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Emergency Snow Shovelers

Get paid to help keep New Yorkers safe after winter storms.

Emergency Snow Shovelers are called on after heavy snowfalls to remove snow and ice citywide from public areas like bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and step streets.

We recruit temporary, per diem (by day) shovelers as needed.

Pay starts at $30.00 per hour and increases to $45.00 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week.

Attend an upcoming registration event to sign up and become an official Emergency Snow Shoveler.

Attend a registration event

Eligibility

To be eligible for hire, you must meet the following criteria:

  • Age: At least 18 years old
  • Work Status: Legal authorization to work in the United States
  • Physical Ability: Able to perform heavy, physically demanding labor in adverse, winter weather conditions.

Registration Events

REGISTRATION PERK: Don't wait! Shovelers who complete their registration at a registration event prior to November 30, 2026, will be eligible for a PAID 4-hour orientation in December, as well as fast-tracked processing to receive a paycheck within 2 weeks of working.

Additional events across NYC are being announced. Check back regularly for new dates and locations.

What to Bring to the Registration Event

To speed up your registration, you are required to print and bring completed copies of the following items. All employment authorization documents must be original and unexpired:

What Happens Next

  • Email Confirmation: You will receive an official confirmation via email of your registration 3 weeks following the registration event. Didn’t receive a confirmation email? Contact ShovelSnow@dsny.nyc.gov after October 31 to check the status of your registration.
  • Paid Orientation: You will receive an invitation to attend a 4-hour fully-paid orientation.
  • Work Location: You will be assigned a DSNY garage to report to when you are scheduled to work an emergency snow shoveler shift. Locations will be assigned based on borough needs and the top 3 preferences you submit during the registration process.

On-the-Job Requirements

You will be notified about shift assignments by email/phone. When you are called in to work a shift, you MUST:

  • Bring proof of advanced registration by presenting your confirmation email (either show printed copy or on your device) to your assigned work location.
  • Be physically fit and fully capable of heavy, manual snow shoveling.
  • Wear your own proper, weather-resistant clothing suitable for extreme winter conditions.