Department of Sanitation
Now Hiring: Emergency Snow Laborers for Winter Season
Snow Laborers Crucial in Clearing Snow and Ice After Big Winter Storms;
New for this Season: Advance Online Registration Required
The New York City Department of Sanitation has announced that registration is now open for those interested in working as Emergency Snow Laborers for the upcoming winter season. Emergency Snow Laborers are per-diem workers who shovel snow and clear ice from bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and step streets around the five boroughs after heavy snowfalls. Snow Laborers earn $15 per hour to start, and $22.50 per hour after 40 hours are worked in a week.
To better allow for social distancing and COVID-related protocols, those interested in becoming a Snow Laborer must register for a 15-minute application appointment at nyc.gov/snow. Registration appointments take place at the Department’s 59 garages.
Snow laborers must be at least 18 years of age, be eligible to work in the United States, and capable of performing heavy physical labor. All applicants must bring the following items at the time of registration:
- Two small photos (1 ½ square)
- Original and copy of two forms of identification
- Social Security card
To comply with COVID-related safety protocols, potential Snow Laborers should wear a mask or face covering while at the registration appointment. Applicants should not attend the appointment if they have any COVID-19 symptoms, if they recently traveled to a state with high rates of COVID-19 transmission, or if they recently had close contact with someone who has tested positive for COVID-19.
“When the City gets a big winter storm, our Snow Laborers are vital in helping the City get back up and running,” said Acting Commissioner Edward Grayson. “While our Sanitation Workers operate the salt spreaders and snow plows, the Snow Laborers concentrate their efforts on pedestrian areas such as bus stops, crosswalks and step streets. Clearing these pedestrian areas is important, and the work of Snow Laborers is one crucial way of getting that work done.”
While Snow Laborers work on some pedestrian areas, property owners are still responsible for keeping sidewalks abutting their clear and accessible. More information at nyc.gov/snow.
About the New York City Department of Sanitation
The Department of Sanitation (DSNY) keeps New York City healthy, safe and clean by collecting, recycling and disposing of waste, cleaning streets and vacant lots, and clearing snow and ice. The Department operates 59 district garages and manages a fleet of more than 2,000 rear-loading collection trucks, 450 mechanical brooms and 705 salt/sand spreaders. The Department clears litter, snow and ice from approximately 6,500 miles of City streets and removes debris from vacant lots as well as abandoned vehicles from City streets.
