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Death Cleanup Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Death Cleanup information

See Virginia salary details

$8

$20

$44

How much do death cleanup jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average hourly pay for death cleanup in Virginia is $20.40, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $12.62 and $25.72 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Death Cleanup Technician, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Death Cleanup Technician, you need knowledge of biohazard remediation procedures, bloodborne pathogen safety, and proper use of personal protective equipment, often supported by certifications such as OSHA or HAZWOPER. Familiarity with specialized cleaning agents, decontamination equipment, and waste disposal regulations is required. Compassion, discretion, and resilience are crucial soft skills for supporting affected families and maintaining professionalism in emotionally challenging environments. These capabilities ensure safe, compliant cleanups while providing respectful, sensitive service during traumatic situations.

What is the difference between Death Cleanup vs Biohazard Cleanup?

AspectDeath CleanupBiohazard Cleanup
CredentialsSpecialized training in death scene sanitation, OSHA complianceSimilar certifications, including bloodborne pathogen training
Work EnvironmentDeath scenes, crime scenes, unattended deathsAny environment with biological hazards, including hospitals and contaminated sites
Industry UsagePrimarily in death and crime scene cleanup servicesBroader, including medical waste, industrial spills, and crime scenes

Death Cleanup and Biohazard Cleanup share many credentials and work environments, but Death Cleanup specifically focuses on scenes involving unattended deaths and crime scenes. Biohazard Cleanup covers a wider range of biological hazards beyond death scenes, including medical waste and industrial spills. Both roles require specialized training and certifications, but their scope and typical environments differ slightly.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals in death cleanup roles, and how can they be managed?

Professionals in death cleanup often encounter emotionally distressing environments and must handle potentially hazardous biological materials. Common challenges include managing emotional stress, adhering to strict safety protocols, and communicating sensitively with grieving families. To address these challenges, many employers provide specialized training in biohazard handling, personal protective equipment, and mental health support resources. Teamwork is crucial, as cleanup technicians frequently collaborate to ensure thorough, safe, and respectful cleanup of affected sites.

What are death cleanup professionals?

Death cleanup professionals, also known as crime scene cleaners or biohazard remediation specialists, are trained to safely clean, sanitize, and deodorize sites where a death has occurred. Their work involves removing hazardous materials such as blood, bodily fluids, and tissues, and ensuring that the area is safe for occupancy. These specialists follow strict protocols and use specialized equipment to prevent the spread of disease and contamination. Their services are often needed after unattended deaths, suicides, accidents, or violent crimes. The job requires emotional resilience and attention to detail due to the sensitive and potentially hazardous nature of the work.
What are popular job titles related to Death Cleanup jobs in Virginia? For Death Cleanup jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Death Cleanup jobs in Virginia look for? The top searched job categories for Death Cleanup jobs in Virginia are:
Infographic showing various Death Cleanup job openings in Virginia as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 78% Full Time, 16% Part Time, 3% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 97% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 2% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,436 per year, or $20.4 per hour.
Environmental Services Field Technician II Sign on Bonus $3,000

Environmental Services Field Technician II Sign on Bonus $3,000

Republic Services

Richmond, VA • On-site

$20.35 - $28/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

This job post has expired today. Applications are no longer accepted.


