Cleaner in Newcastle

The NSW Department of Education is the largest provider of public education in Australia with responsibility for delivering high-quality public education to two-thirds of the NSW student population. At the NSW Department of Education, we educate and inspire lifelong learners - from early childhood, through schooling to vocational education and training.

Employment Type: Ongoing Full-Time, Part-Time, and Casual opportunities

Remuneration:

• Full time & Part time $27.15 p/hr + Allowances + 12% Superannuation
• Casual Remuneration: $33.93 p/hr + 12 % Superannuation

Location: Hunter Valley & Central Coast Regions

Help create safe, clean, and welcoming environments for students, staff, and local communities in the Newcastle, Hunter Valley & Central Coast regions.

About the Role

As a Cleaner, you'll play a vital role in maintaining high standards of hygiene and safety. You'll be part of a supportive team committed to delivering quality cleaning services that help students, staff, and visitors feel safe and comfortable. Your daily tasks will include:

• Sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and general cleaning duties
• Sanitising restrooms, classrooms, offices, and shared spaces
• Following cleaning schedules and procedures
• Safely using cleaning equipment and chemicals
• Reporting hazards, maintenance issues, and supply needs
• Assisting with deep cleans, programmed works, and special tasks

Typical Shift Patterns

Cleaning roles across schools and government sites operate at fixed times that cannot be adjusted to suit individual preferences. Before applying, please carefully review the shift patterns below and only indicate availability for shifts you can genuinely commit to, including travel time to and from site.

• Morning shifts: start between 4:00am - 6:00am and finish between 7:00am - 9:30am
• Afternoon shifts: start between 1:00pm - 3:00pm and finish between 6:00pm - 7:00pm

Other government sites and facilities may operate outside standard school hours, with start and finish times varying based on operational requirements. Casual shifts may include earlier morning starts or later evening finishes to support relief coverage across multiple sites.

Important: The availability you indicate in your application must reflect the hours you are genuinely able to work. Offers are made based on stated availability, and changes at the offer stage may result in your application being unable to progress. If you are unsure whether a shift pattern suits your circumstances, travel arrangements, or other commitments, please reconsider before applying.

About You

We're looking for reliable team players who take pride in their work and bring:

• Knowledge of safe cleaning practices and WHS requirements
• Experience using cleaning equipment and chemicals
• Strong attention to detail and a commitment to hygiene
• Ability to follow schedules and meet service standards
• Demonstrated basic English language skills, including reading, writing, and verbal communication
• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

What We Offer

• A competitive salary and salary sacrificing options
• Entitled to Rostered Days Off
• Comprehensive induction and training provided
• Employer contributions of 12% superannuation and annual leave loading
• Career development and mobility opportunities across the Department
• Uniforms and site cleaning products will be provided onsite

Note: The selection process will include a range of assessment techniques to assist in determining your suitability for the role which includes a National Criminal History Check. This is a child-related role. As a condition of employment you will be required to undertake pre-employment screening for this role which includes a National Criminal History Check. Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealand citizens or a valid work visa). Ongoing (permanent) roles are open to Australian citizens and permanent residents and New Zealand citizens, while temporary roles welcome applicants with a visa.

We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including but not limited to Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander people, people of any age or gender, people from culturally and linguistically diverse groups and/or from the LGBTQIA+ community, veterans, refugees, people with disability, people with sensory differences, and neurodiverse people. If we can make some adjustments to our recruitment/interview process to better help you shine, please reach out to the contact person for this recruitment.

For more information, visit the NSW Department of Education's Diversity, equity and inclusion webpage. A recruitment pool may be created through this recruitment process. A recruitment pool is a group of applicants who have been assessed and identified as suitable for this role, and who may be considered for a range of similar roles, including temporary, term or ongoing roles, over the next 18 months.