What are the responsibilities and job description for the Cement Finisher position at City of Philadelphia?
Announcement Details
Exam Announcement Details
Exam Title Cement Finisher
Exam Number 7H31-20250303-OC-00
Salary $50,318 - $55,145 per year. Starting Salary - New employees will be appointed at the first step in the pay range for this class. Temporary Hiring Bonus – 15% of salary. 10% at hire and 5% after 12 months.
Certification Rule Rule of Five (5)
Competition Open-Competitive
Department
Announcement Date 03/03/2025
Close Date 03/30/2025
General Definition
The Water Department is hiring journey level cement finishers to join their skilled team. Three years of experience learning the cement finishing trade as a helper or apprentice is required.
Apply by March 30, 2025.
Please be sure to complete the application and to include start and end dates of employment history.
We offer great health and retirement benefits.
About The Position
This is journey level work in the construction and finishing of poured concrete surfaces. Employees in this class share with other journey level trades workers in a departmental maintenance program. Work is performed under the general supervision of a trades group leader or maintenance supervisor. The work involves some disagreeable aspects and frequently requires moderate physical exertion.
Union Code M. AFSCME D.C.33
FLSA Code Non-Exempt
Application Procedures
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.
Human Resources Professional 2
Hiring Services Division, Public Works Team
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2371
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: jacky.li@phila.gov
Minimum Training, Education & Experience
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Required Licenses & Certifications
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Cement Finisher.
Other Requirements
Equivalency Statement(s)
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
Application Details
Notes to Applicants
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We Care About Your Well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov . For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations .
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources ( OHR ) at 215-686-2350. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR . Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW ) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW .
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov .
ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on March 30, 2025.
Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:
If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.
Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/
https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
Www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
Temporary Hiring Bonus – New employees to the City hired from open-competitive eligible lists are eligible for 15% of base salary as hiring bonus. 10% within a few weeks of hire and 5% after 12 months of satisfactory full-time employment. Employees must meet all requirements of Civil Service Regulation 31.88 to receive the bonus. This temporary bonus is only good through February 2026.
ELIGIBLE LIST
OPEN - COMPETITIVE : Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
Preference For Philadelphia Residents
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding April 28, 2025, you are eligible to claim residency preference.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.
The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE – Ten points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
LEGACY PREFERENCE – The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE – Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open Competitive Examination And Who Has
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE
For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.
Only those competitors who have a passing grade in all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.
This examination will be scheduled for April 26, 2025. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
An Eligible List will be established the week of April 28, 2025. Please note that this date may change.
Test Review
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Assigned to (view only)
Assigned to Jacky Li
Parts & Weights
Part Performance Exam
Weight 100%
Exam Announcement Details
Exam Title Cement Finisher
Exam Number 7H31-20250303-OC-00
Salary $50,318 - $55,145 per year. Starting Salary - New employees will be appointed at the first step in the pay range for this class. Temporary Hiring Bonus – 15% of salary. 10% at hire and 5% after 12 months.
Certification Rule Rule of Five (5)
Competition Open-Competitive
Department
Announcement Date 03/03/2025
Close Date 03/30/2025
General Definition
The Water Department is hiring journey level cement finishers to join their skilled team. Three years of experience learning the cement finishing trade as a helper or apprentice is required.
Apply by March 30, 2025.
Please be sure to complete the application and to include start and end dates of employment history.
We offer great health and retirement benefits.
About The Position
This is journey level work in the construction and finishing of poured concrete surfaces. Employees in this class share with other journey level trades workers in a departmental maintenance program. Work is performed under the general supervision of a trades group leader or maintenance supervisor. The work involves some disagreeable aspects and frequently requires moderate physical exertion.
Union Code M. AFSCME D.C.33
FLSA Code Non-Exempt
Application Procedures
CITY OF PHILADELPHIA APPLICATION INFORMATION
Thank you for your interest in employment with the City of Philadelphia. Please refer to the important information below regarding this job opportunity.
- You must complete the entire application process, provide accurate and up to date contact information, and submit all certifications, required licenses, and relevant documentation with each application or email the documents as an attachment to the Human Resources Representative listed below prior to the date of the exam.
- The analyst responsible for reviewing applications and additional documentation for this job opportunity is:
Human Resources Professional 2
Hiring Services Division, Public Works Team
City of Philadelphia – Office of Human Resources
1401 JFK Blvd., Room 1530
Philadelphia, PA 19102-1675
Phone: 215-686-2371
Fax: 215-686-0861
Email: jacky.li@phila.gov
- For all other inquiries please contact Customer Service at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov .
Minimum Training, Education & Experience
The following statement represents the minimum training and experience standards which will be used to admit or reject applicants for tests. Candidates must meet requirements within 30 days after the last date for filing applications.
- EDUCATION : Education equivalent to completion of the twelfth school grade. AND
- EXPERIENCE : Three years of experience learning the cement finishing trade as a helper or apprentice.
Ability to physically perform the duties and to work in the environmental conditions required of a position in this class.
Required Licenses & Certifications
Possession of a valid proper class motor vehicle operator’s license as issued by the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania prior to appointment and during tenure of employment as a Cement Finisher.
Other Requirements
Equivalency Statement(s)
Any equivalent combination of education and experience determined to be acceptable by the Office of Human Resources.
Application Details
Notes to Applicants
As an employer, the City of Philadelphia values inclusion, integrity, innovation, empowerment, and hard work above all else. We offer a vibrant work environment, comprehensive health care and benefits, and the experience you need to grow and excel. If you’re interested in working with a passionate team of people who care about the future of Philadelphia, start here.
What We Offer
Impact – The work you do here matters to millions.
Growth – Philadelphia is growing, why not grow with it?
Diversity & Inclusion – Find a career in a place where everyone belongs.
Benefits – We Care About Your Well-being.
The City of Philadelphia is a Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program qualified employer.
Learn more here: https://studentaid.gov/manage-loans/forgiveness-cancellation/public-service
The City of Philadelphia is an Equal Opportunity employer and does not permit discrimination based on race, ethnicity, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, ancestry, age, disability, marital status, source of income, familial status, genetic information or domestic or sexual violence victim status. If you believe you were discriminated against, call the Philadelphia Commission on Human Relations at 215-686-4670 or send an email to faqpchr@phila.gov . For more information, go to: www.phila.gov/humanrelations .
The City of Philadelphia is committed to ensuring access to Civil Service examinations by providing appropriate accommodation for candidates with documented medical or religious reasons. Candidates may request accommodation for a Civil Service examination by contacting the Office of Human Resources ( OHR ) at 215-686-2350. The accommodation process is interactive and requires cooperation and communication between the applicant and OHR . Decisions will be made on a case-by-case basis using the required documentation that is submitted. Requests are to be made in a timely manner prior to the scheduled date of the Civil Service examination.
As a condition of employment with the City, any person offered employment shall be required to certify that such person either is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the City; or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with the City. For so long as the person is employed by the City, the amount of the payment as set forth in the payment agreement (not to exceed, for any pay period, twenty percent (20%) of the person’s gross pay for such period, without the person’s consent) shall be withheld from each paycheck until such payment agreement is fully satisfied.
Such person shall also be required to certify as a condition of employment that he or she is fully current on any and all debts, taxes, fees, judgments, claims, and other accounts and obligations due and owing to the Philadelphia Gas Works ( PGW ) or has voluntarily entered into a payment agreement with PGW .
Failure to enter into a payment agreement shall result in the cancellation of the appointment and removal from the certification. The name of the eligible candidate will be returned to the eligible list.
Only an on-line application will be accepted for this exam. Paper applications will not be accepted.
Computers are available in the 3-1-1 Walk-In Center located in Room 167 of City Hall (Weekdays from 9 AM to 5 PM) and at your local Philadelphia Free Library branch.
For inquiries regarding City employment, contact the Office of Human Resources Monday through Friday between 8 AM and 4 PM by telephone at 215-686-0880 or by email at hrhelpdesk@phila.gov .
ALL Applications must be received by the end of business on March 30, 2025.
Your application will be rejected, and you will be disqualified from competing in this examination if you:
- Do not provide your complete and accurate social security number.
- Attempt to practice fraud or deception in the preparation of this application
If you provide an e-mail address, all correspondence regarding this examination will be sent to you by e-mail. You should add Phila.OHR@phila.gov to your address book or list of trusted contacts to prevent notices from being marked as spam by your e-mail provider.
Please call the Office of Human Resources at 215-686-0880 or email hrhelpdesk@phila.gov if you have any questions.