Republic Services rating

7.3

Company rating: 7.3 out of 10

Based on 570 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

34th of 88 rated recycling and waste


Job description

POSITION SUMMARY: The Environmental Services (ES) Field Technician II works under general supervision, receives general work instructions, and applies limited judgment in resolving problems. Work is semi-routine in nature, and the incumbent makes decisions within a moderate scope, while also having the opportunity to train or guide less experienced team members. The Environmental Services (ES) Field Technician II performs operational functions related to emergency response, hazardous and non-hazardous spill clean-up, and hazmat decontamination work.
PRINCIPLE RESPONSIBILITIES:
  • Performs tank cleaning, oil spill cleanup, drum handling, decontamination, sweeping and shoveling, high-pressure washing, and various other remedial activities in confined space entry, such as manholes.
  • Responds to customer spills and emergencies during regular business hours and after hours.
  • Performs general housekeeping, including maintenance of equipment and the work site.
  • Operates light and heavy equipment relating to clean-up, including roll-off truck, vacuum truck, box trucks, skid steer, forklift, pumps, and pallet-jack.
  • Performs pre-trip and post-trip Department of Transportation Inspections and maintains vehicle logs.
  • Performs all responsibilities safely and efficiently, ensuring adherence to all safety policies and regulations that govern job performance.
  • Performs other related duties as assigned.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS:
  • Ability to read, write, and comprehend documents such as (but not limited to) operational, technical, process, safety, and quality instructions. Skilled in using hand and shop tools and instruments.
  • Understands the dangers of working with or around chemicals and is able to read and understand safety data sheets to take the necessary steps required to mitigate dangers.
  • Willingness to provide input on working practices to ensure departmental goals are met and exceeded.
  • Has the confidence to inform colleagues of unsafe working practices or conditions.
  • A positive attitude and high level of mental resilience.
  • Ability to adhere to Company policies and rules set forth, promotes the Company's safety standards.
  • Ability to use heavy and light equipment, such as forklift, pallet-jack, skid steer, and other equipment. Skilled in using hand and shop tools and instruments.
  • Demonstrates accuracy, thoroughness, and attention to detail. Must be able to prioritize, stay focused, and handle multiple, diverse responsibilities.
  • Proficiency with light tablet/PC use.
  • General understanding of waste management process, including waste manifests.
  • Class C driver's license with Hazmat endorsement is preferred.
  • Current confined space entry certificate or ability to obtain upon hire is preferred and may be required in some locations.
  • Some states may require a certificate to operate equipment (i.e., man-lift, hoisting license, scissor lift).
  • A valid driver's license may be required for some positions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS:
  • 2 - 4 Years of relevant work experience.
  • Ability to pass 40-hour HAZWOPER Training upon hire.
  • Ability to position self to move objects weighing up to 50 lbs.
  • Experience working with light and heavy equipment and responding to hazardous and non-hazardous emergencies or cleanup.

Industrial Environmental Services Field
Pay Range:
The pay range for this position is $20.35 to $28.00* which reflects the minimum wage in multiple jurisdictions. The actual range will depend on the locality in which you are hired.
Bonus Plan Details (if applicable):
Rewarding Compensation and Benefits
Eligible employees can elect to participate in:
• Comprehensive medical benefits coverage, dental plans and vision coverage.
• Health care and dependent care spending accounts.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Life insurance and accidental death & dismemberment insurance.
• Employee and Family Assistance Program (EAP).
• Employee discount programs.
• 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
• Employee Stock Purchase Plan (ESPP).
• Paid Time Off (PTO)
• Benefits https://jobs.republicservices.com/us/en/about-us/benefits
The statements used herein are intended to describe the general nature and level of the work being performed by an employee in this position, and are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of responsibilities, duties and skills required by an incumbent so classified. Furthermore, they do not establish a contract for employment and are subject to change at the discretion of the Company.
EEO STATEMENT:Republic Services is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, relationship or association with a protected veteran (spouses or other family members), genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. For any concerns relating to Republic Services' commitment to equal opportunity employment, you may contact the AWARE Line at 1-866-3-AWARE-4.
ABOUT THE COMPANY
Republic Services, Inc. (NYSE: RSG) is a leader in the environmental services industry. We provide customers with the most complete set of products and services, including recycling, waste, special waste, hazardous waste and field services. Our industry-leading commitments to advance circularity and support decarbonization are helping deliver on our vision to partner with customers to create a more sustainable world.
In 2025, Republic's total company revenue was $16.6 billion, and adjusted EBITDA was $5.3 billion. We serve 13 million customers and operate more than 1,000 locations, including collection and transfer stations, recycling and polymer centers, treatment facilities, and landfills.
Although we operate across North America, the collection, recycling, treatment, or disposal of materials is a local business, and the dynamics and opportunities differ in each market we serve. By combining local operational management with standardized business practices, we drive greater operating efficiencies across the company while maintaining day-to-day operational decisions at the local level, closest to the customer.
Our customers, including small businesses, major corporations and municipalities, want a partner with the expertise and capabilities to effectively manage their multiple recycling and waste streams. They choose Republic Services because we are committed to exceeding their expectations and helping them achieve their sustainability goals. Our 42,000 team members understand that it's not just what we do that matters, but how we do it.
Our company values guide our daily actions:
  • Safe: We protect the livelihoods of our colleagues and communities.
  • Committed to Serve: We go above and beyond to exceed our customers' expectations.
  • Environmentally Responsible: We take action to improve our environment.
  • Driven: We deliver results in the right way.
  • Human-Centered: We respect the dignity and unique potential of every person.

