New York Hiring Snow Shovelers After Blizzard

In response to a powerful blizzard that has buried large parts of the city under heavy snow, New York officials are calling on residents to join emergency cleanup efforts — with pay reaching up to $35 per hour.

Mayor Zohran Mamdani announced the expansion of the city’s Emergency Snow Shoveler Program as crews work to reopen streets, sidewalks, and critical public spaces following the storm — the first major blizzard New York has experienced since 2016.

City Expands Snow Response Workforce

Thousands of sanitation workers and more than 2,000 snowplows are already in action. However, city officials say additional support is needed to clear essential areas such as:

• Bus stops
• Crosswalks
• Fire hydrants
• Public walkways

To meet demand, the city has significantly increased its emergency shoveler workforce. During a previous storm, about 500 workers were deployed. This time, that number has grown to nearly 1,400, with more hiring underway as cleanup continues.

Pay and Job Details

Emergency shovelers are hired on a temporary, per-diem basis.

Compensation includes:

• Starting pay of $19.14 per hour
• Up to $35 per hour after exceeding 40 work hours per week

Officials describe the job as physically demanding but vital to restoring safe movement across the city.

Who Can Apply?

Applicants must:

• Be at least 18 years old
• Be legally eligible to work in the U.S.
• Be capable of performing heavy physical labor

Registration can be completed online or in person at local sanitation garages. Those applying in person must bring identification, a Social Security card, and two passport-sized photos.

Emergency Measures Still in Place

Despite ongoing hiring efforts, city leaders continue to urge residents to remain indoors when possible.

Safety precautions currently include:

• A local state of emergency
• Public school closures
• Restrictions on non-essential travel

These measures are intended to help snow removal teams work more efficiently and prevent further hazards as freezing temperatures threaten to turn snow into ice.

Helping the City Recover

As conditions begin to improve, officials say the program offers residents a chance to both earn money and support the city’s recovery efforts.

With cleanup expected to continue in the coming days, emergency shovelers will play a key role in helping New York return to normal operations after the storm.