ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Contract Highway Cleanup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Burning Man

DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Reno, NV · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Maintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including ... Highway Cleanup - roadside debris removal. * Abandoned Items Removal - identifying and removing ...

Burning Man

DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Reno, NV · On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Maintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including ... Highway Cleanup - roadside debris removal. * Abandoned Items Removal - identifying and removing ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All Jobsfreelance JobsConstruction JobsHighway JobsHighway Maintenance Worker JobsContract Highway Cleanup Jobs

Contract Highway Cleanup information

See salary details

$15

$22

$27

How much do contract highway cleanup jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 28, 2026, the average hourly pay for contract highway cleanup in the United States is $22.24, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $19.23 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a contract highway cleanup?

Contract highway cleanup workers are individuals or teams hired by government agencies or private companies to remove litter, debris, and hazardous materials from roadways, medians, and highway shoulders. Their work ensures that highways remain safe, visually appealing, and environmentally friendly. These workers may also be responsible for reporting larger hazards, assisting with traffic control during cleanup, and following safety regulations. Contracts for this work can be short-term or ongoing, depending on the area's needs and available funding.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a contract highway cleanup worker?

To thrive as a Contract Highway Cleanup worker, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and a basic understanding of safety procedures, often with a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with tools such as litter pickers, safety vests, and sometimes small machinery or vehicles is typically required. Dependability, teamwork, and the ability to follow instructions are valuable soft skills in this role. These skills and qualities are crucial for maintaining road safety, ensuring efficient cleanup, and supporting a safe working environment.

What are some common challenges faced by workers in a contract highway cleanup role, and how can they be addressed?

Workers in Contract Highway Cleanup roles often encounter challenges such as working in varying weather conditions, managing traffic safety while operating near active roadways, and handling hazardous materials or debris. Effective communication with team members and strict adherence to safety protocols are essential to address these challenges. Additionally, using appropriate personal protective equipment and participating in regular safety training can help ensure a safer and more efficient work environment.

What is the difference between Contract Highway Cleanup vs Contract Road Maintenance?

AspectContract Highway CleanupContract Road Maintenance
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma, safety trainingHigh school diploma, safety training
Work EnvironmentAlong highways, outdoor, variable weatherAlong roads, outdoor, variable weather
Employer & Industry UsageGovernment agencies, contractorsGovernment agencies, contractors
Common Search & ComparisonYesYes

Contract Highway Cleanup primarily involves removing debris and litter from highways, focusing on cleanliness and safety. Contract Road Maintenance includes broader tasks like pothole repair, paving, and infrastructure upkeep. While both roles require safety training and outdoor work, Highway Cleanup is more focused on litter removal, whereas Road Maintenance involves more technical repairs. Understanding these differences helps job seekers find the right position in highway and road upkeep.

More about Contract Highway Cleanup jobs

What cities are hiring for Contract Highway Cleanup jobs?

Cities with the most Contract Highway Cleanup job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Highway Cleanup jobs?

The most popular types of Highway Cleanup jobs are:

What states have the most Contract Highway Cleanup jobs?

States with the most job openings for Contract Highway Cleanup jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Contract Highway Cleanup jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Contract Highway Cleanup jobs are:

Contract Highway Cleanup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Contract Highway Cleanup job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 76% Full Time, 19% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 3% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $46,254 per year, or $22.2 per hour.

DPW Playa Restoration Crew

Burning Man

Reno, NV • On-site

$15 - $16.50/hr

Temporary

Posted 20 days ago

Job description

JOB SUMMARY
The Department of Public Works (DPW) Playa Restoration Crew supports Burning Man's post-event cleanup efforts on the Black Rock Desert, Nevada, including the event site, key infrastructure, and surrounding highways. Working as part of a large field team, crew members walk in coordinated formation for miles each day, visually scanning the dust surface of the Black Rock Desert to identify and remove residual Matter Out of Place (MOOP), helping restore the playa to its natural condition.
Crew members also assist with specialized cleanup operations as needed and are expected to follow established safety protocols, collaborate effectively with teammates, and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle through professional, environmentally responsible work practices.
This is a live/work field position based in a remote desert environment that requires physical stamina, sound judgment, reliability, punctuality, and the ability to perform duties responsibly in a safety-sensitive, team-based setting.
This temporary, ineligible for benefits role is:
  • From September - October: Full-Time, Non-Exempt, based in Black Rock City, Nevada.