We are proud of our high employee engagement score of 86. We have an inclusive and diverse culture where every voice counts. In addition, our team positively impacted 5.1 million people in 2024 through the Republic Services Charitable Foundation and local community grants. These projects are designed to meet the specific needs of the communities we serve, with a focus on building sustainable neighborhoods.
STRATEGY
Republic Services' strategy is designed to generate profitable growth. Through acquisitions and industry advancements, we safely and sustainably manage our customers' multiple waste streams through a North American footprint of vertically integrated assets.
We focus on three areas of growth to meet the increasing needs of our customers: recycling and waste, environmental solutions and sustainability innovation.
With our integrated approach, strengthening our position in one area advances other areas of our business. For example, as we grow volume in recycling and waste, we collect additional material to bolster our circularity capabilities. And as we expand environmental solutions, we drive additional opportunities to provide these services to our existing recycling and waste customers.
Recycling and Waste
We continue to expand our recycling and waste business footprint throughout North America through organic growth and targeted acquisitions. The 13 million customers we serve and our more than 5 million pick-ups per day provide us with a distinct advantage. We aggregate materials at scale, unlocking new opportunities for advanced recycling. In addition, we are cross-selling new products and services to better meet our customers' specific needs.
Environmental Solutions
Our comprehensive environmental solutions capabilities help customers safely manage their most technical waste streams. We are expanding both our capabilities and our geographic footprint. We see strong growth opportunities for our offerings, including PFAS remediation, an increasing customer need.
Sustainability Innovation
Republic's recent innovations to advance circularity and decarbonization demonstrate our unique ability to leverage sustainability as a platform for growth.
The Republic Services Polymer Center is the nation's first integrated plastics recycling facility. These innovative sites process rigid plastics from our recycling centers, producing recycled materials that promote true bottle-to-bottle circularity. We also formed Blue Polymers, a joint venture with Ravago, to develop facilities that will further process plastic material from our Polymer Centers to help meet the growing demand for sustainable packaging. We are building a network of Polymer Centers and Blue Polymer facilities across North America.
Our customers are increasingly looking for decarbonization solutions, and we are leveraging our network of landfills to meet that need. Republic is committed to harnessing landfill gas, a natural byproduct of decomposing waste, and converting it to energy. Republic has partnered with renewable gas developers to construct Renewable Natural Gas (RNG) plants at our landfills, expanding beyond the 77 projects we currently have to make progress towards our goal to beneficially reuse 50% more biogas by 2030 (2017 baseline year).
RECENT RECOGNITION
  • Barron's 100 Most Sustainable Companies
  • CDP Discloser
  • Dow Jones Best-In-Class Indices
  • Ethisphere's World's Most Ethical Companies
  • Fortune World's Most Admired Companies
  • Great Place to Work
  • Sustainability Yearbook S&P Global

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