Role overview
ANZSCO 363299 classifies experienced livestock farm workers who supervise operations or specialise in specific livestock types not covered by other ANZSCO classifications. These senior workers typically operate in specialised livestock operations beyond mainstream cattle, sheep or mixed farming, including horse studs, poultry farms, and other niche livestock enterprises.
As a Skill Level 3 occupation, these positions require substantial experience and often involve supervisory responsibilities or specialised technical skills. Workers in this classification are distinguished from entry-level farm hands by their advanced practical knowledge, problem-solving abilities, and often their responsibility for training junior staff or managing specific aspects of livestock operations.
This classification serves as a legacy category within the Australian and New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO), primarily used for statistical purposes, migration assessments, and workforce planning. It captures senior livestock roles that don't fit into more specific ANZSCO categories.
Key tasks in practice
While ANZSCO does not provide specific task descriptions for this nec classification, senior livestock farm workers typically perform a range of advanced duties based on their specialisation:
- Supervising daily livestock operations and coordinating junior staff activities
- Managing breeding programs and animal husbandry practices for specific livestock types
- Implementing health and welfare protocols, including disease prevention and treatment programs
- Overseeing feeding regimens and nutritional management tailored to specific animal requirements
- Maintaining detailed records of animal health, breeding, production, and inventory
- Operating and maintaining specialised equipment and facilities specific to their livestock type
- Implementing biosecurity measures and ensuring compliance with industry standards
Specific tasks vary significantly between specialisations such as horse stud work versus poultry farm operations, reflecting the diverse nature of this classification.
Skill level explanation
ANZSCO Skill Level 3 indicates that occupations typically require an AQF Certificate III or IV, or at least three years of relevant experience. For Senior Livestock Farm Workers nec, this typically translates to:
Substantial practical experience in livestock management, often gained through progressive responsibility on farms rather than formal qualifications alone. Many workers reach this level through 5+ years of industry experience, developing specialised knowledge in particular livestock types.
The skill level reflects the need for advanced problem-solving abilities, supervisory skills, and technical knowledge specific to the livestock operation. Workers at this level are expected to make independent decisions about animal welfare, operational management, and staff coordination without direct supervision.
This classification sits within Major Group 3 (Technicians and Trades Workers), indicating these roles combine practical skills with technical knowledge rather than being purely manual labor positions.
Industry context
Senior Livestock Farm Workers nec are primarily employed in livestock production industries identified by ANZSIC codes 0191 (Horse Farming), 0529 (Poultry Farming), 6620 (Other Livestock Farming), and 3319 (Agricultural Support Services).
These workers are typically found in specialised operations including thoroughbred stud farms, commercial poultry production facilities, alpaca or goat farms, and other niche livestock enterprises. Employment settings range from large corporate operations to smaller family-run specialist farms.
The classification's crosswalk to ISCO codes 6121 (Livestock and dairy producers), 6122 (Poultry producers), and 6129 (Animal producers not elsewhere classified) indicates international alignment with skilled livestock production roles, though the Australian context places greater emphasis on the supervisory and specialist aspects of these positions.
This occupation represents an important component of Australia's agricultural workforce, particularly in specialised livestock sectors that require experienced workers with deep knowledge of specific animal types and production systems.