A rare Blizzard Warning dumped 23 inches of snow on parts of the five boroughs, and that means one thing: snow shovels are currently the city’s most valuable accessory–and shovelers are officially in demand.
To keep sidewalks, bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and step streets safe and accessible, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) is hiring Emergency Snow Shovelers–and yes, you’ll get paid. At a recent press conference, Zohran Mamdani encouraged New Yorkers to pitch in:
Due to the historic nature of thus blizzard, we’ve increased pay to $30 per hour. You can walk into any DSNY garage…starting at 9 am. All you need to bring is two forms of ID to ensure you get paid.
The city has prepared 33 vans and two buses with DSNY to transport shovelers where they are needed, meaning you won’t be wandering the tundra solo.
💰 How Much Does It Pay?
If you’re willing to brave the wind chill, the pay is a solid incentive for a side hustle:
- Starting Pay: $30 per hour
- Overtime: $45 per hour (after the first 40 hours worked in a week)
Overtime during a major storm can add up quickly–especially since snowfall totals reached the higher end of projections.
✅ Eligibility Requirements
DSNY recruits temporary, per diem (by day) shovelers as needed. To qualify as an Emergency Snow Shoveler in NYC, you must:
- Be at least 18 years old
- Be eligible to work in the United States
- Be physically able to perform heavy labor outdoors in winter conditions
If you can lift, toss, and power through a snowbank, you’re likely good to go.
📝 How to Register (What to Bring)
To register, workers must have:
- Two small photos (1-1/2 inch square)
- Two original forms of ID, plus copies
- Social Security card
Appointments are available from 9 am to 8 pm. Walk-ins are accepted during this time. Find a garage near you.
You can also begin the process through the city’s official registration form online before heading to a garage.
Because hiring is weather-dependent, positions are filled as needed–so timing matters when a storm hits.
⚠️ NYC Snow Shoveling Rules
While DSNY handles public infrastructure, property owners are legally required to clear sidewalks adjacent to their buildings within a specific timeframe.
Failure to comply can result in fines of up to $250 from the New York City Department of Sanitation, which oversees snow enforcement across the city.
See the full breakdown of NYC’s snow shoveling rules here.