Information concerning employment with the City of Philadelphia may be found at:
https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/
https://www.phila.gov/departments/office-of-human-resources/jobs/civil-service-faqs/
www.facebook.com/PhilaOHR
www.twitter.com/PhilaOHR
www.youtube.com/@PhilaOHR
Www.linkedin.com/showcase/philahr
Temporary Hiring Bonus – New employees to the City hired from open-competitive eligible lists are eligible for 15% of base salary as hiring bonus. 10% within a few weeks of hire and 5% after 12 months of satisfactory full-time employment. Employees must meet all requirements of Civil Service Regulation 31.88 to receive the bonus. This temporary bonus is only good through February 2026.
ELIGIBLE LIST
OPEN - COMPETITIVE : Only an Open-Competitive eligible list will be established as a result of this examination. Permanent City employees will receive no promotional preference in this examination.
Candidates who pass the exam and are placed on the civil service list will be retained on the list for a minimum of one year and a maximum of two years after the establishment of the Eligible List.
Preference For Philadelphia Residents
Candidates who have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year prior to the date of the civil service examination shall have priority over all other persons receiving an identical test score. If you have maintained a bona fide residence in Philadelphia for at least one year immediately preceding April 28, 2025, you are eligible to claim residency preference.
To receive such preference, candidates must respond to the question regarding residence later in this form.
The response on this application will be used to determine eligibility for preference for residents. Documentation of residence may be required if there is any question as to whether you meet the residency preference requirements.
If an applicant does not respond to the appropriate residence question, it will be assumed that the applicant does not qualify for residence preference. Eligibility for residence preference must be determined by the date of the test administration. No requests for residence preference will be granted after the test administration.
U.S. VETERAN’S PREFERENCE – Ten points for veteran’s preference will be added to the scores of eligible veterans who apply for open competitive tests and pass the examination. You must be honorably discharged from the U.S. armed forces. Attach a DD214, member 4, to your application if you wish your eligibility to be reviewed. Spouses of disabled or deceased veterans may also be considered.
LEGACY PREFERENCE – The children or grandchildren of Philadelphia Firefighters or Police Officers who were killed or died in the line of duty shall be accorded a preference in open competitive civil service entrance examinations. Candidates who qualify for this preference and who take and pass open competitive civil service examinations shall have ten points added to their final score. The candidate must successfully pass all parts of the examination before points are awarded.
NATIONAL VOLUNTEER SERVICE PREFERENCE – Up To 5 Additional Points Will Be Added To The Examination Score Of Any Candidate Who Has Passed The Open Competitive Examination And Who Has
- Successfully completed a term of volunteer service with Peace Corps, AmeriCorps NCCC (including FEMA Corps), or AmeriCorps VISTA .
- Successfully completed at least 450 hours of service with AmeriCorps State and National (including Teach for America).
- 1 point added to their final score if they have completed 450 Hours of the above service.
- 2 points added to their final score if they have completed 675 Hours of the above service.
- 3 points added to their final score if they have completed 900 Hours of the above service.
- 5 points added to their final score if they have completed 1700 Hours of the above service.
PHILADELPHIA SCHOOL DISTRICT CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION PREFERENCE
For exams announced after May 1, 2023, excluding Police and Fire entry level exams, candidates who successfully pass the open-competitive examination shall have up to 5 points added to their final score in accordance with Regulation 9.0670.
Only those competitors who have a passing grade in all parts of the examination shall receive additional credits to which they may be entitled. The following requirements must be satisfied for a candidate to receive additional credits for examinations.
- Candidates must have completed and graduated from a career technical education ( CTE ) program of the School District of Philadelphia during the three-year period immediately preceding the examination announcement open date.
- Candidates may claim the additional credit at any time after the date that the examination is announced, until 30 days after the Established List of Candidates is approved by the Director or his/her designee.
- If the 5 additional points from the CTE preference would rank a CTE graduate above a veteran, additional points shall be applied to the CTE candidate’s passing score to rank them directly below the veteran.
- Candidates must submit adequate documentation including high school transcript with completion of CTE Program as required by the Office of Human Resources.
This examination will be scheduled for April 26, 2025. Please note that this examination date is subject to change.
An Eligible List will be established the week of April 28, 2025. Please note that this date may change.
Test Review
In accordance with Civil Service Regulation 9.091D, candidates may review their answer sheets and other test papers to determine if they have been scored correctly or if there has been an irregularity in the administration of the examination. Candidates will have 30 days after the results have been mailed to review their test and to file a written appeal. Call 215 686-0880 if you wish to schedule a test review.
Assigned to (view only)
Assigned to Jacky Li
Parts & Weights
Part Performance Exam
Weight 100%
Salary : $50,318 - $55,145
