Step off the emotional rollercoaster

If riding the bus or train to work doesn’t excite you, imagine starting your working day on the Moon Ranger or Flying Saucer.

Experiencing the rides at Luna Park is a daily part of the job as assistant manager at Sydney’s only theme park.

And the position is available.

“There’s no such thing as a typical day at Luna Park,” Managing Director Peter Hearne says.

“One day might be on the Wild Mouse walking the track. Another day would be standing at the top of the Ferris Wheel – 36 metres in the air.”

The position is one of the five jobs shortlisted in Drake International’s Ultimate Job competition.

Other finalists are luxury lifestyle coordinator at Quintessentially, advertising sales executive at Jamieson Publishing, receptionist at The Entertainment Quarter and online consumer relations and events coordinator at SunRice.

The public can vote for the job they think best fits the title of Sydney’s ultimate job – and apply for them.

Judges will also contribute to the selection process and the winning job will be announced on December 1.

Hearne says Luna Park’s successful applicant will be responsible for overall maintenance and lead a qualified team of tradespeople.

“They must be a good leader, hands on worker and be able to think on their feet. The primary issue is safety,” he says.

Applicants would ideally have some experience as a mechanical or electrical fitter but will be mentored on the park’s specialised machinery.

With an emphasis on safety, fun and theatre on Sydney Harbour, Hearne says the average day in the job is not an emotional rollercoaster.

“There are not a lot of downsides in this job, mostly upsides,” he says. “You know your input has created a lot of happy memories.”

Luxury lifestyle coordinator with international concierge service Quintessentially presents an entirely different opportunity within the entertainment industry.

Director Belinda Yabsley says a typical day in the job could involve checking out new restaurants and bars, sourcing access to an event or booking a private boat or jet.

The successful candidate must be able to think outside the box to provide luxury products and services to a portfolio of clients.

“We have a diverse range of members from fashion designers, celebrities, entrepreneurs, CEOs and magazine editors. Many of our members are cash-rich and time-poor,” she says.

Applicants must be passionate about customer service, have experience handling confidential information and be willing to travel between the company’s global offices to forge professional relationships with suppliers and partners.

“We’re able to provide the solution for things that our members’ PAs can’t fulfil because we have the local relationships on the ground,” Yabsley says.

“It’s like having a best friend who has the keys to the city, in every city in the world.”