The deadline to apply for this role is 5:00 pm Pacific on Sept 11th.
DUTIES & ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Daily Operations (80%)
  • Embody and uphold Burning Man's Leave No Trace principle in all duties.
  • Walk in a coordinated line sweep with a large field crew, visually scanning the dusty expanse with attention to detail to identify and remove Matter Out of Place (MOOP) across several miles each day.
  • Use tools such as trash grabbers, pickup tools, magnetic sweepers, and buckets to safely and efficiently collect debris; help set up, maintain, and break down equipment and supplies.
  • Maintain reliable attendance and active participation for the duration of the contract, including on-time arrival for daily Roll Call, scheduled shifts, meetings, and assignments. Accurately track and sign off on daily work hours as required.
  • Support specialized cleanup operations as assigned, including:
    • Special Forces - targeted cleanup in high-priority areas.
    • Highway Cleanup - roadside debris removal.
    • Abandoned Items Removal - identifying and removing large items left behind.
    • Test Team - simulating the Bureau of Land Management (BLM) post-event inspection.
  • Maintain safety, situational awareness, and safe work practices while performing duties in extreme desert conditions.
  • Maintain respectful conduct at all times, including effective communication and cooperation with teammates and supervisors while fostering a positive, inclusive team environment.

Other Functions and Responsibilities (20%)
  • Live and work in shared conditions alongside fellow crew members in a remote desert environment, contributing to a respectful, collaborative, and team-oriented community throughout the season.
  • Monitor personal well-being by setting realistic goals and boundaries, practicing self-care, and proactively communicating concerns that may affect safety, performance, or team operations.
  • Be familiar with, understand, and act in accordance with Burning Man's staff policies, protocols, and behavioral standards.
  • Participate in meetings, trainings, and briefings as requested, maintaining timely communication with supervisors and teammates.
  • Perform other duties as assigned in support of Playa Restoration operations.

LEARNING AND TEACHING
  • Knowledge sharing - Helps acculturate and educate junior staff in Burning Man culture and business processes.
  • Learning - Pursues ongoing learning in their area of expertise, working to stay current on emergent knowledge, skills, and processes.

QUALIFICATIONS
Required
  • Knowledge of Burning Man values, ethos, and the 10 Principles, especially Leave No Trace.
  • Ability to temporarily relocate for work at the Burning Man event held in Gerlach, Nevada.
  • Willingness to live and work in a shared, remote environment with communal accommodations and limited personal space.
  • Must be able to perform duties safely, responsibly, and with sound judgment, appropriate for working in a safety-sensitive, high-accountability team environment.
  • Capable of working and maintaining stamina in an extreme environment, including walking several miles per day over uneven desert terrain in high heat or blustery cold, drastic temperature changes, high winds, poor air quality, dust storms, and low to no visibility at times.
  • Ability to remain calm under pressure, thinking clearly and responding effectively to unforeseen events.
  • Able to work as part of a large field team, follow instructions, and receive and integrate feedback.
  • Capable of tracking time worked, managing tasks, and completing assignments within stated deadlines.

Preferred
  • It is helpful if the candidate has previously been to Burning Man and/or is familiar with its culture.

Note: If you have gained the necessary experience to succeed in this role and have acquired this experience in other ways, we encourage you to apply and share all relevant experience in your application.
COMPENSATION
Individual compensation decisions are dependent on a variety of factors, including prior experience and geographical location. The anticipated rate for this position:
  • From September - October is $15.00 to $16.50 per hour.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS/WORK ENVIRONMENT
  • On-playa: This position requires periods of heavy lifting, bending, kneeling, squatting, and climbing. This position will be physically demanding, and requires individuals with good physical health, and endurance. Work will include the need to find and meet with department representatives who may not be in the vicinity therefore this could include walking or using some form of transportation. Much of the work will be in outside weather conditions and will be exposed to fumes or airborne particles as well as possible extremes in temperature.

NOTICE FOR ALL APPLICANTS:
  • Burning Man Project celebrates the importance of creating a diverse environment and enthusiastically encourages Black, Indigenous, Peoples of Color, LGBTQIA+, Immigrant, women, and people with disabilities, of all ages, to apply.
  • Burning Man Project provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation and training.
  • Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Apply