City of Sydney

Historian

Sydney CBD location

CULTURAL PROGRAMS & SERVICES/Creative City/City Life

Part Time/Term Contract opportunity - 2 days a week to 31 January 2028

$53,964 pro-rated per annum plus superannuation

About the role

The Historian works with the City Historian to implement the City’s History Policy and work program through the provision of historical advice and interpretation, delivery of education and public programs, and the production of historical content and resources. The objectives of the History Program are to ensure that the social, community, urban and corporate histories of the council and the City of Sydney local government area are recorded, preserved, interpreted, presented and made accessible.

About the team
The Cultural Programs and Services team has oversight of the City’s History program, curatorial and civic collections, and our program delivery through our creative production spaces. You will work most closely with a team of artists, creative practitioners, historians and curators, but will influence projects and thought across the City.

About the role
The successful candidate will work across the breadth of the City on challenging and rewarding projects. The role will contribute to research and provide specialist historical advice and analytical historical insight on contemporary issues facing the City. The role also works to produce and deliver history content, interpretation, public programs and activations, and education programs to raise awareness of Sydney’s history.

About you
To succeed in the role, you will have relevant tertiary qualifications; a demonstrated ability in writing and research; experience working with community groups, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and a sound knowledge of the City of Sydney local government area and its history; and experience working in teams and project management. You will delight in the detail, while always keeping the broader goals in mind. You will have great people skills and be comfortable producing new knowledge related to our local, social, civic and urban history.

If you are all these things and more, we would love to hear from you.

The recommended applicant must complete a pre-employment health declaration.

Download position description.

What we can offer you

You’ll work with passionate, welcoming and supportive people who care for our communities and create a future for all.

Flexible working

• 3 days of care and cultural leave each year for health and wellbeing activities, cultural and religious days or events of significance
• Collaborative approach to flexible working
• City centre head office, with many public transport options.

Professional development

• Leadership and management development program
• Further education program providing reimbursement of course fees, and study and exam leave
• Opportunity to attend external courses and conferences
• Long service and employee recognition awards
• Employee assistance program offering free, confidential counselling

Supporting families

• We provide 26 weeks of paid parental leave for all new parents, supporting diverse and inclusive families
• Paid and unpaid adoption and long-term fostering leave
• Paid superannuation for up to 52 weeks of parental leave
• Part-time and job-sharing options available
• Supportive return-to-work environment

Inclusive culture

• Recognised as an Inclusive Employer by the Diversity Council of Australia
• Active employee networks including City Women, City Pride, DiverseCity, Inclusive City, Young Professionals and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander network
• Recognised family inclusive workplace
• Veteran employment supporter

Find out why acareer at the City of Sydneymight be right for you.

How to apply

Select ‘apply now’ to submit your resume and selection criteria.

Applications must be submitted online by 11:59pm, Thursday 20 August 2026.

For more information, contact Laila Ellmoos, City Historian on 02 9246 7274.

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds in a workplace as diverse as our communities. We’re passionate about gender balance, with an executive team two-thirds female and half of leadership roles held by women.

All applicants, including Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, people with disability, veterans and people of diverse sexualities and genders, and those from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged to join us.

We’re a disability confident recruiter. If you identify as a person with disability and require support for your application or the recruitment process, contact us at[email protected]or 02 9265 9333.

Caring for our city, creating a future for all

Our people are passionate about their communities and connected to their teams. They’re motivated by our genuine commitment to diversity and inclusion, and our clear, compelling plan for our global city:Sustainable Sydney 2030 – 2050 Continuing the Vision.

Be part of a purpose-led organisation with care at its core. You’ll make a difference by acting in the best interests of our communities and city. Be better together with collaborative and inclusive partnerships. Embrace possibilities and be open to new ideas and creating bold solutions.