Production Assistant

Sydney Symphony Orchestra; Sydney; On-site; AUD 63,000 - 77,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Wellbeing and Employee Assistance

Complimentary performance tickets

Flexible Part-Time arrangements

Job summary

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is seeking a diligent Production Assistant to support staging and production for concerts and events across multiple venues, including Lilyfield storage and Sydney Opera House. The role involves evening/m weekend hours and touring as required.

Responsibilities include handling stage sets, coordinating music logistics, and assisting with asset management. Prior experience in orchestral productions and a NSW driver’s licence are desirable.

Qualifications

• Experience in production staging orchestral or concert productions.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to a busy schedule.
• Strong teamwork and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent personal presentation.
• Ability to work under time pressure.
• WHS awareness and safe handling of equipment.
• Current NSW Driver’s licence and WWCC.
• First Aid Certificate and interest in classical music.

Responsibilities

• Set up and strike stage layouts and assist with live changes.
• Coordinate music collection and distribution with librarians.
• Assist with freight movements and instrument transport.
• Support training of new Production staff.
• Ensure tidiness of Lilyfield storage and venues.
• Support WHS compliance and monitor sound level equipment.

Tools

CAD/VectorWorks

OPAS

Job description

Location: Sydney Symphony Orchestra rehearsal and concert venues, Lilyfield storage facility, and the Administration Office (Sydney CBD).

Salary Range: $70,000 (pro rata for Part-time) plus superannuation

Number of Positions: 3

Flexible Employment Options: We offer flexible Permanent Part-Time (rostered) arrangements. Please include your preferred hours or FTE in your cover letter.

ABOUT US

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra is Australia’s flagship orchestra, presenting extraordinary performances that inspire, challenge, and engage audiences in Sydney and beyond. Performing at the iconic Sydney Opera House and across NSW, the Sydney Symphony is committed to artistic excellence, innovation, and fostering a deep connection with our community. Through live concerts, digital programs, education initiatives, and collaborations with leading artists, the Sydney Symphony brings the joy of orchestral music to audiences everywhere. We value Integrity, Connection, and Joy.

THE ROLE

The Operations & Production department is committed to working together to deliver all Sydney Symphony Orchestra concerts and events to a standard of excellence. This includes Subscription series concerts, Sydney Symphony Presents concerts, outdoor performances, recordings and broadcasts, digital content production, auditions, domestic and international tours, and any other special projects or opportunities in the SSO schedule.

The Production Assistant supports the Production team in undertaking all staging and production requirements in relation to these activities.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Concert and event operations

• At the direction of the Production Manager(s) (or Deputy Production Manager), set and strike stage set ups and assist with live changes within performances.
• Coordinate the collection and distribution of music with the SSO Librarians.
• Assist with freight movements as directed, including the loading & unloading of freight.
• Occasionally transport instruments and equipment (SSO van).
• Support the Production Managers in the training of new Production staff in the handling of instruments.
• Execute dressing room requirements (signage, screen and furniture requirements, etc.) as communicated by the Operations & Production Coordinator.
• Ensure general tidiness and organisation of the Lilyfield storage warehouse and the Sydney Opera House Level 21 practice rooms, instrument storage area, library station, workshop and office.

Asset Management (Instruments & Equipment)

• Report to Production Managers any identified instrument/equipment repair needs.
• Assist the Operations & Production Coordinator with the annual audit of SSO-owned instruments and equipment ensuring the location and information of assets is accurately recorded.
• Assist the Operations & Production Coordinator with the annual ‘Test & Tag’ of electrical equipment at Sydney Opera House Level 21 and Lilyfield Storage Warehouse.

Work health and safety

• Implement work health and safety (including hearing preservation) mitigations as directed by the Production Managers or Deputy Production Manager.
• Ensure all set ups and actions on stage are compliant with SSO WHS policies.
• Observe WHS policies and procedures by practicing safe handling of equipment, wearing the correct personal protective equipment and reporting hazards and incidents to the Production Managers in a timely manner.
• Manage the setup of the sound level monitoring equipment on stage.
• Prepare reports detailing sound level readings and collate information regarding mitigations in place.

General

• In accordance with the SSO values the Production Assistant is expected to develop positive working relationships with fellow SSO staff, musicians, conductors, artists and venue staff through being amicable and approachable.
• The Production Assistant is required to demonstrate a professional and polished appearance at work always.
• The Production Assistant is expected to exhibit a sense of engagement, awareness and purpose in the work environment and as they carry out their duties.
• The Production Assistant may be allocated other duties as required, within the scope of their training and capacity.

QUALIFICATIONS & EXPERIENCE

• Experience in the production staging orchestral or other concert productions
• Initiative/self-motivation
• Excellent personal presentation
• Good teamwork and interpersonal skills
• Ability to work well with creative and artistic personnel
• Ability to work equally well in a team environment as well as independently
• Ability to work well under time pressure
• Willingness to learn
• Basic understanding of stage and back-stage work health and safety issues
• Confidence with manual handling tasks
• Current NSW Driver’s licence
• Current Working with Children Check
• First Aid Certificate
• A knowledge and interest in classical music

Advantageous (not essential)

• Experience with CAD/VectorWorks and/or database systems (such as OPAS)

HOURS

The Production Assistant role involves significant evening, morning and weekend work. The role also requires touring with the Orchestra as assigned.

The Production Assistant works as part of a small team but may also be assigned to work unaccompanied.

KEY RELATIONSHIPS

• SSO Production Managers, Deputy Production Manager, fellow Production Assistants, Operations & Production Coordinator.
• SSO Musicians, Conductors, Soloists and visiting creative teams.
• Venue staging and technical crews and third-party suppliers.

WHAT WE OFFER

• The Production Assistant may be assigned opportunities tailored to leverage the specific individual strengths, skills and interests they bring to the role. The Production Managers will work with the Production Assistants to determine such opportunities, in consultation with the Director of Operations.
• Wellbeing and Employee Assistance Programs
• Complimentary performance tickets

Applications close Wednesday, 18 November 2026

The Sydney Symphony Orchestra recognises that AI tools can be helpful when preparing your application. If you choose to use AI, it should support, not replace, your own knowledge, skills and experience. Please ensure any AI-assisted content is reviewed and tailored so your application remains an authentic representation of you. The use of AI during interviews or other selection activities is not permitted, and all responses must be your own.

At the Sydney Symphony Orchestra, we’re committed to fostering an inclusive and respectful environment for all candidates. When applying, please let us know if you require any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.