About Doongan and Theda Stations – Dunkeld Pastoral Co Pty Ltd

Doongan and Theda Stations are located on the Gibb River-Kalumburu Rd in the far north Kimberley, and together comprise over 610,000Ha of savanna woodland, rocky escarpment, grassland and rainforest.

Our operations in the Kimberley are focused on carbon abatement and sustainable land management. Dunkeld Pastoral Co Pty Ltd runs a savanna burning emissions avoidance project under the Australian Government’s Emissions Reduction Fund, in which we abate carbon emissions through implementing a managed fire regime across the properties.

The properties house an immensely rich biodiversity, and the protection and management of this asset remains a key focus of our operations.

In addition, the company is involved in a number of significant research projects in the north Kimberley region, with a variety of research partners. These include the University of Sydney, the University of Melbourne, the University of Western Australia and the University of Queensland.

The Role

Dunkeld Pastoral Co is seeking a motivated Firefighting and Station Operations Officer for a 3-month fixed-term contract (mid-August 2025–early December 2025) at Doongan and Theda Stations in the north Kimberley.

Key Responsibilities:

• Participate in savanna grass firefighting and all day-to-day station operations including care and maintenance of station gardens, buildings and assets
• Support fire suppression and prescribed burning activities
• Assist with feral animal and weed management activities
• Maintain equipment and uphold safety standards

Requirements:

• Experience in bushfire management or firefighting in northern Australia is preferred but is not essential, training is available
• Strong physical fitness including the ability to hike 15-20kms with a pack and work in remote conditions including at night
• Team player with good communication skills
• Mechanically aptitude and ability to problem solve and repair or adjust equipment exposed to harsh environmental conditions
• Willingness to travel via helicopter/light aircraft
• Driver's licence
• Previous experience driving 4-wheel drive vehicles on unsealed tracks
• Safety minded

Selection Criteria Questions for Firefighting & Station Operations Officer

Experience and Knowledge

• Please describe your experience in bushfire management or firefighting, particularly any work you have done in northern Australia or similar remote environments.
• What is your understanding of savanna grass firefighting and prescribed burning techniques? Provide examples of your involvement in these activities if applicable.

Physical Fitness and Remote Work

• This role requires strong physical fitness and the ability to work in remote, challenging conditions. Can you outline your current fitness and provide examples of when you have worked in physically demanding or remote settings?

Pest plant and animal Work

• Please describe your experience undertaking pest management activities? Have you completed Chemcert (or similar) training? Examples of pest plant or animal programs that you have been involved – can you identify aspects of these programs that contributed to their success or lack of success?

Equipment Maintenance and Safety

• Describe your experience with maintaining firefighting or land management equipment. How do you ensure that equipment is kept in safe and operational condition?

Teamwork and Communication

• Give an example of a time when you worked as part of a team in a high-pressure or emergency situation. How did you contribute to effective communication and teamwork?

Commitment and Motivation

• Why are you interested in joining Dunkeld Pastoral Co to protect the unique Kimberley landscapes? What motivates you to work in bushfire management and station operations?

Adaptability and Problem Solving

• Provide an example of a challenging situation you encountered during firefighting, land management operations, or remote work or travel. How did you adapt and what was the outcome?

Availability

• Please confirm you are available for an approx 3-month fixed-term contract (mid-August 2025–early December 2025)
• Please confirm whether you would like to be considered for further employment opportunities at Doongan and Theda Station during the 2025/2026 wet season.

A competitive remuneration package will be negotiated with the successful candidate, dependent on experience. The remuneration package will be structured to include a base salary per annum, plus accommodation, basic stores (food & supplies), and some relocation assistance may be available.

Ongoing work over the 2025/2026 wet season may be available.

Learn more about our conservation activities at https://www.dunkeldpastoral.com.au/kimberley

Join our dedicated team working to protect the unique landscapes of the Kimberley with Dunkeld Pastoral Co.