Careers
Sydney Harbour provides a unique opportunity to link students with a variety of careers related to marine and environmental sciences. By organizing field trips and excursions, partnering with industry professionals, developing STEM education programs, organizing career awareness activities, and offering workforce development programs, schools can help students develop the knowledge, skills, and networks needed for success in these industries.
Upcoming opportunities
2027 EOIs - IMAS & UTAS - Maria Island marine biology experience application - Experience a week as a marine biologist
You may have seen our recent social media posts featuring Sydney high school student Joey Woodruff on his trip to Maria Island. This program is offered by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the University of Tasmania.
This pre-degree experience is open to domestic students in Years 11 or 12 interested in studying marine and Antarctic Science.
Expressions of Interest are open for 2027.
- predominately field-based unit
- 5 days on Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast
- hands-on marine science program
- explores issues such as threats to biodiversity, productivity of the marine system, climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris
IMAS 2027 Expression of Interest
CSIRO - Young Indigenous Womens STEM Academy Program
- a program for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- delivered by over 85% Indigenous staff
- culturally safe, inclusive practices to provide targeted, long-term support and access to STEM experiences and STEM careers
CSIRO Expression of Interest
Work Experience
Australian National Maritime Museum - Year 10 Work Experience - due 31 July 2026
The ANMM has a structured Work Experience Program for Year 10 students in Term 3.
- 5 day placement at ANMM
- 9.30 am–3.30 pm each day
- application involves written responses to three student questions
- students will work alongside school tours and workshops, learn about care for vessels, and bring exhibition ideas to life.
ANMM 2026 Application information
Taronga Zoo - Year 10 Work Experience - 2026 closed, 2027 application open from Term 4
- Work Experience available in either Taronga, Sydney or Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
- available for students in Years 10–12
- learn from expert keepers and conservation teams
- activities include: observe animal training and care routines, prepare food for animals, help with keeper talks and animal presentations, help Zoo guests, observe and record animal behaviours, help clean animal habitats.
Taronga Work Experience Informationwww.taronga.org.au/get-involved/work-at-taronga/school-work-experience
Sydney Institute of Marine Science - Year 10 Work Experience - due 12 June 2026
SIMS offers a structured Year 10 Work Experience program in Term 4
- 3 day programs at SIMS, Mosman
- 9am-3pm each day
- application involves written responses to several questions about interest in marine science and the ocean
- explores topics such as: marine conservation projects, animal behaviour and care, photography and communication, ecology and sustainability.
SIMS 2026 Application Information
Other sites in and around Sydney Harbour that you might like to approach individually about Work Experience:
- Seabin Foundation Ocean Health Lab
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- NSW Parks and Wildlife
- City of Sydney
- Inner West Council
- Sydney Water
Further Afield:
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Work experience and student placement opportunities to individuals who wish to gain practical knowledge working with animals.
- Work experience and student placement opportunities – email [email protected]
- High School Work Experience program for year 10 – 12 students
Coffs Coast Work Experience Information
Virtual Work Experience:
CSIRO - RV Investigator
- use virtual technologies to access the research vessel Investigator
- 3-day immersive work experience - students help to plan voyages and manage the ocean research vessel.
- students undertake collaborative group projects in STEM, work with researchers, gain valuable experience, virtually work in labs processing krill samples, deploy ocean sampling equipment, and join the staff on the viewing deck.
CSIRO Virtual Work Experience
Royal Geographical Society
- Introduces a variety of organisations that employ geographers
- Four themed modules: Hazards and risk in the real world, Shaping cities and communities, Sustainable resources, Mapping the world with GIS
- Free for all students to access
- Multiple modules over the course of 8 to 10 hours to gain certification
Royal Geographical Society Virtual Work Experience
GVI Foundation
- multiple fee-based virtual internships available in: Wildlife Conservation, Marine Conservation, Climate crisis and clean energy, Environmental and corporate sustainability.
- includes a masterclass lecture series and personal mentorship.
- Students receive a professional recommendation and certificate.
GVI Foundation Virtual Internships
2027 EOIs - IMAS & UTAS - Maria Island marine biology experience application - Experience a week as a marine biologist
You may have seen our recent social media posts featuring Sydney high school student Joey Woodruff on his trip to Maria Island. This program is offered by the Institute for Marine and Antarctic Studies and the University of Tasmania.
This pre-degree experience is open to domestic students in Years 11 or 12 interested in studying marine and Antarctic Science.
Expressions of Interest are open for 2027.
- predominately field-based unit
- 5 days on Maria Island on the Tasmanian East Coast
- hands-on marine science program
- explores issues such as threats to biodiversity, productivity of the marine system, climate change, invasive species, pollution, debris
IMAS 2027 Expression of Interest
CSIRO - Young Indigenous Womens STEM Academy Program
- a program for young Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander women who are interested in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM)
- delivered by over 85% Indigenous staff
- culturally safe, inclusive practices to provide targeted, long-term support and access to STEM experiences and STEM careers
CSIRO Expression of Interest
Work Experience
Australian National Maritime Museum - Year 10 Work Experience - due 31 July 2026
The ANMM has a structured Work Experience Program for Year 10 students in Term 3.
- 5 day placement at ANMM
- 9.30 am–3.30 pm each day
- application involves written responses to three student questions
- students will work alongside school tours and workshops, learn about care for vessels, and bring exhibition ideas to life.
ANMM 2026 Application information
Taronga Zoo - Year 10 Work Experience - 2026 closed, 2027 application open from Term 4
- Work Experience available in either Taronga, Sydney or Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo
- available for students in Years 10–12
- learn from expert keepers and conservation teams
- activities include: observe animal training and care routines, prepare food for animals, help with keeper talks and animal presentations, help Zoo guests, observe and record animal behaviours, help clean animal habitats.
