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The School District of Philadelphia

Public school district delivering education citywide

General Cleaner

Full-TimeUpdated on 10/23/2026
$34.9k/yr
Junior
Philadelphia, PA, USA
In PersonSchool assignments depend on available vacancies; shift hours vary by location.
Cleaning & Custodial ServicesJanitorial Services

About the job

Requirements
  • A high school diploma or equivalent is required.
  • Six months of full-time, paid custodial housekeeping experience in a large commercial or public building or a group of smaller buildings is required.
  • Knowledge of housekeeping practices, methods, techniques, tools, materials, and equipment is required.
  • Knowledge of proper cleaning procedures, cleaning solvents and equipment, and occupational hazards and safety precautions for housekeeping activities is required.
  • Ability to perform preventive maintenance on related cleaning equipment and apply appropriate cleaning techniques is required.
  • Ability to lift loads up to 50 pounds is required.
  • Ability to paint over graffiti, set up and break down cafeteria tables, and use equipment for seasonal weed, snow, and ice removal is required.
  • Ability to carry a single ladder up to 8 feet and assist in carrying ladders longer than 8 feet is required.
  • An open-competitive written exam is required for consideration.
Responsibilities
  • Perform general housekeeping and cleaning in offices, classrooms, cafeterias, auditoriums, shops, multipurpose rooms, lavatories, laboratories, schoolyards, and walkways.
  • Sweep, scrub, mop, clean, and wax floors, hallways, stairways, and fire escapes; remove gum and debris; clean and dust walls, lockers, surfaces, windowsills, railings, furniture, vents, trim, locker tops, plumbing fixtures, and tiles.
  • Dust vertical and horizontal surfaces; strip, refinish, buff, and polish floors; shampoo carpets with appropriate equipment; wash walls as needed; polish brass; clean glass, chalkboards, chalk rails, and water fountains.
  • Empty wastebaskets and pencil sharpeners, and remove interior or exterior graffiti as needed.
  • Clean shower rooms and water fountains; disinfect floors, walls, and toilet bowls; polish fixtures and mirrors; replenish tissues, towels, soap, and other lavatory supplies.
  • Lock and unlock doors and the fire tower, and open or secure the building when directed.
  • Maintain janitorial service areas and cleaning equipment.
  • Maintain outdoor grounds by picking up broken glass and debris in schoolyards, sidewalks, entrances, and exits, and emptying indoor and outdoor trash cans.
  • Report health, life, and safety maintenance concerns, including leaking or non-operating fixtures, to the immediate supervisor.
  • Use equipment for seasonal weed, snow, and ice removal as needed.
  • Assist with setting up and breaking down cafeteria tables.
  • Paint over graffiti as instructed.

About the company

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The School District of Philadelphia

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The School District of Philadelphia provides public education for about 200,000 school-aged children in Philadelphia. It runs and supports the city’s public schools, oversees curriculum and standards, hires teachers and staff, and manages funding and resources to offer programs that connect schools with families and communities. The district implements policies and supports educators through district leadership and school-level administration to create safe, engaging learning environments. Its goal is to ensure all students achieve their full intellectual and social potential, graduate ready to succeed, and view education as a civil right for every child in the city.

Company Size

10,001+

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Philadelphia, Pennsylvania

Founded

2010

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Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • Pennsylvania's July 2026 budget adds $157.3 million to Philadelphia schools.
  • May 2026 board approval locked a $4.6 billion operating budget and capital spending.
  • The Northeast facilities plan modernizes 169 schools while funding new construction at Comly.

What critics are saying

  • The 2025 asbestos DPA threatens criminal sanctions if compliance slips over five years.
  • August 2026 Kensington asbestos relocation triggered lawsuits and campus disruption before classes.
  • Seventeen school closures for 2027-28 face community backlash and enrollment volatility.

What makes The School District of Philadelphia unique

  • Philadelphia runs 339 buildings and 100,000+ students, enabling citywide scale advantages.
  • Gilbane delivered Northeast Community Propel Academy through a 16-month public-private partnership.
  • The district controls a $1.5 billion capital program through 2032.

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Benefits

  • Professional Development Budget
  • Mental Health Support
  • Flexible Work Hours

Company News

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Feb 3rd, 2022
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