Careers

Your application should include these 2 documents:

• your resume
• your selection criteria responses.

You will need to save them as separate documents in either Word or PDF.

Your resume should include your employment history, experience and education.

As part of your application, we also need the name and contact details of 2 referees. The referees should be people who have supervised you or have a working knowledge of your previous roles.

We will not contact your referees until we have your permission.

Each position at the City has specific criteria necessary for employees to be able to perform the role, which is contained in the essential criteria section of the position description.

Your application needs to include a response to each essential criterion, clearly demonstrating how your qualifications or experience help you meet the requirements of the role. As a general guide, at least 2 to 3 paragraphs are sufficient, although you may choose to provide more. 

Addressing the selection criteria is a crucial component of your job application, so it is vital you do not rely on your resume alone to demonstrate your skills and experience.

Other documents may be included as part of your application and can include the following:

• cover letter
• copy of your qualifications
• work samples.

Due to file size limitations when you submit your application it may be better to instead bring any work samples if you are invited for an interview.

When you sign up to our online recruitment system  (if you don't have an account, select sign in, then follow the prompts) you will be able to submit your application electronically and receive job notifications via email when positions are advertised.

1. Click on the job you wish to apply for and enter your login and password. (Note: If you forget your password, click the 'Forgot Password’ link and an email will be sent to you to reset your password.)
2. A copy of the advertisement and details of the position you are interested in will appear. (Note: A copy of the position description can be downloaded as a PDF along with the application guide at the bottom of the advertisement.)
3. To begin submitting your application, click the ‘Apply Now’ link and follow the prompts.

Documents can be attached as Word or PDF files. The best way to upload your documents to the system is to make sure you save them to your computer before starting the application process. Please ensure that the document is closed when you try to attach it or our system will not recognise it.

Note: If you have previously submitted an application for another position, your documents will still be available in your profile when you login.

You can then upload them from your profile by simply clicking the circle to the left and clicking ‘upload’.

If you wish to upload a new document as part of your application, please ensure it is saved as a different file name from any previous document you uploaded as our system will not recognise it as a new file. For example, if you named your previous document ‘resume’ and are uploading a newer version, you may want to name it ‘resume2’.

If your application has been successfully uploaded to our online system you will receive an email notification confirming we have received your application.

If you do not receive a confirmation email after submitting your application or you are experiencing other issues when applying, please contact the recruitment team to confirm we have received your application:

• 02 9265 9333
• [email protected]

Your application should be submitted through our online application system  before the closing date. Applications sent by email are generally not accepted for our advertised positions.

Our positions are advertised for a minimum of 14 days and close at 11pm on the advertised closing date.

The position will automatically be removed from our website at midnight on the closing date and no further applications will be accepted.

The City of Sydney promotes merit-based selection and equal employment opportunity for all positions. It is essential when you address the selection criteria you provide sufficient examples to demonstrate your ability to perform the duties of the role. 

The interview panel will review all applications received following the closing date of the position and applicants who meet the selection criteria will be shortlisted for interview as soon as possible.

When reviewing your application the interview panel will take the following elements into consideration:

• resume
• selection criteria responses
• experience and qualifications.

Applicants may not be shortlisted for interview for some of the following possible reasons:

• you do not satisfy the selection criteria
• you do not hold the necessary formal qualifications
• you are not eligible for employment based on your residency status
• you provide false or misleading information.

Note: Applicants who meet the selection criteria may not always be invited for an interview as the City receives a large number of applications for our positions. Our decision to shortlist candidates for interview are therefore based on applicants who best meet the selection criteria.

If you are shortlisted for an interview, the convenor of the interview panel will generally contact you by phone or email. We will then arrange an appropriate date, time and interview location with you, and you will also be able to ask the convenor any questions you may have about the interview process.

As a general rule applicants invited to attend an interview should:

• arrive on time
• dress appropriately – office attire is generally suitable
• review the position description thoroughly.

If your application has been unsuccessful, our recruitment team will contact you by email as soon as possible.

• a copy of your application
• original qualifications or certificates
• work samples
• photo identification (such as driver's licence or passport).

The interview panel will generally consist of 3 people: the convenor (usually the hiring manager of the position), an industry expert and an independent member (from within the City).

The interview questions will be based on the selection criteria. They are designed to draw out examples of your previous experience and behaviours.

Some testing may be used for some positions but if it is required you will be notified before the interview date and given sufficient time to prepare.

As part of the interview process you may be required to undertake relevant pre-employment checks. These may include but are not limited to the following.

Referee checks

The convenor of the interview panel will ask for your permission to contact your nominated referees to confirm or verify what is stated in your application and during your interview.

If we are unable to contact your nominated referees within a suitable time period we will contact you and ask you to provide alternative referees.

Criminal history record check

A number of positions at the City are identified as requiring a criminal history check. The City will conduct the check on your behalf.

If the position you are applying for requires a criminal history record check, you will be given the appropriate forms to complete, which you will need to return to the City along with 100 points of identification.

The results of your criminal history check will be kept confidential by the recruitment team. 

Pre-employment health assessment

All recommended applicants are required to undertake a pre-employment health assessment as part of the recruitment process.

