Table of Contents
- Quick Job Overview
- Vacant NS Station Cleaner Positions
- Salary and Position Table
- Key Responsibilities of Station Cleaners
- Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
- Essential Documents Required
- Essential Skills and Qualities
- Pros and Cons of NS Station Cleaner Jobs
- Interview Questions to Prepare For
- Career Growth Opportunities
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- How to Apply: Helpful Links
- Conclusion
Quick Job Overview
NS stations are the gateway to the Dutch rail network, and station cleaners are responsible for ensuring that platforms, waiting areas, toilets, and passenger facilities are clean, safe, and welcoming. Unlike train cleaning, which focuses on the interior and exterior of carriages, station cleaning covers the broader station environment: platforms, stairs, tunnels, bicycle storage areas, ticket machines, OV gates, and office spaces within station buildings.
In 2026, NS station cleaner roles are recruited through several contractors working on behalf of NS. Active employers include Gom, Asito, CSU, and EW Facility Services, with vacancies at locations such as Utrecht Centraal, Dordrecht, Enschede, Roosendaal, and stations across Noord-Holland . The work is shift-based for many roles, covering early mornings, afternoons, nights, and weekends, because stations operate from the first train to the last. Some positions, particularly weekend-only or part-time office cleaning roles, offer more predictable schedules.
What makes station cleaning particularly accessible is that formal education and prior experience are rarely required. Multiple vacancies explicitly state that candidates need no diploma and no experience, with employers providing practical training on the job . The primary requirements are reliability, physical fitness, basic Dutch or English language skills, and the ability to obtain a VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct). For roles involving travel between stations, a driver’s license B is required.
Vacant NS Station Cleaner Positions
The following table outlines current vacant station cleaner positions at NS locations across the Netherlands.
Position Title | Employer | Location | Employment Type | Key Focus Area |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Schoonmaker Station | via Sercanto (NS client) | Utrecht Centraal | 7.5–30 hours, 3 shifts | Station, platforms, waiting areas, stairs, toilets |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | via Sercanto (NS client) | Noord-Holland (Uitgeest, Schagen, Heerhugowaard) | 24+ hours, weekend + 2 weekdays | Station cleaning, requires driver’s license B |
Schoonmaker Stations | Asito | Enschede, Hengelo, Almelo | 7.5 hours, weekends | Platforms, control rounds, toilets, waste bins |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | CSU | Dordrecht and surrounding area | 38 hours, weekdays + weekends | Bicycle storage, OV gates, ticket machines, stairs, platforms |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | Gom | Roosendaal | 10 hours, Mon–Fri mornings | Offices, sanitary areas, traffic spaces |
Schoonmaak Weekend Treinstation | EW Facility Services | Alkmaar, Hoorn, Eenhuizen | 5–10 hours, weekends | Toilets, canteens, offices, waste bins |
Schoonmaker Kantoren NS | EW Facility Services | Vlissingen | 10 hours, Mon–Sat | Offices, canteen, toilets, general spaces |
Schoonmaker NS Kantoor | EW Facility Services | Deventer | ~5 hours, Mon–Fri mornings | Toilets, waste processing, public areas |
Important Note: For the Noord-Holland regional role, a driver’s license B is mandatory as you will travel between stations . For the Dordrecht role, a license is also required to reach NS station locations in and around the city .
Salary and Position Table
Salaries for NS station cleaner roles vary by employer, location, and contract type. The table below provides a comparative overview based on current vacancy listings.
