Title:

Maintenance Manager & Station Caretaker (Couple) Fixed-Term April 2026-Dec 2027

Advertiser:

Dunkeld Pastoral Co Pty Ltd

Location:

Kimberley, WA

Salary etc:

$60,000 - $70,000 p.a. + accommodation + food (per person)

Work Type: Full-Time Fixed term (Apr 2026 – Dec 2027)
Location: Theda, Gibb River–Kalumburu Rd, Far North Kimberley, WA
Positions: 2 roles (well‑suited to a couple with complementary skills)

Make a real impact in land management and conservation in the remote Kimberley.

Dunkeld Pastoral Co. Pty Ltd (DPC) is a 100% Australian‑owned private company established in 1976. We manage agricultural, conservation and tourism operations across Western VIC and WA, with a strong focus on sustainable land stewardship and biodiversity.

About Theda & Doongan

Located on the Gibb River-Kalumburu Rd, Theda and Doongan together cover 610,000+ hectares of savanna woodland, rocky escarpments, grasslands and rainforest. The properties are home to rich biodiversity, and their protection and management are central to DPC’s mission.

The Opportunity

We’re seeking a suitably experienced couple to fill two roles: Maintenance Manager and Station Caretaker. Reporting to the Managing Director, you’ll take responsibility for day‑to‑day operations and property upkeep, from mechanical maintenance through to gardens, housekeeping, and supporting conservation fieldwork. Our Kimberley team is small; the variety of work is huge.

Who this suits:

  • bush/farm mechanic or maintenance all‑rounder (diagnostics, repairs, problem‑solving).
  • domestic/hospitality & grounds all‑rounder (gardening, housekeeping, meal prep, guest support).
  • Practical, self‑reliant people who thrive in remote environments and take pride in well‑kept stations.

Role 1: Maintenance Manager

Key responsibilities

  • Mechanical maintenance & repairs including tractors, slashers, quad bikes, pumps, generators, small engines, utes (incl. records).
  • Building & infrastructure upkeep including workshops, sheds, airstrips, fencing, tracks/roads, erosion management.
  • Land management support including fire management/suppression, weed & feral animal control (ground/aerial support as required).
  • Logistics & operations support for research teams and cattle mustering crews.
  • Proactive maintenance planning, safe systems of work, and inventory/spares management.

Essential

  • Proven mechanical diagnostics & repair capability beyond basic servicing (e.g., bearings, brakes).
  • Practical maintenance skills across buildings/infrastructure.
  • Current driver’s licence.
  • Experience with station life or remote work.

Desirable

  • Experience with fire ops/suppression; ChemCert/ACUP; first aid; basic welding/fabrication; small engines; chainsaw ticket; loader & grader operation.

Role 2: Station Caretaker

Key responsibilities

  • Grounds & gardens: lawns, veggie patch, fruit trees, irrigation maintenance.
  • Housekeeping & hospitality: cleaning, laundry, meal planning/prep for the household and occasional invited guests, contractors and researchers (note: not a tourist operation).
  • Animal care: chickens, ducks and dogs.
  • General station support: supplies, stores, errands, basic admin/logistics as needed.

Essential

  • Hands‑on experience in domestic/hospitality and grounds/garden maintenance.
  • Reliable, organised, and comfortable working independently.
  • Experience with station life or remote work.

Desirable

  • Food safety awareness; basic first aid; experience coordinating supplies and rations in remote settings, willingess to participate in land management activities including fire management.

Working & Living Conditions

  • Climate: Distinct wet (Oct–Apr) and dry (Apr–Oct) seasons. During the wet, road access can be cut for extended periods. Temperatures are often 30°C+ for much of the year.
  • Availability: During the dry season, some duties (e.g., fire suppression, essential maintenance) may require availability outside standard hours. Exceptional periods are balanced with appropriate rest and fatigue management.
  • Accommodation: A fully furnished 3‑bedroom residence is provided for the two incumbents, including utilities and rations with good starlink internet connectivity (pet policy can be discussed during the process.)
  • Team: You’ll be part of a small, friendly team focused on conservation outcomes and the smooth running of the stations.

What We Offer

  • The chance to deliver real outcomes in natural resource management.
  • Exposure to progressive archaeological and biodiversity research.
  • Growth opportunities in conservation, biodiversity and land management.
  • Accommodation: 3‑bedroom furnished home + utilities + rations.
  • Supportive culture with purpose‑driven work in an iconic landscape.

Remuneration (plus benefits)

  • Maintenance Manager: circa $60,000-$70,000 p.a. + benefits.
  • Station Caretaker: circa $60,000 p.a. + benefits.

Final packages will be negotiated based on experience and the full benefits provided on‑site.

nrmjobs.com.au/job/20028159

Date published:

05-Feb-2026

Closing date:

28-Feb-2026