A number of positions within the City are identified as requiring a pre-employment medical check. There is no fee associated with the health assessment.

All other positions require a health declaration form to be completed.

Your health assessment/health declaration will be kept confidential by the recruitment team.

Working with children check

A current working with children check will be required for applicants recommended to be employed in a child-related position.

Checks will be conducted in accordance with current legislation.

The code of conduct provides a set of guidelines for all City employees.

This code guides everything we do and outlines what is expected for all employees.

Key principles underpinning the code are integrity, selflessness, accountability, honesty and respect.

The City is committed to providing a working environment free from discrimination.

The City incorporates diversity, respect, equity and merit into our equal employment opportunity and anti-discrimination programs and strategies for employees.

We are also committed to employing and selecting people for jobs based on merit. This ensures the person selected for the job has the skills, knowledge, personal qualities and experience to meet the job requirements.

Equal opportunity is actively promoted at the City by:

• creating an environment free of discrimination and harassment
• providing clear and accountable policies and practices
• developing equity strategies, plans and diversity programs to increase workplace access for under-represented groups
• providing employees with comprehensive learning and awareness programs on equity issues
• providing effective solutions to resolve complaints.

Our EEO strategies

EEO management plan

The City’s EEO management plan details the strategies and activities undertaken to ensure our EEO objectives are met.

The plan is updated yearly.

Recruitment

We encourage applications from a diverse range of applicants. We are an EEO employer and welcome applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people from diverse cultures and people with disability.

The City ensures every person is given a fair and equitable opportunity to compete for any vacant position at the City, including access to interviews.

Employment

The City maintains work practices to eliminate discrimination. Information on the City’s EEO/anti-discrimination principles, including the EEO management plan is made available to all employees.

Training and development for managers

Managers at the City are trained to ensure when applicants are interviewed for positions, an applicant’s merit will be determined only on their skills, experience and qualifications.

Training and development is consistent with the principles of equity and support Council’s EEO objectives. This ensures all staff have the opportunity to contribute to the overall success of the City as well as enhancing their individual skills and competencies.

The City consistently strives to support and promote an inclusive and diverse workplace. We do this by ensuring employees are encouraged to demonstrate best practice and legislative changes.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples

We seek to increase the number of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples in the workplace by fostering participation and becoming an employer of choice.

People with disability

We're committed to removing barriers and encouraging people with disability and caring responsibilities in the workplace.

LGBTIQ communities

We encourage people to be their best and achieve their potential. For LGBTIQ staff, that means offering a safe and respectful working environment where everyone feels valued. The City is proud to be an organisation where LGBTIQ peoples want to work.

Women

We aim to create an environment where women have equal access to employment and career success, balance family responsibilities, contribute to communities, lead healthy, fulfilling, rewarding lives and attain economic independence.

Mature age workers

Our equitable policies and practices support an ageing workforce. We also offer programs for the transition of mature age staff into retirement.

Culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds

Cultural diversity is valued at the City and we aim to support people newly arrived to Australia. We want to attract and retain the best talent regardless of background, including culturally and linguistically diverse people.

We are committed to the health, safety and welfare of all our workers and visitors to the City’s premises, and locations where work is being carried out.

The City regards its work, health and safety responsibilities with the utmost importance and as such, resources are available to comply with all relevant acts and regulations.

All workers of the City, including visitors, have a shared responsibility for contributing to the health and safety of all persons in the workplace.

WHS risk management

The City has established and maintains a documented WHS safety management system with procedures for identifying, assessing and controlling workplace hazards.

Consultation

A health and safety committee comprising employee and management supports staff.

Employee representatives and workers are able to provide independent input into the WHS policy and program. Management representatives who have the necessary power to authorise committee recommendations have been appointed to the committee.

Management consults with workers and visitors when planning work to determine the most effective means of ensuring both parties fulfil their WHS responsibilities.

One of the City’s workforce objectives is to engage people with purpose and seek enthusiastic and motivated young people into our entry-level program.

We’re seeking interns, cadets and graduates to work in our organisation and provide them with an opportunity to be part of the future direction of Sydney.

We’re proud to support the National Fair Internship pledge – being paid is essential to an intern, also in acknowledgment of the value they add to our workplace.

We’re committed to developing young people in trades through the City’s apprenticeship or traineeship programs. This includes areas such as gardeners, vehicle mechanics, electricians and general business certificates.

Apprenticeships combine on the job training with vocational learning and are usually a 4-year program.

The City also partners with ArtsReady, an initiative of AFL SportsReady, to provide paid traineeships for young people to get a flavour of the arts and creative industries.

Seela Lotam, an ArtsReady trainee, started a 12-month traineeship while completing a Certificate III in Business. Showing dedication and an ongoing commitment to learning, Seela now works as a business support officer at the City.

I honestly assumed I would be given very basic administrative tasks, but surprisingly found myself doing a lot more than I could ever imagine.

Seela Lotam, Business Support Officer

The traineeship is a 1-year program where trainees are supported with hands-on experience that prepares them in taking the next step in their career. Trainees will receive a nationally accredited qualification as evidence of their journey at the City.

The City welcomes and values applications for short-term work that aligns with either your education or interest in gaining industry experience.

To express your interest in our work experience program, please email [email protected].