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Disaster Cleanup Jobs in Tennessee (NOW HIRING)

About Us We are a fast-growing disaster mitigation company providing 24/7 emergency response for ... Perform demolition, cleanup, and job site preparation as required. Maintain mitigation equipment ...

Sales and Marketing Representative

Alcoa, TN · On-site

$35K - $47K/yr

Water Damage Mitigation/Cleanup * Mold Testing and Remediation * Fire/Smoke Damage Restoration ... the Disaster Restoration field; IICRC Certifications preferred * 1-2 years of sales experience or ...

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Disaster Cleanup information

See Tennessee salary details

$26.3K

$79K

$160.2K

How much do disaster cleanup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 16, 2026, the average yearly pay for disaster cleanup in Tennessee is $78,979.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $42,200.00 and $106,200.00 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 popular job titles related to Disaster Cleanup jobs in Tennessee? For Disaster Cleanup jobs in Tennessee, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Disaster Cleanup jobs in Tennessee look for? The top searched job categories for Disaster Cleanup jobs in Tennessee are:
What cities in Tennessee are hiring for Disaster Cleanup jobs? Cities in Tennessee with the most Disaster Cleanup job openings:
Infographic showing various Disaster Cleanup job openings in Tennessee as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 100% Full Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $78,979 per year, or $38 per hour.
: Hydraulic Crane Operator

: Hydraulic Crane Operator

Big Woody's Tree Service, LLC

Chattanooga, TN • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, PTO

Re-posted 28 days ago


Job description

Benefits:
  • Company parties
  • Dental insurance
  • Free uniforms
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Vision insurance

Job Description: Hydraulic Crane Operator
– Tree Service
Position: Hydraulic Crane Operator (Tree Service)
Location: Chattanooga, Tn. Must be local to this area.
Job Type: Full-Time 
Salary: Top Pay Comprehensive Benefits for the Right Candidate
Travel Requirement: Must be willing to travel for storm response work
Equipment Preference: Liebherr and other pin-lock boom hydraulic cranes
Job Summary:
We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Hydraulic Crane Operator with a strong
background in tree removal and tree service operations. The ideal candidate must be
proficient in operating pin-lock boom hydraulic cranes, preferably Liebherr machines, and
must be comfortable working in hazardous, tight-space environments where precision is
critical.
As a Hydraulic Crane Operator, you will work closely with climbers, ground crews,
arborists, and foremen to execute complex tree removals and emergency storm cleanup safely
and efficiently. Candidates must demonstrate strong mechanical aptitude, operational
precision, and situational awareness. A formal evaluation, including practical and written
exams, will be required to verify skill level.
This position offers top pay and benefits, with opportunities for storm response deployments
and overtime pay. We are looking for professionals who take pride in their work and are
dedicated to safety, efficiency, and teamwork.
Key Responsibilities:
Crane Operation Tree Service Tasks:
 Operate hydraulic cranes (preferably Liebherr pin-lock boom models) for tree
removal, lifting, and precision work in residential, commercial, and emergency
settings.
 Safely maneuver and position the crane in tight or restricted access areas, avoiding
obstacles such as power lines, buildings, and landscaping.
 Work with tree climbers, bucket truck operators, and ground crews to coordinate
rigging, load placement, and tree section removals.
 Lift and hoist large tree sections, logs, limbs, and other debris using proper rigging
techniques to avoid shock loading or dynamic movement.
 Conduct daily crane inspections and maintenance checks, ensuring proper hydraulic
function, stabilizer deployment, and boom integrity.
 Adjust boom extension, load capacity, and lifting angles based on the weight and
condition of the tree sections being lifted.
 Utilize wireless headsets and radio communication to coordinate precise movements
with the ground crew and job foreman.
 Execute complex and technical lifts, including dead trees, hazardous limbs, trees over
houses, and confined-area lifts.
 Adhere to strict safety protocols and industry standards, following OSHA, ANSI, and
company policies.
Storm Response Emergency Operations:
 Must be willing and available to deploy for emergency storm response work, often
requiring extended hours and travel.
 Operate cranes in disaster-stricken areas for storm-damaged tree removal and debris
clearing.
 Work safely in high-risk conditions, including wet or unstable ground, strong winds,
and low-visibility environments.
 Collaborate with power companies, emergency responders, and municipal crews when
working on storm restoration projects.
Maintenance Equipment Care:
 Conduct pre-operational and post-operational crane inspections to ensure mechanical
readiness.
 Maintain detailed crane operation logs and maintenance records as per company and
regulatory requirements.
 Assist with minor mechanical repairs, hydraulic adjustments, and lubrication
schedules to keep equipment running efficiently.
 Report any mechanical or safety concerns to the fleet manager or maintenance
department immediately.
Qualifications Requirements:
Experience Skills:
✔️ Minimum of 5 years experience operating hydraulic cranes in tree service, logging, or a
similar industry.
✔️ Proficiency in running pin-lock boom cranes, preferably Liebherr models.
✔️ Strong background in tree removal techniques and rigging principles.
✔️ Experience with precision lifting and working in confined spaces near buildings, power
lines, and other structures.
✔️ Knowledge of load charts, crane dynamics, and weight calculations for safe lifting
practices.
✔️ Ability to assess job sites for stability, terrain safety, and crane positioning.
✔️ Experience in storm response, emergency tree work, and disaster recovery is highly
preferred.
Licenses Certifications:
✔️ NCCCO (National Commission for the Certification of Crane Operators) certification a
MUST.
✔️ Valid Class A or B CDL with a clean driving record (required).
✔️ OSHA 10 or 30-Hour Certification (preferred).
✔️ CPR and First Aid training (preferred).
✔️ Rigging Signal Person Certification (preferred but not required).
Work Environment Physical Demands:
�� Must be comfortable working outdoors in extreme weather conditions (heat, cold, rain,
wind).
�� Ability to work at heights, operate in tight spaces, and navigate uneven terrain.
�� Must be able to lift and carry 50+ lbs., perform bending, kneeling, and climbing activities.
�� Ability to work long hours, including overtime, weekends, and emergency call-outs.
�� Must be willing to travel extensively for storm and emergency work at a moments notice.
Compensation Benefits:
�� Top pay based on experience and skill level.
✅ Health, Dental, and Vision insurance options.
✅ Paid time off (PTO) and holiday pay.
✅ Overtime hazard pay for storm response deployments.
✅ Ongoing training, certifications, and professional development opportunities.
How to Apply:
Interested candidates should submit their resume, crane certifications, and a list of previous
tree work experience. Qualified applicants will be required to take a practical crane operator
exam before hiring.
�� Apply today! Join our elite team of skilled crane operators and take your career to new
heights! ������