Maintenance Manager & Station Caretaker (Couple) | Kimberley | WA

$60,000 - $70,000 yearly

Job Description

  • 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.

  • 2 roles (well‑suited to a couple with complementary skills)

  • Full-Time Fixed term (Apr 2026 – Dec 2027)

  • These are permanent positions and not available to Working Holiday Visa Holders (Backpackers), temporary residents or overseas applicants.

Property Type

Cattle Station/ Conservation

Property Description

Theda and Doongan Station's are 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.

Start Date

Hiring Now for April 2026 start

Key Tasks, Duties & Responsibilities

These roles will suit: 

  • 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.

Job Requirements

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.

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Job Benefits

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.

Application Details

Applications without a cover letter addressing the questions below will not be considered.

  1. A joint or individual cover letter answering the “Cover Letter Questions” (below).

  2. Both resumes (one for each person), clearly stating which role each is applying for.

ALL DOCUMENTS TO BE SUBMITTED VIA THE APPLY NOW BUTTON IN A PDF FORMAT

Cover Letter Questions (mandatory):

  1. Are you applying as a couple? If yes, what is your partner’s full name?

  2. Which role is each person applying for (Maintenance Manager / Station Caretaker)?

  3. Have you attached both resumes?

  4. Summarise your experience living/working remotely or on stations.

  5. Maintenance Manager applicant: outline your mechanical diagnostics & repair experience (beyond basic servicing).

  6. Caretaker applicant: outline your housekeeping/hospitality and grounds experience.

  7. Confirm you can live on‑site from April 2026 to December 2027.

  8. Confirm you’re comfortable with wet‑season isolation and 30°C+ conditions.

  9. Do you hold a current driver’s licence?

PLEASE NOTE:

  • These are permanent positions and not available to Working Holiday Visa Holders (Backpackers), temporary residents or overseas applicants.
  • Applications without required skills and experience listed in the ad will not be considered.

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