Position | Employer/Location | Base Salary | Shift Allowances | Hours per Week | Additional Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schoonmaker Station | Utrecht Centraal | €15.52–€17.05/hour | Shift allowances apply | 7.5–30 | 7-month contract extendable; 26 vacation days + birthday leave; 8% holiday pay; 5% year-end bonus after 6 months; pension; health insurance discount; practical training |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | Noord-Holland region | €15.52–€17.05/hour | Shift allowances apply | 24+ | Same as above; driver’s license B required |
Schoonmaker Stations | Asito (Enschede) | €14.58–€16.06/hour | Weekend allowance applies | 7.5 | 7-month contract extendable; 26 vacation days + birthday leave; 8% holiday pay; 5% year-end bonus; pension; health insurance discount; training |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | CSU (Dordrecht) | From €14.58/hour (20+) | Weekend work included in schedule | 38 | Permanent contract from day one; 26 vacation days; 8% holiday pay; year-end bonus; pension from age 18; “Fris in je werk” program (insurance discounts, free sports, bike plan, language courses); extra leave on 1 May or birthday |
Schoonmaak Medewerker | Gom (Roosendaal) | €15.52–€17.05/hour (20+) | Not specified | 10 | Holiday pay; year-end bonus; extra birthday leave; Dutch/English language courses; training access; Gom Support Desk |
Schoonmaak Weekend Treinstation | EW Facility Services (Alkmaar/Hoorn) | From €14.15/hour (20+) | Weekend role (allowance included in base) | 5–10 | Paid travel time; 8% holiday pay; 10.5% vacation accrual; 5% year-end bonus; 26 vacation days + birthday leave; SVS diploma opportunity; supervisor growth path; 8-month contract with view to permanent |
Schoonmaker Kantoren NS | EW Facility Services (Vlissingen) | From €14.58/hour (20+) | Not specified | 10 | Paid every 4 weeks (13 payments/year); travel allowance from 20 km; 8% holiday pay; 10% vacation accrual; 5% year-end bonus; 26 vacation days + birthday leave; SVS diploma; supervisor training |
Schoonmaker NS Kantoor | EW Facility Services (Deventer) | From €14.58/hour (20+) | Not specified | ~5 | Same as Vlissingen; 8-month contract with view to permanent |
Note: All salary figures are gross and exclusive of holiday allowance (typically 8%) and year-end bonuses unless otherwise stated. Weekend and shift allowances vary by employer and are particularly relevant for roles covering unsociable hours.
Key Responsibilities of Station Cleaners
Station cleaners at NS locations perform a range of duties depending on the specific station and contract. For station and platform cleaning roles, core responsibilities include cleaning platforms, waiting areas, stairs, and tunnels; sweeping and mopping floors; cleaning toilets and sanitary facilities; emptying waste bins; and walking control rounds to maintain cleanliness throughout the station . At larger stations such as Utrecht Centraal, cleaners work across multiple zones including offices, workshops, and passenger areas .
For roles based at specific station facilities, duties may focus on bicycle storage areas, OV gates, ticket machines, and check-in poles, as is the case with CSU’s Dordrecht position . Office cleaning roles within station buildings involve cleaning workstations, canteens, toilets, and general spaces, often during fixed morning hours before station staff arrive .
Weekend station cleaning roles, such as EW Facility Services’ Alkmaar/Hoorn position, involve working independently to clean toilets, canteens, offices, and empty waste bins across multiple stations, with flexibility to complete the work in the morning or afternoon .
Comprehensive Eligibility Criteria
The eligibility requirements for NS station cleaner positions are among the most accessible in the rail sector, with minimal formal requirements for most roles.
Educational Requirements: The vast majority of station cleaner vacancies require no diploma and no prior experience. The Utrecht Centraal role explicitly states that no diploma or experience is needed . The Noord-Holland role states the same . The Enschede role states no diploma or experience is required . Gom’s Roosendaal role requires experience or affinity with cleaning, but not formal qualifications . CSU’s Dordrecht role requires basic education .
Language Skills: Dutch language proficiency is commonly required or preferred. The Utrecht Centraal role does not explicitly state language requirements, though basic communication is implicit . The Vlissingen and Deventer office cleaning roles require Dutch . EW Facility Services’ weekend station cleaning role accepts Dutch and/or English . Gom’s Roosendaal role accepts Dutch or English .
Driver’s License: A driver’s license B is mandatory for roles involving travel between multiple stations. The Noord-Holland regional role requires a license . CSU’s Dordrecht role requires a license to reach NS station locations . Station-based roles at single locations generally do not require a license.
