Job Description

  • Paspaley Pastoral is looking for an experienced Cropping Manager at Dry River.

  • The role of the Cropping Manager is to focus on managing the day-to-day operations of the allocated cropping programs at Dry River Station, it also requires the person to liaise and work in conjunction with the Dry River - Cattle Manager regarding general operational requirements of the station and in some circumstances the sharing of labour resources may be required.

Property Type

Farm (Mixed)

Property Description

Dry River Station is a 65,000-hectare working cattle / cropping property located 105km from Katherine in the Northern Territory and is part of the Paspaley Groups strong portfolio of national agricultural interests. Although the Station runs approximately 5000 Brahman breeding cows it also has an extensive interest and investment in cropping on the property.

Presently it has 500 hectares under crop, being 300 under centre pivot irrigation and 200 of dryland operations with future expansion in the plans, used predominantly for growing hay crops with rotation crops of mainly sorghum and cotton.

Start Date

Hiring Now

Key Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities

  • Reporting directly to the General Manager – Rural Properties, this is an exciting position with a progressive company and would suit an experienced Cropping Manager who is looking to further their career and enhance their skills in the combination of crop management, applied agronomy to harvest logistics, and machine maintenance.

  • The Cropping Manager will take commercial responsibility and ensuring timely and safe procedures whilst running our cropping program at peak performance.

  • Ideally someone who will take ownership of our cropping program and who will offer a leadership style that blends strategic planning with “hands on” operations. 

Job Requirements

  • Experience as an irrigated Cropping Manager on a modern cropping operation.

  • The ability to manage irrigation systems to maximise yields across the farm and water use efficiency.

  • A solid knowledge and understanding of agronomy, timing and seasonal operations i.e. ground preparation, sowing, spraying, harvesting, grain storage and logistics.

  • Experience and knowledge of machinery set up, calibrations, operations, trouble shooting and maintenance.

  • Must be a motivated “hands on” self-starter who thrives on high levels of accountability and has the ability to deliver to deadlines.

  • Experience leading and training a dedicated team of workers to a common goal, including permanent staff, seasonal casuals and contractors.

  • The ability to collate and manage accurate data for crop forecasting and budgeting (irrigation, chemicals, nutrition, moisture monitoring, fuel, crop estimates, grain storage) through databases and agriculture software.

  • Strong written and speaking communication skills for clear reporting, transparency of operations and for employee health & safety purposes.

  • Proven ability to build a positive culture and maintain strong internal and external relationships resulting in a strong station / village style community.

  • A willingness to implement environmental objectives for the station as directed.

  • An ability to maintain and repair of all plant, equipment and infrastructure of the station complex.

  • A total commitment to the company’s strong Workplace Health & Safety program by supporting a culture of continuous improvement and aiding to always ensure the safety of all persons on the property.

  • Must have competent computer skills, especially Microsoft packages i.e. Excel, Word and Outlook.

  • Must be Australian citizenship or be a permanent resident with full working rights. Must have a current HR driver’s licence (HC desirable), and Chemical User Permit (ChemCert/ACUP),

As well as the above, you will need to be a proactive, forward-thinking individual who doesn’t wait to be told what to do. You anticipate challenges and act decisively, see opportunities for improvement and take initiative to make them happen.

Job Benefits

In return we will offer you a fantastic lifestyle, an attractive salary package including a 5-bedroom home, an opportunity to gain further experience and progress your career with a company who is committed to growing our agricultural interests.

Application Details

If you meet the requirements of this role and are willing to contribute positively to the Dry River Station team, we encourage you to apply. 

Applications close Friday 22 November 2025. Please send your CV detailing your employment history and demonstrating your experience and qualifications to the General Manager – Rural Properties via the APPLY NOW button.

PLEASE NOTE:

  • You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this position. We do not accept overseas applications.

  • Applications without required skills and experience listed in the ad will not be considered.

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