Taronga Work Experience Informationwww.taronga.org.au/get-involved/work-at-taronga/school-work-experience
Sydney Institute of Marine Science - Year 10 Work Experience - due 12 June 2026
SIMS offers a structured Year 10 Work Experience program in Term 4
- 3 day programs at SIMS, Mosman
- 9am-3pm each day
- application involves written responses to several questions about interest in marine science and the ocean
- explores topics such as: marine conservation projects, animal behaviour and care, photography and communication, ecology and sustainability.
SIMS 2026 Application Information
Other sites in and around Sydney Harbour that you might like to approach individually about Work Experience:
- Seabin Foundation Ocean Health Lab
- Royal Botanic Gardens
- NSW Parks and Wildlife
- City of Sydney
- Inner West Council
- Sydney Water
Further Afield:
Coffs Coast Wildlife Sanctuary
- Work experience and student placement opportunities to individuals who wish to gain practical knowledge working with animals.
- Work experience and student placement opportunities – email [email protected]
- High School Work Experience program for year 10 – 12 students
Coffs Coast Work Experience Information
Virtual Work Experience:
CSIRO - RV Investigator
- use virtual technologies to access the research vessel Investigator
- 3-day immersive work experience - students help to plan voyages and manage the ocean research vessel.
- students undertake collaborative group projects in STEM, work with researchers, gain valuable experience, virtually work in labs processing krill samples, deploy ocean sampling equipment, and join the staff on the viewing deck.
CSIRO Virtual Work Experience
Royal Geographical Society
- Introduces a variety of organisations that employ geographers
- Four themed modules: Hazards and risk in the real world, Shaping cities and communities, Sustainable resources, Mapping the world with GIS
- Free for all students to access
- Multiple modules over the course of 8 to 10 hours to gain certification
Royal Geographical Society Virtual Work Experience
GVI Foundation
- multiple fee-based virtual internships available in: Wildlife Conservation, Marine Conservation, Climate crisis and clean energy, Environmental and corporate sustainability.
- includes a masterclass lecture series and personal mentorship.
- Students receive a professional recommendation and certificate.
GVI Foundation Virtual Internships
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Resources
A range of Careers resources are available on the NSW Marine Estate website including videos about particular jobs with the NSW Marine Estate, fact sheets, a resource guide and student handouts. Visit the NSW Marine Estate website 
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Blue and Green Economy
The blue and green economies have gained increasing attention in recent years, as there is a growing recognition of the importance of the ocean and its resources to human well-being and the global economy, the need to address climate change, reduce resource depletion, and promote social and economic equity. Many countries and organizations are now exploring ways to promote sustainable and equitable growth in the blue and green economy, with a focus on creating jobs, reducing poverty, and protecting the environment including marine ecosystems.
Overall, the blue and green economy present a unique opportunity to create a more sustainable and equitable world, where economic growth is decoupled from environmental degradation, and the well-being of people and the planet are at the centre of economic decision-making.
Careers in the Blue Economy
The blue economy encompasses a wide range of industries and sectors that are directly or indirectly linked to the harbour and ocean, such as fishing, shipping, tourism, renewable energy, marine biotechnology, and coastal management. The blue economy approach emphasises the need to balance economic growth with the protection and sustainable use of ocean resources.
Careers in the Green Economy
The green economy encompasses a wide range of industries and sectors, such as sustainable agriculture and aquaculture, waste management, and green infrastructure, renewable energy, and energy efficiency. It also includes the transition of traditional industries to more sustainable practices, such as the transformation of fossil fuel-based energy systems to renewable energy systems.
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Career Goals
It is important to set goals to establish a pathway to success. Goal setting can help you develop and maintain motivation and give you a long-term vision. Setting goals for career success can help you have a happier home life, feel better about yourself and help you on your way to finding a fulfilling career.
It is important to set goals to establish a pathway to success. Goal setting can help you develop and maintain motivation and give you a long-term vision. Setting goals for career success can help you have a happier home life, feel better about yourself and help you on your way to finding a fulfilling career.
- Consider your careers values.
- What are you looking for in a career?
- What are the things you value?
Businesses & Organisations - Connect with us
At The Harbour School Sydney, we're passionate about bridging the gap between businesses and the next generation of skilled professionals. By sharing your contact information and requirements, you'll unlock a world of opportunities to connect with motivated, young individuals eager to make their mark in your field.
Business & Organisation Contact Form
Business & Organisation Contact Form
Schools & Careers Advisers - Connect with us
We understand the pivotal role school Careers Advisers play in guiding students toward their dream careers. By sharing your contact details with us, you'll gain exclusive access to opportunities that can make a significant impact on the lives of young people in your school. By joining our network, you'll be the first to know about our latest job openings, internship programs, and career development resources tailored for students.
Schools Contact Form
Schools Contact Form
Our Services
The Harbour School, Sydney can link schools and students with blue and green economy careers in the following ways:
- Curriculum integration: The Harbour School Sydney can assist schools in integrating blue and green economy topics into their curriculum, particularly in geography, science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) subjects. By incorporating topics such as oceanography, marine biology, aquaculture, and renewable energy into teaching, schools can help students develop the knowledge and skills needed for blue and green economy jobs.
- Industry partnerships: The Harbour School Sydney can help schools partner with blue and green economy businesses and organizations to provide students with opportunities to learn about the industry and gain hands-on experience. This could include internships, work experience, job shadowing, or visits to local businesses and organizations.
- Career awareness activities: The Harbour School Sydney can work with schools to organize career awareness activities to expose students to different blue and green economy careers. This could include organising industry professionals to speak to students, promoting career fairs, or providing access to online resources and job listings.