Physical Requirements: Station cleaning is physically demanding, involving prolonged standing, walking, bending, and lifting. Cleaners work across large station areas, up and down stairs, and in all weather conditions on platforms.
Availability and Flexibility: Shift work is standard for most station cleaning roles. The Utrecht Centraal role operates in three shifts: morning (06:30–14:30), afternoon (14:30–22:30), and night (22:30–06:30), working between Friday and Monday . The Noord-Holland role requires weekend availability plus two weekdays . The Enschede role is weekend-only (Saturday or Sunday, 07:00–15:00) . CSU’s Dordrecht role requires weekday and weekend availability . Office cleaning roles in Vlissingen and Deventer offer weekday or Monday–Saturday schedules .
VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct): A VOG is required for NS station cleaning positions because staff work in secure rail environments. Gom explicitly lists the ability to apply for a VOG as a requirement . Other employers require it as standard procedure.
Certifications: A DVP (Diploma Vakbekwaamheid Schoonmaak) or SVS diploma may be required or offered as training. The Utrecht Centraal role requires willingness to obtain a DVP . EW Facility Services offers the opportunity to obtain an SVS diploma (basic cleaning qualification) .
Essential Documents Required
When applying for NS station cleaner positions, candidates should prepare the following documents:
Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
Updated CV/Resume | Highlighting reliability, availability, and any relevant experience (not mandatory for all roles) |
Valid Passport or ID | Proof of identity and nationality |
Driver’s License B | Required for roles involving travel between stations |
VOG (Certificate of Good Conduct) | Required for NS station cleaning positions; applied for after job offer |
Proof of Right to Work | If not an EU citizen, a valid work permit or residence document |
Bank Account Details | For salary payments |
BSN (Citizen Service Number) | Required for employment in the Netherlands |
Essential Skills and Qualities
Successful station cleaners at NS locations share a set of practical competencies that enable them to work effectively in busy public environments.
Reliability and Punctuality: Stations must be clean before the first trains arrive and remain presentable throughout the day. Cleaners must arrive on time for shifts and complete their work according to schedule .
Physical Stamina: Station cleaning involves walking long distances across platforms, climbing stairs, and standing for extended periods. Cleaners must be physically capable of maintaining their duties throughout shifts.
Independence and Initiative: Many station cleaning roles, particularly weekend and regional positions, involve working independently without direct supervision. Cleaners must be self-motivated and able to identify what needs to be done .
Attention to Detail: Cleaners are responsible for ensuring that all areas—including toilets, waiting rooms, and ticket machines—are presentable and hygienic. A keen eye for detail ensures that no area is missed.
Customer Awareness: Station cleaners work in public areas alongside passengers. While the role is not customer-facing in the traditional sense, cleaners contribute directly to passenger experience and should be mindful of their presence and behavior.
Language Skills: Basic Dutch or English proficiency is sufficient for most roles, enabling cleaners to understand instructions, safety procedures, and training materials .
Pros and Cons of NS Station Cleaner Jobs
Pros
NS station cleaner roles are among the most accessible entry points into the rail sector, with multiple employers explicitly stating that no diploma or prior experience is required . Training is provided, and some employers offer the opportunity to obtain a DVP or SVS diploma while working . Hourly wages range from €14.15 to €17.05, with weekend and shift allowances that can increase earnings . Flexible hours make these roles suitable for students, part-time workers, and those seeking supplementary income, with options ranging from just 5 hours per week for office cleaning to 38 hours for full-time station work . Some employers, such as CSU, offer permanent contracts from day one . Benefits include vacation days, holiday pay, year-end bonuses, pension contributions, and extras such as health insurance discounts and free sports . The work is tangible and contributes directly to the comfort and safety of millions of rail passengers.
