Our Organisation

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is responsible for the management of Sydney Harbour sites including Cockatoo Island in Sydney Harbour, Woolwich Dock and Parklands in Woolwich, Sub Base Platypus in North Sydney, Georges Heights, Middle Head and Chowder Bay in Mosman, North Head Sanctuary in Manly, Marine Biological Station in Watsons Bay and Macquarie Lightstation in Vaucluse.

Our mission is to “bring to life our natural and cultural heritage and provide a lasting legacy for all Australians through conservation, remediation and the adaptive reuse of places in our care”.

Sites that were for many years hidden away from public view are now open for all, containing an extraordinary mix of historic buildings, magnificent harbour views, pristine natural landscapes and defence heritage. These public spaces and parklands now offer major events, exhibitions, venue hire, accommodation, tours and business tenancy.

Role Overview

The After Dark Tour Performer is responsible for providing a safe and enjoyable after dark visitor experience while delivering a performance style tour on the histories and dark stories of Harbour Trust sites, such as Cockatoo Island, to various audiences. The After Dark Tour Performer will predominantly deliver tours between the hours of 5:00pm and 10:00pm on Cockatoo Island using prescribed resources. Tour groups are comprised of the general public, international tourists, families and special interest groups. You may also be required to deliver Public Program Tours on Harbour Trust sites during daylight hours.

Role Accountabilities

Deliver engaging and enjoyable after dark visitor experiences through compelling and entertaining storytelling that highlights stories of people and place, based on the dark histories, cultural and heritage significance of Harbour Trust sites.

Deliver tours using the script provided, and adapt tour delivery to engage attendees with diverse audience needs.

Strong interpersonal and communication skills with exceptional customer service to all stakeholders.

Maintain a high level of safety during all tours including pre-tour safety briefings.

Maintain an overall knowledge of and promote the Harbour Trust’s role in the management of heritage sites.

Ensure tour materials and engagement spaces are ready prior to all tours.

Maintain an accurate head count of all participants as required.

Monitor visitor’s activities to ensure compliance with the Harbour Trust’s policies, procedures and safety practices.

Deliver engaging Public Program tours as required.

Salary and Benefits

$33.82 per hour, plus 25% loading and overtime

Healthy lifestyle cash benefit.

Access to: EAP, flu vaccination, & learning and development opportunities.

Essential Selection Criteria (Qualifications, attributes, skills and knowledge)

Hold an Australian citizenship.

Capacity to learn about the history of the Harbour Trust’s sites, to convey their historical, heritage, social and cultural significance to visitors in an engaging manner.

Demonstrated strong performance and storytelling ability to communicate true stories about Harbour Trust sites in an engaging way.

Ability to guide a wide variety of audience groups and be inclusive of different audience needs.

Ability to maintain a safe environment throughout the tour and follow WHS procedures.

Ability to provide a high level of customer service to all stakeholders.

The ability to work as part of a broader team and individually.

Ability to problem solve and adapt to changing circumstances as needed such as weather or changes tour routes.

Strong time management skills and willingness to undertake regular training as required.

Able to work a minimum of two shifts per month flexible evening hours, including on weekends, and on some days as required.

Ability to travel to different Harbour Trust sites as required.

Ability to ascend and descend steps, steep inclines, and ability to navigate over uneven ground when leading tours within allocated timeframes.

Satisfy a Police Check.

Satisfy a Working with Children Check.

Possession of a current First Aid Certificate or willingness to obtain one.

Desirable

Knowledge and/or background of Australian history and passion for the history and cultural significance of Harbour Trust sites.

Certificate IV in Guiding.

Fluency in a language other than English and/or Auslan.

Does this role sound like you? We want to hear from you!

How to apply?

Please visit https://www.harbourtrust.gov.au/careers/ for a full position description. To apply for the role, simply submit your application via the 'Quick apply' button and attach the following two documents:

Cover letter, outlining why you want the role, and how you address selection criteria (max 2 page)

CV/Resume, outlining your work experience, qualifications and education.

Applications close 12 October 2025.

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

The Sydney Harbour Federation Trust is an equal opportunities employer and we encourage applications from indigenous Australians, people from non-English speaking backgrounds and people with disabilities. Information about the Harbour Trust can be found at www.harbourtrust.gov.au