SFO- Housekeeper/ Food Service Cleaner- Citywide

About the role

Citywide recruitment for Housekeeper/Food Service Cleaner (Job Class 2706). Permanent Civil Service, full-time positions. The resulting eligible list will be used to fill positions at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and the San Francisco Public Utilities Commission (SFPUC). SFO serves 54+ million guests annually with 1,900 City employees; SFPUC serves 2.7 million customers across eight counties with 2,300 employees.

Application opens October 20, 2026; deadline is no earlier than November 2, 2026 at 5:00 p.m. PT. Recruitment ID: CBT-2706-A00031. In-person written examination scheduled for the week of December 1, 2026 at San Francisco International Airport.

Responsibilities

• Maintain floors: sweeping, mopping, buffing using traditional and commercial methods
• Replenish supplies as needed
• Assist in stripping and waxing floors
• Clean, dust, and polish furniture; empty trash receptacles
• Move and clean tables and chairs; remove used trays, dishes, and food; keep trays in order for distribution
• Operate commercial dishwashers and trash compactors
• Use and read Material Safety Data Sheets (MSDS), Safety Data Sheets (SDS), and chemical solutions
• Provide information and assistance to the general public
• Ensure waste is disposed of according to recycling procedures
• Perform related duties as assigned

When assigned to quarters at Public Utilities Commission (Hetch Hetchy):

• Change bed linens, make beds, launder soiled linens
• Wash toilets, bathtubs, and shower stalls daily; wash stoves, refrigerators, and sinks in kitchens; wash shelves, clean cupboards, dishes, pots, and pans
• Clean inside windows and blinds
• Assist in preparation and serving of meals

Requirements

• One (1) year of verifiable experience in cleaning at a food court or restaurant; OR
• One (1) year of verifiable experience in general cleaning and housekeeping at a government or private institutional facility (schools, libraries, hospitals, airports, etc.) or a large commercial facility (stadiums, auditoriums, arenas, hotels, etc.)

One year of full-time employment equals 2,000 hours (based on 40-hour work week); overtime hours above 40 per week are not included.

Qualifications

Additional requirements for Hetch Hetchy assignments:

• Food Safety Sanitation Certificate required within 30 days of appointment (attach with application if already held)
• Valid California Driver's License (positions require driving in inclement weather and on mountain roads)

Schedule

Full-time; must be willing to work day, swing, or graveyard shifts including weekends and holidays. Some Hetch Hetchy positions require staying several days or weeks at remote guest facilities and bunk houses.

Pay

$63,284.00 – $76,882.00 annually

Selection process

Written multiple-choice examination (weight: 100%) administered in-person at SFO during the week of December 1, 2026. Exam assesses knowledge of cleaning methods, materials, and supplies; ability to perform repetitive manual tasks without continuous supervision; follow oral and written instructions; establish and maintain effective working relationships. Candidates must achieve a passing score to be ranked on the eligible list. The eligible list duration is 6 months, may be extended with Human Resources Director approval.

Additional requirements

• TSA Security Clearance (Airport Commission positions): Criminal history check including FBI fingerprints, Security Threat Assessment, and possible drug/alcohol screening. Failure to obtain/maintain clearance may be basis for termination.
• Customs Access Seal (Airport positions): Must qualify for unescorted access to SFO U.S. Customs Security Area. Application submitted after employment begins; must acquire and maintain seal per 19 CFR 122.181 or 189. Failure to maintain may be basis for termination.
• Medical Examination: Prior to appointment, candidates must pass a medical exam to determine ability to perform essential functions and meet physical minimum requirements.

Nature of work

Sustained physical effort involving continuous light work and occasional heavy work (lifting/moving furniture and equipment up to 50 pounds). Exposure to accident/injury hazards and disagreeable elements.