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How to Get Paid by NYC for Shoveling Snow During The Blizzard
Emergency snow shovelers can make up to about $30 per hour for taking care of their communities during and after the storm
By the time you’re reading this, the first inch or so of New York City’s second major snow event in less than a month will already be in place. But this round’s expected to hit a little different, with as much as two more feet anticipated in some parts of the five boroughs between Sunday night and Monday afternoon. That may be a little too familiar and a little too soon for anyone still shaking off the misery of our last run in late January, but there are some key learnings Mayor Mamdani is applying to this go of it: a state of emergency declared, a travel ban issued (until 12 p.m. Monday, February 23), and a snow day—with no remote learning—called. And, for the dreaded clean-up effort, the city is deploying more than 1,000 emergency snow shovelers to help their communities stay safe—and get paid to do so.
According to a press release from the Mayor’s Office, paid volunteers will be hitting the streets and sidewalks Sunday night to help manage the mess. But with some estimates threatening 30-plus inches, the city’s Department of Sanitation is welcoming additional support and encouraging walk-ins, offering a starting hourly rate of $19.14, with a bump up to $28.71 after you’ve clocked more than 40 hours. That’s a pretty solid chunk of bread if you’ve got the time, energy, and disposition to get your hands dirty. Anyone can sign up for the program if they’re eligible to work in the U.S., capable of doing heavy manual labor, and are above the age of 18. All you need is a pair of small photos of yourself, two original forms of ID, and a Social Security card. You can register now via the Department of Sanitation. Shoveler and plow progress is geocoded by the city, which means city residents will be able to track in real-time the clearing of bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and step streets through the city’s PlowNYC portal.
As for those not on a short-term city contract to endure the unrelenting forces of nature, your efforts are also welcome. But maybe hold off on the vigilance until the conditions are no longer life-threatening.
