Bore Runner Courses
A Bore Runner ensures water points on cattle stations function properly, performing maintenance and monitoring water supply for livestock.
AI Exposure
Low

Core skills such as social intelligence and complex physical tasks remain beyond the capabilities of current AI.
AI exposure data adapted from Felten, Raj & Seamans (2021). Shortage data sourced from Jobs and Skills Australia (2024).
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How do I become a Bore Runner
Get qualified to work as a Bore Runner with a course recognised across Australia. Speak to a training provider to learn more.
AHC20122
Duration
1 week - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
Get qualified as a farm hand (without a work placement) by enrolling in the AHC20122 Certificate II in Agriculture. This nationally recognised training course will teach you how to work safely on a farm — operating a range of machinery (motorbikes, tractors) and carrying out standard jobs (mustering, marking livestock, fencing, weed control). The course takes 9 months to complete and is delivered via a mix of online components, face-to-face, and practical sessions.
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Career opportunities
Duration
1 week - 24 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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AHC30122
Duration
6 months - 3 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
The AHC30122 Certificate III in Agriculture prepares you for a career in agriculture and for immediate work as a farmhand or station worker. Over 12 months you will learn how to work safely on farms and other agricultural worksites — while choosing study electives in crop management, livestock handling, farm machinery operation and maintenance, fencing and pest control.
Enquire now for the latest delivery options (on-campus/distance learning) and opportunities for enrolment.
Career opportunities
Duration
6 months - 3 years
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Online, Traineeship
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AHC32822
Duration
12 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
Get the skills you need to work with crops, livestock, and farm machinery with the AHC32822 Certificate III in Rural Operations. Graduates of this nationally recognised training course will be qualified for work as a senior farmhand. Over 12 months of classroom and on-the-job training you will learn how to identify, mark and muster livestock; implement animal health programs; work with pesticides and chemicals; construct and maintain fences; safely operate quad bikes, tractors, and other farm machinery.En...
Career opportunities
Duration
12 weeks - 12 months
Study mode
Blended, On Campus, Traineeship
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Related career opportunities
Browse occupations related to Bore Runner.
Common questions

How much does a Bore Runner earn?
In Australia, a full time Bore Runner generally earns $960 per week ($49,920 annual salary) before tax. This is a median figure for full-time employees and should be considered a guide only. As you gain more experience you can expect a potentially higher salary than people who are new to the industry.

What are the job opportunities for a Bore Runner?
While there are 31,500 people working as livestock farm workers in Australia, only a small percentage of them are working as Bore Runners. The number of people working in this industry should increase slightly over the next five years. If you want to work as a Bore Runner you’ll need to live on a cattle station in a remote area of Australia.
Source: The Labour Market Information Portal – 2019 Occupation Projections

How do I become a Bore Runner?
Becoming a Bore Runner will require on-the-job training and this is included in the Certificate III in Rural Operations. This 12 month course will cover everything you need to know about working on a large agricultural property.
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Learn the basics of farm planning, operations, cropping and rural safety and progress to advanced agricultural training. Start your career in agriculture today.
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Advance your career in forestry, specialising in areas like breeding, forest establishment, or fire control. Pathways for domestic and international students.
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More information
A Bore Runner makes sure the watering points on large cattle stations are working properly so livestock always have access to fresh water. You’ll travel around the property to check that bore pump motors are running effectively and make sure the water is getting to the various tanks and troughs on the station. You might have do some repairs or maintenance as well as regularly service the equipment. A big part of a Bore Runner’s job is supplying fuel to each motor, checking water levels and making sure water points are free of debris.
Bore Runners often work alone so you’ll need to be okay with spending a lot of time on your own. You’ll need to be good with your hands and skilled with mechanical equipment. Attention to detail is very important because you’ll have to keep an eye on other parts of the station and report any issues that need attention. And because you’re working on a cattle property you’ll have to be good with livestock.
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