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Disaster Cleanup Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

ServiceMaster

Restoration Laborer

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$18 - $22/hr

We're one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the US, providing water and fire damage ... cleanup, demolition and light construction, carpet cleaning, and content handling/storage * Learn ...

City of Vernon

Street Maintenance Worker

Los Angeles, CA · On-site

$61K - $74K/yr

Performs weed, litter and illegal dumping control and cleanup; maintains bus stops; disposes of ... Pursuant to California Government Code 3100, all public employees are required to serve as disaster ...

WELLQUEST LIVING LLC

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

Complete general cleanup of dish room, kitchen and dining areas. * Make resident satisfaction the ... Knows, understands and can follow facility fire plan, disaster plan, and safety procedures. Ability ...

WellQuest Corporate

Dishwasher

Palo Alto, CA · On-site

$15.50 - $17.50/hr

Complete general cleanup of dish room, kitchen and dining areas. * Make resident satisfaction the ... Knows, understands and can follow facility fire plan, disaster plan, and safety procedures. Ability ...

Volarify

General Manager (ID# 626)

San Francisco, CA · On-site

... other disaster-related damage. They are dedicated to restoring properties and rebuilding lives ... cleanup and repair of damage to residential and commercial properties • Build foundational ...

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All JobsDisaster Cleanup JobsDisaster Cleanup Jobs in California

Disaster Cleanup information

See California salary details

$28.6K

$85.9K

$174.2K

How much do disaster cleanup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 2026, the average yearly pay for disaster cleanup in California is $85,878.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $45,900.00 and $115,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Who cleans up after disasters?

Disaster cleanup is typically performed by specialized teams such as disaster response and recovery workers, including contractors, hazardous material handlers, and emergency services. These professionals use tools like protective gear and cleaning equipment to remove debris, restore safety, and prevent health hazards in affected areas.

How to get into storm cleanup?

To get into storm cleanup as a disaster cleanup worker, you should gain physical fitness, learn safety procedures, and obtain relevant certifications such as OSHA training. Experience with tools like chainsaws and debris removal equipment is helpful, and being prepared for irregular hours and challenging environments is common in this field.

What qualifications do you need to work for FEMA?

Disaster cleanup jobs with FEMA typically require relevant experience in disaster response, environmental cleanup, or construction, along with the ability to work in physically demanding and potentially hazardous environments. Certifications such as OSHA safety training or hazardous materials handling may be required, and a background check is usually conducted. Strong communication skills and the ability to work under pressure are also important.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in disaster cleanup?

A typical workday in disaster cleanup involves assessing damage, removing debris, using specialized equipment to clean and sanitize affected areas, and following strict safety procedures to handle hazardous materials. You may work both indoors and outdoors, often in environments impacted by floods, fires, storms, or other disasters. Teams coordinate closely to prioritize urgent tasks, ensuring areas are restored swiftly and safely. Flexibility is essential, as schedules can vary depending on emergency situations and response needs. Over time, you can take on more responsibility, learn advanced remediation techniques, and work toward supervisory or project management roles.

Which emergency job pays the most?

In disaster cleanup and emergency response roles, positions such as hazardous materials specialists and emergency management directors tend to have the highest salaries. These jobs often require specialized training, certifications, and experience, and may involve working in high-risk environments or overseeing large-scale operations.

What is a Disaster Cleanup job?

A Disaster Cleanup job involves removing debris, water, and hazardous materials after natural disasters like hurricanes, floods, and fires. Workers clean, sanitize, and restore affected areas to ensure safety and habitability. This job may include mold remediation, structural repairs, and hazardous waste disposal. It requires physical labor, protective equipment, and sometimes specialized training.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the Disaster Cleanup position, and why are they important?

To thrive in Disaster Cleanup, you need strong physical stamina, attention to detail, knowledge of safety protocols, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with personal protective equipment (PPE), specialized cleaning tools, hazardous material handling, and certifications like HAZWOPER are typically required. Dependability, teamwork, adaptability, and strong communication skills help professionals stand out in challenging environments. These qualifications are critical for maintaining safety standards, efficiently restoring affected areas, and effectively collaborating with emergency response teams.

