Cleaner - Newcastle & Peninsula

NSW Department of Education; Newcastle City Council; On-site; AUD 37,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Rostered Days Off

Uniforms provided onsite

Salary sacrificing options

Comprehensive induction and training

12% superannuation

Job summary

NSW Department of Education in Newcastle is seeking diligent cleaners to maintain high hygiene standards across schools and facilities. You will join a supportive team delivering quality cleaning services for the safety and comfort of students, staff and visitors.

Role involves varied shifts across school and government sites, with a focus on safety, schedules, and timely reporting. Multiple ongoing opportunities for full-time, part-time, or casual employment are available in the Newcastle &

Qualifications

• 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.

Responsibilities

• Sweep, mop, vacuum, and general cleaning duties.
• Sanitise restrooms, classrooms, offices, and shared spaces.
• Follow cleaning schedules and procedures.
• Safely use cleaning equipment and chemicals.
• Report hazards, maintenance issues, and supply needs.
• Assist with deep cleans and special tasks.

Skills

WHS knowledge

English proficiency

Tools

Cleaning equipment

Cleaning chemicals

Job description

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Employment Fill Type: Permanent (Ongoing)

Location: Newcastle, NSW, AU, 2300

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 $27.96 p/hr + Allowances + 12% Superannuation

Casual Remuneration: $34.95 p/hr + 12 % Superannuation

Location: Newcastle & Peninsula

Help create safe, clean, and welcoming environments for students, staff, and local communities in the Newcastle & Peninsula region.

About the Role

As a Cleaner, you’ll play a vital role in maintaining high standardsof 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.

School sites

• 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’relooking 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

Essential Requirements

• Demonstrated understanding of and commitment to the value of public education.

What We Offer

• A competitive salaryand 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

Candidates must have Australian work rights (citizens, permanent residents, New Zealandcitizensor 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.

Closing date 30th of September 2026 at 11:59pm.

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, details listed above. 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.