Join the NSW Department of Education as a cleaner
Why join our cleaning team?
- Be part of the NSW Government workforce
- Competitive pay, salary packaging, employer’s contribution to superannuation, and annual leave loading
- Opportunities for career growth
- The chance to work at different types of sites
- Join a diverse and inclusive team environment
- Contribute to your local community
- Receive on-the-job training and support.
Be part of something bigger
Every person deserves to work, learn, or receive support in a safe, clean, and welcoming environment - and our cleaners play a vital role in making that possible every day.
Whether in a public school, state emergency services facility, government office building, or other site, cleaners support essential services and contribute to the health, safety, and wellbeing of our people and communities across NSW.
From 1 January 2026, cleaners in the Hunter and Central Coast regions will be directly employed by the NSW Department of Education as part of the NSW Government’s changes to cleaning services in public schools and other sites across NSW. This program will build stronger connections between cleaning staff and the communities they serve.
If you are looking for meaningful work that makes a difference and connects you to your local community, join the NSW Department of Education cleaning team.
Enjoy stability and flexibility
Cleaning roles with the NSW Department of Education provide reliable work with flexible shifts to suit employees availability.
Morning, afternoon/evening, and broken shifts (two periods of duty in one day, excluding meal and rest breaks) are offered, with part-time and full-time options available. Some weekend work may also be offered across facilities in the Hunter and Central Coast.
This flexibility makes the roles well-suited to anyone seeking consistent hours to balance work with other commitments.
About the role
As a cleaner, you will help ensure classrooms, education settings, and other facilities across NSW are clean, safe, and ready for use each day. It’s a hands-on role that supports students, staff, and essential services across the Hunter and Central Coast regions. You will be comfortable working early mornings, afternoons, or broken shifts.
Key responsibilities
Your day-to-day tasks may include, but are not limited to:
- cleaning and maintaining a variety of indoor and outdoor areas, windows, carpets, and shared spaces
- sweeping, mopping, vacuuming, and dusting
- collecting and disposing of rubbish and recycling, and replenishing supplies
- operating hand-held powered equipment such as blowers, vacuum cleaners and polishers
- wiping down surfaces and high-touch areas
- reporting hazards or maintenance issues
- locking or unlocking buildings as required
- re-arranging or re-organising furniture
- performing leading hand duties where required (with applicable allowance)
- other incidental duties as directed.
Who you’ll work with
Cleaners often work early mornings, evenings, or broken shifts alongside other cleaning team members. While you may not always work directly with those you support, your role is essential to the smooth operation of schools, public facilities, and workplaces.
What we’re looking for
The department is looking for reliable and responsible people who take pride in their work and care about keeping facilities clean. Previous cleaning experience is not required and on-the-job training and support will be provided.
Qualities that make a great cleaner:
- you are dependable and punctual
- you take pride in doing a job well
- you are respectful and work well with others
- you can carefully follow instructions and safety procedures
- you care about maintaining clean, and welcoming environments.
Basic requirements
To work as a cleaner, you will need to:
- be physically capable of performing cleaning tasks (e.g. bending, lifting, standing, moving around for extended periods)
- have or be willing to obtain a valid Working with Children Check (WWCC) for paid employment in NSW
- pass National Criminal Record and Employment Checks
- be eligible to work in Australia (be an Australian citizen or have a valid Australian working visa)
The pay, allowances, leave and entitlements
Pay rates, allowances, penalty rates, and leave entitlements for cleaners directly employed by the NSW Department of Education will be set out under a new Award, which is currently being finalised. Full details will be confirmed and shared as soon as possible.
The proposed rates are:
- Base hourly rate: $27.15 per hour for work performed between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Penalty rates: additional rates apply for early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays
Other benefits for cleaners directly employed by the NSW Department of Education include:
- opportunities for career growth
- being part of a diverse and inclusive team environment
- contributing to your local community
- receiving on-the-job training and support
- accessing the department’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free independent and confidential counselling services
- accessing a Fitness Passport membership.
What are the pay, allowances, leave and entitlements?
Pay rates, allowances, penalty rates, and leave entitlements for cleaners directly employed by the NSW Department of Education will be set out under a new Award, which is currently being finalised. Full details will be confirmed and shared as soon as possible.
The proposed rates are:
- Base hourly rate: $27.15 per hour for work performed between 6:00 am to 6:00 pm
- Penalty rates: additional rates apply for early mornings, evenings, weekends and public holidays.