What are the most commonly searched types of Disaster Cleanup jobs in California? The most popular types of Disaster Cleanup jobs in California are:
What are popular job titles related to Disaster Cleanup jobs in California? For Disaster Cleanup jobs in California, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disaster Cleanup jobs in California look for? The top searched job categories for Disaster Cleanup jobs in California are:
What cities in California are hiring for Disaster Cleanup jobs? Cities in California with the most Disaster Cleanup job openings:
Disaster Cleanup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Disaster Cleanup job openings in California as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 85% Full Time, 10% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $85,878 per year, or $41.3 per hour.
Restoration Laborer

Restoration Laborer

ServiceMaster

Sacramento, CA • On-site

$18 - $22/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 10 days ago

Job description

Are you interested in building a career where you'll get to do something different every day and have a clear path from entry-level to six-figure income in 36 months? If so, let's talk.
We're one of the largest disaster restoration companies in the US, providing water and fire damage services to residential and commercial customers, and we're actively hiring for our project manager training program.
Come join our fast-growing company as an entry-level technician in Sacramento. You'll be provided with a training and development plan that puts you in the driver's seat to grow from an entry-level technician to project manager in as little as three years. All that's required from you to get started is a positive attitude and the aptitude to learn (through mentorship) how to solve restoration problems using your hands and brain. In exchange, you'll be fairly compensated while learning a variety of transferrable skills related to construction, customer service, leadership, technology, and insurance.
So, if you're ready to join a winning team, where you'll be challenged in a fast-growing company, supported by management that wants to see you succeed, and be competitively compensated, then we'd love to hear from you!
Responsibilities:
  • Assist lead technicians and project managers with mitigation and restoration projects, including but not limited to: water extraction and mitigation, fire and smoke cleaning and restoration, biohazard cleanup, demolition and light construction, carpet cleaning, and content handling/storage
  • Learn and follow established policies and standard operating procedures as directed by your lead technician and/or project manager to ensure successful job completion- e.g., photo documentation of jobsites, checklist completion, upload notes into CRM job tracking system, safety logs, etc.
  • Provide exceptional customer service
  • Care for the company's equipment, tools, and vehicles you're provided
  • Collaborate with production managers, job coordinators, and production teams
  • Complete and maintain required trainings and certifications- e.g., IICRC Water Damage Restoration Technician
  • All other duties as assigned, including being on call as required

Requirements:
  • Great person/leader -- leadership ability, judgment, adaptability, integrity, and humility
  • Passion to learn and improve
  • Excellent customer service skills
  • Desire to excel in a 24/7/365 emergency services (disaster restoration) business
  • Willingness to work substantial overtime as required
  • Computer proficiency-e.g., email, CRM software, etc.
  • Valid driver's license preferred, but not required
  • Primary physical presence at branch location in Sacramento
  • High school diploma
  • Ability to stand, walk, bend and sit for long periods of time
  • Ability to lift/carry 25 lb+

Compensation, benefits, and perks offered:
  • Competitive starting hourly wage ranging from $18-22/hr., depending on experience, with the ability for consistent pay raises with performance as you advance to becoming a project manager
  • Paid vacation, holidays, and sick time
  • Medical, dental, and vision insurance
  • Retirement/401(k) plan with company match
  • Paid training and development
  • Opportunities to move to different branches/states, and even to mobilize for large weather events if you so choose

ServiceMaster Restore by SRS is a drug free and equal opportunity employer to all, regardless of age, ancestry, color, disability (mental and physical), exercising the right to family care and medical leave, gender, gender expression, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, medical condition, military or veteran status.
This employer participates in E-Verify and will provide the federal government with your Form I-9 information to confirm that you are authorized to work in the U.S. If E-Verify cannot confirm that you are authorized to work, this employer is required to give you written instructions and an opportunity to contact Department of Homeland Security (DHS) or Social Security Administration (SSA) so you can begin to resolve the issue before the employer can take any action against you, including terminating your employment. Employers can only use E-Verify once you have accepted a job offer and completed the Form I-9.
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