Cons
The work is physically demanding, requiring prolonged standing, walking, and cleaning across large station areas. Shift work is standard for station-based roles, with early starts (06:30), late finishes (22:30), night shifts (22:30–06:30), and weekend work disrupting regular schedules . Some roles offer very limited hours—as few as 5 hours per week for office cleaning—which may not provide sufficient income as a sole job . Regional roles require a driver’s license and travel between stations, adding commuting time and costs . Weekend-only roles, while flexible, may offer only 7.5 hours per week . The work can be repetitive and fast-paced, with pressure to maintain cleanliness standards across large public areas.
Interview Questions to Prepare For
Preparation is key to succeeding in an NS station cleaner interview. The following questions are commonly asked and will help candidates demonstrate their suitability.
1. Why do you want to work as a station cleaner for NS?
Connect your interest in practical work and the rail sector with the specific demands of the role. Mention that you take pride in creating clean environments and are interested in contributing to passenger comfort.
2. Are you physically capable of the demands of this role, including walking long distances and standing for extended periods?
Be honest about your fitness. If you have previous physical work experience (cleaning, hospitality, logistics), mention it. Emphasize your stamina and willingness to work hard.
3. Are you available for shift work, including early mornings, nights, and weekends?
Be clear about your availability. The Utrecht Centraal role covers mornings, afternoons, and nights between Friday and Monday . The Enschede role is weekend-only . State your flexibility honestly.
4. How do you ensure thorough cleaning when working independently across a large station?
Emphasize your self-motivation, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize tasks. Mention any experience working without direct supervision.
5. What would you do if you noticed a safety hazard or damaged facility at the station?
Demonstrate that you understand the importance of reporting issues. Explain that you would document the problem and notify your supervisor according to procedure.
6. Can you describe a time when you worked independently to complete a task?
Use the STAR method. Choose an example that demonstrates reliability, initiative, and the ability to work without supervision, which is particularly relevant for weekend and regional roles.
7. Why should we hire you over other candidates?
Summarize your key strengths: reliability, physical fitness, flexibility with shifts, language skills, and genuine interest in the role.
Career Growth Opportunities
Station cleaner roles at NS and its contractors can serve as a stepping stone to broader opportunities in facility services and the rail sector. EW Facility Services explicitly offers training and education to progress to roles such as Supervisor or Team Leader, as well as the opportunity to obtain an SVS diploma (basic cleaning qualification) . Gom provides Dutch language courses, access to learning pathways, and other training through its “leven lang ontwikkelen” (lifelong development) approach . CSU offers its “Fris in je werk” program with insurance discounts, free sports, a bike plan, and language courses, supporting personal development .
For those interested in rail operations, station cleaning experience provides familiarity with NS procedures, safety regulations, and station environments, which can be valuable for applying to other NS roles such as station staff, passenger service, or maintenance support. The work also develops transferable skills in time management, independent working, and attention to detail that apply to broader cleaning, facility management, and logistics roles.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q1: Do I need previous cleaning experience to work at NS stations?
No. Multiple vacancies explicitly state that no diploma or experience is required. The Utrecht Centraal role states “Je hebt geen diploma of ervaring nodig” . The Noord-Holland role states the same . The Enschede role states no experience needed . Training is provided on the job.
Q2: Is Dutch language proficiency required?
Most roles require at least basic Dutch, though some accept Dutch and/or English. The Vlissingen and Deventer office cleaning roles require Dutch . The weekend station cleaning role in Alkmaar/Hoorn accepts Dutch and/or English . Gom’s Roosendaal role accepts Dutch or English .
Q3: What are the shift patterns for station cleaning roles?
Shift patterns vary by location. Utrecht Centraal operates three shifts: morning (06:30–14:30), afternoon (14:30–22:30), and night (22:30–06:30), working between Friday and Monday . The Enschede role is weekend-only, 07:00–15:00 on Saturday or Sunday . Office cleaning roles in Vlissingen and Deventer are weekday mornings or Monday–Saturday .
Q4: How much can I earn working weekends?
Weekend allowances vary. Asito’s Enschede role pays €14.58–€16.06 per hour plus weekend allowance . EW Facility Services’ weekend role pays from €14.15 per hour . Gom’s Utrecht Centraal role pays €15.52–€17.05 per hour with shift allowances .
