team selected a leader or who was appointed the leader
- How did they feel about the situation
- Enjoyed working as a team
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Never had a team work well
- Teams are a waste of time
3 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Gives an honest mistake and how it happened and why it happened
- Explains if there was risk to anyone
- How they worked to fix the mistake and whether if worked or not
- Were they honest and told the appropriate people about the mistake and
owned up to it instead of hiding behind it
- Can they give you a contact to confirm this mistake
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- I never make mistakes
- I didnt tell anyone
- I covered it up
- Yes people/animals got hurt, but it did not matter
4 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- What they were feeling (both positive and negative feelings) openly tells
interview panel about it
- Why did they step into the situation (was it the right thing to do at the time)
- Mention that they would be willing to do it again
- If it doesnt get resolved they mention contacting the owner or Work Safe
(for respective state)
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Ignore it as it isnt my problem
- Do nothing about it, it is there life they can do as they like
5 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Clearly defines and justifies their actions
- That they worked as a team to get ready
- Describes how they were feeling (i.e. worried that they wouldnt get
everything away in time)
- Moved stock away from flood plains if flooding is predicted if time permits
- Moved all machinery/equipment/vehicles to high ground and undercover if
possible
- Able to describe an event in detail
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Get my stuff and go inside
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 - Leave everything to fend for itself
6 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- How they found feed
- How they found enough water
- Detailed the location, time period and how long since rain
- Tells the truth if they have never worked in drought conditions and explains
what they believe they would do instead.
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Droughts dont matter, it will eventually rain
7 Ideal Answer would include the following points:
- Clear explains the situation and the actions they took. (e.g. my colleagues
were punching each other in the office, so I called security and moved
everyone away from the scene and tried to get them to separate without
getting stuck in the middle, using words instead of physical actions until
assistance arrived)
- Explains how they were feeling at the time (e.g. scared that they would get
stuck in the middle and that both parties would turn on them)
- Explains if the dispute was resolved and the methods used and whether
other intervention was required.
Bad Answer would be along the lines of:
- Get in and pick a side and continue with the dispute
- Punch them both and walk away

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Future Use
This interview plan can be used to interview a number of positions with little adaptation to
interview anybody who works on a station. This is a somewhat generic interview plan, as the
majority of properties now have multiple different stock, or a combination of stock and crops to
diversify in the Australian outback. For properties/stations who only focus on one type of stock or
crop, this questionnaire can be adopted to be more specific, whilst still keeping the same basic
outline.

Ideal Candidate
An ideal candidate for this job varies depending on each property owner and what they are
looking for in a station manager. The main areas which are required no matter what type of
property it is include:
- Understanding the Impacts of Weather Forecasts and Events on the Property
- Laws and Regulations pertaining to Transportation of Stock (can include crops), Biosecurity
and Occupational Health and Safety
- Problem Solving
- Mustering
- Teamwork
- Dispute resolution
- Honesty and integrity
- Working in Adverse Conditions
While the other KSAAs mentioned are also extremely important, they need the above first to be
able to evaluate the ideal candidate. To find to ideal candidate more extensive assessments need
to be undertaken on short listed applicants through the use of specific skills assessments on
locations or in organised scenarios.

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Acknowledgements
Mr. Dominic Devine, owner of Kulki Station, Bollon, QLD, who happily answered many questions
on what he looks for in a station manager.
Mr. & Mrs. Chris and Sue Zahl managers of Wycheproof Station, Alpha, QLD on behalf of Mr. &
Mrs. Bernie and Josie Zahl who have welcomed me onto their property on three separate
occasions and have allowed me to assist in the operation of Wycheproof Station.
Mr. Peter Bowman family friend of Mr. Dominic Divine and Mr. & Mrs. Chris and Sue Zahl, who has
driven me out to Wycheproof Station each time and has answered many questions about other
duties performed on the property.

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