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 Deputy Head Ranger supports the Head Ranger to manage the ranger team in providing a high-quality customer service environment, and is the alternate point of contact between the rangers and other Harbour Trust directorates. The Deputy Head Ranger works on a seven-day a week roster and undertakes both management and site-based ranger duties as required. The Deputy Head Ranger acts as the Head Ranger in their absence.

The role requires strong communication, sound judgement, and a thorough understanding of Harbour Trust regulations, procedures, and site operations to ensure effective service delivery, safety, and compliance.

This position is ongoing, full-time and classified as a shiftworker. A 'shiftworker' is an employee who are rostered to perform ordinary hours of work outside the period of 6am to 6pm Monday to Friday, and/or on Saturdays, Sundays or public holidays for an ongoing or fixed period.

Role Accountabilities

Provide day to day supervision of rangers to ensure the effective delivery of all ranger activities, including but not limited to: providing advice and guidance to visitors, managing access and security to Harbour Trust built structures, land and assets, supporting a safe environment for visitors and workers, crowd and traffic management, and the application of Harbour Trust regulations, licences and permits.

Undertake responsibilities including monitoring the performance of individual rangers and conducting performance reviews when the Head Ranger is unavailable or unable to perform these duties. Provide guidance, coaching and support to develop skills aligned with Harbour Trust values and customer service standards, while addressing performance concerns where required.

Coordinate and administer all Ranger rosters in compliance with operational requirements and Harbour Trust Enterprise Agreement, policies and procedures, ensuring each ranger understands and delivers the requirements of each shift.

Manage the delivery of training requirements for all rangers, including coordination of drills, record keeping and renewals of competencies/licences.

Promote and foster a collaborative team environment, encouraging Rangers to support one another and work cohesively to effectively deliver operational responsibilities, organisational objectives, and the functions of the role.

Support the Head Ranger in coordinating the issuing and follow-up of infringement notices for car parking and other breaches of Harbour Trust regulations.

Support the Head Ranger in the provision of advice to Harbour Trust colleagues on security, crowd management, traffic management, liquor licencing and other matters on which the Head Ranger is a subject matter expert.

Support the Head Ranger in the day-to-day management of contracts allocated to the ranger team including security, parking meters, barging and fleet maintenance. In particular, meet contractors on site to ensure that services are delivered as required.

Develop and maintain knowledge in security, crowd management, traffic management, liquor licencing and other areas as required, so as to be able to provide advice to Harbour Trust colleagues on such matters.

Maintain records and prepare written reports as required by the Chief Warden and assist the Chief Warden in preparing reports for the Manager, Building and Site Services as required.

Support the Head Ranger and others in the development and implementation of emergency management and critical management plans acting as Chief Warden when required and ensuring rangers and security are familiar with both plans and their individual functions.

In-conjunction with the Head Ranger establish and maintain effective partnerships with relevant external organisations such as NSW Police, NSW Parks and Wildlife and the Gamay Rangers.

Selection Criteria

Essential

Training in relevant industry or experience in customer service, security or ranger roles.

Demonstrated ability to influence, motivate, and guide a team toward achieving shared objectives.

Sound oral, written and communications skills with a good courteous customer service focus.

Ability to advise, influence and negotiate with a range of stakeholders and demonstrate problem solving and conflict resolution skills.

Ability to develop a thorough understanding of the Sydney Harbour Federation Trust Act and enforce regulations, together with developing knowledge and experience of local, state and federal legislation of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings as well as awareness of legislation on heritage listed assets.

Able to meet the physical demands of the role, including prolonged walking and patrolling on uneven terrain.

Computing skills appropriate to undertake the required associated administrative duties.

Ability to work rotating shifts (which includes working on weekends, public holidays, and Christmas shutdown days) at all Harbour Trust sites.

Qualifications

First Aid Certificate (Willingness to obtain and maintain)

Provide Pain Management (Willingness to obtain and maintain)

White Card (Willingness to obtain and maintain)

NSW Boat licence (Willingness to obtain and maintain)

Responsible Serving of Alcohol (RSA) certificate (Willingness to obtain and maintain)

Eligibility

Satisfy a Police Check

Hold Australian citizenship

Satisfy a Working with Children Check

Drivers licence

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

How to apply?

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 pages)

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

The use of AI tools is permitted to support your application, provided it does not substitute for your own experience or capabilities. Candidates are expected to use AI ethically, remain transparent about its use if asked, and ensure applications are accurate, personalised and their own work.

Applications close 11.59pm on 30 August 2026.

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.