Q5: Can I work part-time as a station cleaner while studying?
Yes. Many roles offer flexible part-time hours. The Utrecht Centraal role offers 7.5–30 hours . The weekend station cleaning role offers 5–10 hours . The Vlissingen office cleaning role offers 10 hours . The Deventer role offers approximately 5 hours per week .
Q6: Do I need a driver’s license?
Only for roles involving travel between multiple stations. The Noord-Holland regional role requires a driver’s license B . CSU’s Dordrecht role requires a license to reach NS station locations . Station-based roles at single locations do not require a license.
Q7: What is the VOG, and do I need one?
The Verklaring Omtrent het Gedrag (VOG) is a Dutch certificate of good conduct. It is required for NS station cleaning positions because staff work in secure rail environments. Gom explicitly lists the ability to apply for a VOG as a requirement . You apply for it after receiving a job offer.
Q8: Are there opportunities for permanent employment?
Yes. CSU offers a permanent contract from day one . The Utrecht Centraal role offers a 7-month contract that can be extended . EW Facility Services offers an 8-month contract with a view to permanent employment . Asito offers a 7-month contract with extension possibility .
How to Apply: Helpful Links
Ready to start your career as an NS station cleaner? The following links will direct you to current vacancies and application portals.
Utrecht Centraal Station Cleaner (via Sercanto): https://www.sercanto.nl/detail/a/schoonmaker-station_utrecht_40860998
Noord-Holland Regional Station Cleaner (via Sercanto): https://nl.blackboardjob.com/detail/a/schoonmaak_uitgeest_39923625
Asito Enschede Station Cleaner: https://www.werkzoeken.nl/vacatures-in/enschede/13433200-schoonmaker-stations/
CSU Dordrecht Station Cleaner: https://www.jobbird.com/nl/vacature/22960686-schoonmaak-medewerker-ns or contact Marchelle Akerina at 06-83512256
Gom Roosendaal Station Cleaner: https://bebee.com/nl/jobs/schoonmaak-medewerker-bij-ns-op-station-roosendaal-gom-schoonhouden-roosendaal-north-brabant–theirstack-661216558
EW Facility Services Weekend Station Cleaner (Alkmaar/Hoorn): https://www.werkzoeken.nl/vacatures-in/alkmaar/13084675-schoonmaak-weekend-treinstation-ns-alkmaar-hoorn-en-eenhuizen/
EW Facility Services Vlissingen Office Cleaner: https://www.werkzoeken.nl/vacatures-in/vlissingen/13807613-schoonmaker-kantoren-ns-vlissingen-10-uur-per-week/
EW Facility Services Deventer Office Cleaner: https://www.werkzoeken.nl/vacatures-in/deventer/13498378-schoonmaker-ns-kantoor-deventer/
NS Official Careers Portal: https://www.werkenbijns.nl/vacatures
Werkzoeken.nl (NS Vacancy Overview): https://www.werkzoeken.nl
Conclusion
NS station cleaner jobs offer an accessible and flexible entry point into the Dutch rail sector, with opportunities available across multiple locations in 2026. Whether you are seeking shift work at Utrecht Centraal at €15.52–€17.05 per hour , weekend work in Enschede at €14.58–€16.06 per hour plus weekend allowance , permanent employment with CSU in Dordrecht from €14.58 per hour , part-time office cleaning in Vlissingen or Deventer , or flexible weekend hours in Alkmaar and Hoorn , there is a role suited to different availability and income needs. The primary requirements are straightforward: reliability, physical fitness, basic Dutch or English, and the ability to obtain a VOG. Prior experience is rarely required, and training is provided. For those seeking flexible part-time work, the weekend and office cleaning options are attractive. For those seeking career progression, the facility services sector offers pathways into supervision and team leadership. Prepare your documents, confirm your availability, and take the first step toward a role that keeps the Netherlands’ stations clean and welcoming for millions of passengers.

Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. The application process is free of cost; beware of fraudulent recruiters. Always verify job postings through official channels and never share personal financial information with unauthorized parties.