Other benefits for cleaners directly employed by the NSW Department of Education include:
- opportunities for career growth
- being part of a diverse and inclusive team environment
- contributing to your local community
- receiving on-the-job training and support
- accessing the department’s Employee Assistance Program (EAP) - free independent and confidential counselling services
- accessing a Fitness Passport membership.
How do I apply?
Please see the 'Apply Now' tab for more details
Do I need cleaning experience to apply?
No. While cleaning experience can be helpful, it is not required. We provide on-the-job training and support.
Is training provided?
Yes. On-the-job training will cover role requirements, safety procedures, and cleaning best practice.
What if I have limited English skills?
If you can follow safety instructions and have basic communication skills, you can apply. Support may be available to help you understand the requirements of the role.
What if I have a health condition or disability?
Applicants who can perform the required tasks safely are encouraged to apply. Please let the team know about any required workplace adjustments during the application process.
The NSW Department of Education is committed to inclusive employment.
What is a Working with Children Check, and how do I get one?
A Working with Children Check (WWCC) is a requirement for anyone who works or volunteers in child-related work in NSW. You will need to have a valid WWCC before you can start in a role with the NSW Department of Education.
If you do not have a valid WWCC, you will need to:
- Apply online with the Office of the Children’s Guardian to receive an application number.
- Attend a Service NSW centre with your application number and identity documents and pay an application fee ($107). Check your eligibility for a tax deduction for the application fee by visiting the Working with Children Check page on the Australian Taxation Office website.
- Wait for your WWCC to be issued. Once the check is completed, your WWCC number will be emailed to you. This is valid for up to 5 years.
What hours will I work?
We’ll do our best to match your current work pattern and preferences. The new cleaning arrangements are designed to strengthen the connection between cleaners and the communities they serve. To support this, work patterns may be adjusted to provide more opportunities for cleaners to engage with their communities during the hours of 6 am to 6 pm. Alternate hours may be agreed, with the expectation that cleaning services are delivered with minimal disruption to site operations, staff, students, or other occupants
Can I choose which site I work at?
You will be able to express location preferences as part of your recruitment application, however placements are based on availability and operational needs in the Hunter and Central Coast regions.
The department will ensure a smooth process and, where operational needs allow, will seek to place cleaners in the sites they are already familiar with.
Will I work at just one site?
Some cleaners are based at one site, others may work across multiple sites in the local area, depending on the role and your availability.
Can I work during school hours only?
Most cleaning shifts occur before or after school hours. In some cases, limited hours during the school day may be available depending on the site’s needs.
When can I take leave, and what happens in the school holidays?
Cleaners working in schools are required to work during the school term and complete scheduled cleaning during each set of school holidays. Annual leave and any accrued rostered days off are usually taken during school holidays, with some work days scheduled in each holiday period. Your work and leave schedule will be arranged with your manager.
Cleaners at non-school sites can take leave at any time, subject to operational requirements.
Will I get a uniform?
Yes. The department will provide polo shirts, personal protective equipment, and all necessary cleaning equipment and supplies.
Will I be required to use any new systems or technology?
During onboarding, some roles may be identified as requiring the use of digital tools for communication, rostering, or reporting. If this applies to your role, training and support will be provided.
Will there be an option for extra training?
The department is committed to supporting all cleaning staff with the training they need to succeed in their roles. Cleaners employed by the NSW Department of Education will receive onboarding and role-specific training to help them get started with confidence.
Further details about training will be shared as part of the recruitment and onboarding process.
If you are currently working as a cleaner in the Hunter or Central Coast regions under Ventia, you are encouraged to apply for a cleaning role with the NSW Department of Education. The recruitment process has been designed to be simple, supportive, and respectful of your current role, experience, and contribution to your school community or workplace. To find out more about the recruitment support available to cleaners currently employed by Ventia please email, CleaningServicesRecruitment@det.nsw.edu.au The department will ensure a smooth process and, where operational needs allow, will place cleaners in the schools, NSW sites, and communities they are already familiar with. |
If you are not currently working as a cleaner with Ventia, you can still apply through the standard NSW public sector recruitment process. To view current open opportunities with the NSW Department of Education cleaning services team and learn how to apply, visit the I work for NSW website. We look forward to supporting you through the application process. If you have any questions, please email CleaningServicesRecruitment@det.nsw.edu.au |
Communication resources
Cleaning Services Fact Sheet August 2025
(PDF 130 KB)
