NYCHA jobs are posted on the city's official civil service job board, not on NYCHA's website alone
The New York City Housing Authority posts most of its open positions on NYC Jobs (nycjobs.cityofnewyork.us), the city's centralized hiring portal. Some positions also appear on NYCHA's own careers page, but the complete list lives on NYC Jobs. You search by agency name (NYCHA), job title, or borough, and you can filter by full-time, part-time, or seasonal work.
NYCHA hires for dozens of roles: maintenance workers, security officers, administrative staff, engineers, social workers, and management positions. Most jobs require you to pass a civil service exam, a background check, and a medical exam. The timeline from posting to hire typically runs three to six months, though some positions move faster.
You do not need to live in New York City to explore, but you must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States. Some positions require a valid driver's license or specific certifications (like a commercial driver's license for vehicle operators).
Key Takeaways
- Search for NYCHA jobs on NYC Jobs (nycjobs.cityofnewyork.us), the official city hiring portal, not on NYCHA's website alone.
- Most positions require passing a civil service exam, background check, and medical exam before you are hired.
- The hiring process typically takes three to six months from the time you see a job posted to the time you start work.
- You must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States, and some jobs require a valid driver's license or trade certification.
- NYCHA also posts some jobs directly on its own careers page, so check both sources to see all open positions.
Where to find NYCHA job postings
Start at nycjobs.cityofnewyork.us. On the home page, use the search box to type "NYCHA" or the specific job title you are looking for. You can also browse by agency and select "Housing Authority" from the dropdown. Each posting shows the job title, salary range, work location, required qualifications, and the exam date if one is required.
Check NYCHA's own careers page at nycha.nyc.gov/careers as well. Some positions appear there first or only there, particularly for seasonal or temporary roles. Both sources update regularly, so if you do not see what you want today, check back in a week or two.
You can also call NYCHA's Human Resources Department at 212-306-3000 to ask about upcoming positions or to confirm whether a job you saw is still open. They can tell you the next exam date for a role you are interested in.
Civil service exams and what they test
Most NYCHA positions require you to pass a civil service exam before you can be hired. The exam is written, timed, and tests job-related knowledge and skills. For a maintenance worker position, you might answer questions about plumbing, electrical systems, or building codes. For an administrative role, the exam covers reading comprehension, math, and clerical skills.
The exam date is listed on the job posting. You register for the exam through NYC Jobs when you submit your process. Registration is free. The exam itself is also free. You take the exam at a testing center in New York City on the scheduled date; you cannot take it online or by mail.
After you pass the exam, your name goes on a hiring list ranked by score. NYCHA calls candidates from that list in order of their scores. This process can take weeks or months. You will receive a letter in the mail telling you when and where to report for your exam.
Background check, medical exam, and other requirements
Once you pass the civil service exam and NYCHA calls you for an interview, you will move into the background check phase. NYCHA will request your consent to check your criminal history, employment history, and references. The background check typically takes two to four weeks.
If you pass the background check, you will be scheduled for a medical exam with a doctor approved by the city. The exam is free and checks your general health, vision, hearing, and ability to perform the job's physical demands. For a maintenance worker, this might include a strength test. For an office role, it is usually a standard physical.
You may also be required to provide proof of citizenship or work authorization (a passport, green card, or employment authorization document), a valid driver's license if the job requires one, and any professional licenses or certifications the posting mentions.
Salary, benefits, and job security
NYCHA salaries vary widely by position and experience level. A maintenance worker might start at $35,000 to $45,000 per year, while a senior engineer could earn $70,000 to $90,000 or more. The salary range is always listed on the job posting, so you can see what the role pays before you explore.
NYCHA employees receive health insurance (medical, dental, vision), a pension plan, paid time off, and life insurance. These benefits are part of the city's civil service package and are the same across most city agencies. You become may be able to access for the pension after you have worked for the city for a certain number of years (typically five years for vesting).
Civil service jobs offer strong job security. You cannot be fired without cause, and there is a formal process for discipline or termination. This is different from private-sector jobs, where at-will employment is common.
How to prepare your process
Before you start, gather these documents: a government-issued photo ID, your Social Security number, your work history (dates and employers for the past five to ten years), and the names and contact information for three professional references. Have these ready before you log into NYC Jobs.
Create an account on nycjobs.cityofnewyork.us with your email address and a password. Search for the NYCHA job you want. Click "explore Now" and fill out the process form. You will answer questions about your education, work experience, and qualifications. Be specific: instead of "worked in maintenance," write "performed plumbing repairs, replaced fixtures, and diagnosed water leaks in residential buildings."
Upload any required documents (a resume, high school diploma or college degree, professional licenses, or certifications). The posting tells you what to upload. Submit your process before the important date listed on the posting. You will receive a confirmation email when ready.
Timeline: from posting to first day of work
Here is what to expect:
| Step | Typical Timeline |
| Job posted on NYC Jobs | Ongoing; check weekly |
| process important date | Usually 2 to 4 weeks after posting |
| Civil service exam scheduled and held | 4 to 8 weeks after important date |
| Exam results posted | 2 to 4 weeks after exam |
| Interview (if called from hiring list) | 2 to 8 weeks after results |
| Background check and medical exam | 2 to 4 weeks after interview |
| Job offer and start date | 1 to 2 weeks after medical clearance |
The entire process can take three to six months. Some positions move faster, especially if there is high turnover or urgent staffing needs. Others take longer if many people explore or if the background check uncovers issues that need clarification.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I have to take the civil service exam if I already work for the city?
It depends on the position. If you are moving to a different job title or agency, you usually must take the exam. If you are being promoted within NYCHA to a higher title, you may be exempt, but you should confirm with NYCHA's HR department. Internal transfers sometimes have a different process.
What if I fail the civil service exam?
You can retake the exam. The next exam date is usually posted on NYC Jobs within a few weeks. You can explore again and take the exam as many times as you need. There is no limit on retakes, though you must wait until the next scheduled exam date.
Can I work part-time or seasonal at NYCHA?
Yes. NYCHA posts seasonal positions (often in spring and summer for grounds maintenance and cleaning) and some part-time administrative roles. These are listed separately on NYC Jobs and may have a shorter hiring timeline. Seasonal positions typically do not include full benefits, but you will still receive pay and may be rehired the following season.
What happens if I move out of New York after I am hired?
Most NYCHA positions require you to work at a specific location in New York City. If you move, you would need to request a transfer to another NYCHA location or resign. Check the job posting to see if remote work or flexible location options are available for the role you are interested in.
How do I know if my background check passed?
NYCHA will contact you by phone or mail to tell you whether you passed. If there are issues, they will give you a chance to explain before making a final decision. You can also call NYCHA's HR department to ask about the status of your background check if you have not heard back within four weeks of your interview.