... cleanup during and after severe weather events. • Support citywide emergency response operations as directed, including disaster recovery and public safety efforts. • Respond to tree-related ...
... cleanup during and after severe weather events. • Support citywide emergency response operations as directed, including disaster recovery and public safety efforts. • Respond to tree-related ...
Disaster Cleanup information
See Mississippi salary details
$27.5K - $40.2K
24% of jobs
$41K is the 25th percentile. Wages below this are outliers.
$40.2K - $52.9K
12% of jobs
The median wage is $63.6K / yr.
$52.9K - $65.6K
17% of jobs
$65.6K - $78.3K
13% of jobs
$78.3K - $91K
8% of jobs
$94.9K is the 75th percentile. Wages above this are outliers.
$91K - $103.7K
4% of jobs
$103.7K - $116.4K
4% of jobs
$116.4K - $129.1K
3% of jobs
$129.1K - $141.8K
2% of jobs
$141.8K - $154.5K
5% of jobs
$154.5K - $167.2K
7% of jobs
$27.5K
$82.4K
$167.2K
How much do disaster cleanup jobs pay per year?
As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for disaster cleanup in Mississippi is $82,412.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $44,000.00 and $110,800.00 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 job categories do people searching Disaster Cleanup jobs in Mississippi look for? The top searched job categories for Disaster Cleanup jobs in Mississippi are:
What cities in Mississippi are hiring for Disaster Cleanup jobs? Cities in Mississippi with the most Disaster Cleanup job openings:
Equipment Operator - Urban Forestry - City of Hattiesburg
Hattiesburg, MS • On-site
$17/hr
Full-time
Re-posted 5 days ago
Job description
Position: Equipment Operator
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Urban Forestry
Rate of Pay: $17.00/hr.
Nature of Work:
This is a skilled position on the Urban Forestry Tree Crew responsible for operating specialized equipment to support tree maintenance and removal activities throughout the City of Hattiesburg. The ideal candidate will have experience with bucket trucks, chainsaws, and other forestry-related machinery. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, as crew coordination is critical for safety and efficiency.
This work is physically demanding and performed outdoors in all weather conditions. This position plays a critical role in supporting citywide emergency response efforts during storms, hurricanes, high-wind events, ice storms, and other natural or declared emergencies. Employees must be available to assist with emergency operations, including extended shifts and on-call assignments outside normal working hours.
Safety is a core value in this role. The employee must have a strong understanding of safety protocols and adhere to them at all times. Tree work is inherently dangerous, and maintaining a safe work environment for the crew and the public is non-negotiable.
Examples of Work:
• Perform tree removal, trimming, pruning, and planting.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as bucket trucks, chippers, stump grinders, knuckle-boom loaders, skid-steer loaders (e.g., Bobcat), and chainsaws.
• Work closely with team members to coordinate tasks and maintain efficient workflow.
• Ensure a safe work environment by consistently following safety procedures and protocols.
• Assist in storm damage response and debris cleanup during and after severe weather events.
• Support citywide emergency response operations as directed, including disaster recovery and public safety efforts.
• Respond to tree-related emergencies, including after-hours and weekend call-outs as part of an on-call rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Qualifications:
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred.
• Candidates who do not possess a CDL at the time of hire will be required to enroll in an approved CDL training program within the first year of employment and must obtain a CDL learner's permit within the first eight (8) months of employment. Continued employment is contingent upon successful progress toward obtaining a CDL.
• At least two (2) years of experience in tree work preferred.
• Proficiency in operating tree and forestry equipment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Ability and willingness to follow strict safety procedures at all times.
• Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions and responding to emergency situations when needed.
Department: Parks & Recreation
Division: Urban Forestry
Rate of Pay: $17.00/hr.
Nature of Work:
This is a skilled position on the Urban Forestry Tree Crew responsible for operating specialized equipment to support tree maintenance and removal activities throughout the City of Hattiesburg. The ideal candidate will have experience with bucket trucks, chainsaws, and other forestry-related machinery. Strong teamwork and communication skills are essential, as crew coordination is critical for safety and efficiency.
This work is physically demanding and performed outdoors in all weather conditions. This position plays a critical role in supporting citywide emergency response efforts during storms, hurricanes, high-wind events, ice storms, and other natural or declared emergencies. Employees must be available to assist with emergency operations, including extended shifts and on-call assignments outside normal working hours.
Safety is a core value in this role. The employee must have a strong understanding of safety protocols and adhere to them at all times. Tree work is inherently dangerous, and maintaining a safe work environment for the crew and the public is non-negotiable.
Examples of Work:
• Perform tree removal, trimming, pruning, and planting.
• Operate and maintain equipment such as bucket trucks, chippers, stump grinders, knuckle-boom loaders, skid-steer loaders (e.g., Bobcat), and chainsaws.
• Work closely with team members to coordinate tasks and maintain efficient workflow.
• Ensure a safe work environment by consistently following safety procedures and protocols.
• Assist in storm damage response and debris cleanup during and after severe weather events.
• Support citywide emergency response operations as directed, including disaster recovery and public safety efforts.
• Respond to tree-related emergencies, including after-hours and weekend call-outs as part of an on-call rotation.
• Perform other duties as assigned by supervisors.
Qualifications:
• Commercial Driver's License (CDL) preferred.
• Candidates who do not possess a CDL at the time of hire will be required to enroll in an approved CDL training program within the first year of employment and must obtain a CDL learner's permit within the first eight (8) months of employment. Continued employment is contingent upon successful progress toward obtaining a CDL.
• At least two (2) years of experience in tree work preferred.
• Proficiency in operating tree and forestry equipment.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Strong communication skills and proven ability to work effectively in a team setting.
• Ability and willingness to follow strict safety procedures at all times.
• Capable of working outdoors in all weather conditions and responding to emergency situations when needed.