For Nafees McDowell, working for the City of Philadelphia is about more than maintaining streets and traffic signs. It’s about building a career, serving his community and helping others discover opportunities for themselves.
As a Semi-Skilled Laborer with the Philadelphia Streets Department’s Traffic Division, Nafees spends his days traveling across the city, replacing damaged or faded street signs, maintaining traffic infrastructure and helping keep Philadelphia’s roads safe.
But his impact extends beyond his daily responsibilities. Through social media, Nafees has become an enthusiastic advocate for City careers, sharing his experiences and helping Philadelphians better understand the hiring process.
Finding a new direction
Born and raised in Philadelphia, Nafees knows firsthand how important it is to find opportunities for personal and professional growth. After facing challenges earlier in life, including a period of incarceration, Nafees was ready for a new direction. When his aunt shared a City job posting with him, he decided to apply. That decision helped him begin a career in public service.
“Coming from there and coming to the City felt like a step up. I just want to keep climbing the ladder,” Nafees said.
Today, he takes pride in the work he does for Philadelphia and the opportunity to contribute to the city where he grew up.
Building skills and serving Philadelphia
No two days look exactly alike for Nafees. His work takes him across Philadelphia’s neighborhoods, where he helps repair and maintain the street signs and traffic infrastructure residents rely on every day. The position has allowed him to gain hands-on experience, develop new skills and explore parts of the city he had never visited before.
Along the way, Nafees has received additional training provided for his work. Specialized training is available to employees in certain positions where the skills or certification is needed.
For Nafees, the experience has reinforced his desire to continue learning, taking on new responsibilities and growing in his career.
Helping others discover City careers
Nafees’s enthusiasm for his work inspired him to begin sharing his experiences on social media.
What started as a way to highlight his job quickly became an opportunity to help others. One of his early videos about City employment received approximately 200,000 views, prompting questions from people interested in applying. Nafees began sharing job announcements, explaining parts of the hiring process and encouraging people to explore positions that matched their interests and qualifications.
Some of those conversations have included questions from individuals with criminal records who are unsure whether they can apply for City employment.
Through his social media outreach, Nafees encourages interested applicants to learn about available positions, review their qualifications and understand the City’s hiring process.
Giving back through his career
For Nafees, one of the most rewarding parts of sharing City career opportunities is hearing from people who have successfully found employment.
“Especially when somebody comes to me and tells me, ‘I got that job. Thanks. I appreciate you.’ That’s the part right there,” he said.
His story highlights how City employees can make a difference both through their daily responsibilities and by sharing their knowledge and experiences with others.
Whether he’s maintaining street signs or answering questions about City careers, Nafees is proud to help Philadelphia move forward.
Watch the full Spotlight on City Workers interview with Nafees McDowell to learn more about his career journey, his work with the Streets Department and why he encourages others to explore public service.
Explore Your Future with the City of Philadelphia
The City of Philadelphia offers career opportunities across a wide range of departments and fields, including skilled trades, public works, administration, technology and public safety.
Interested in learning more about City careers and the hiring process?
