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Disaster Cleanup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

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Disaster Restoration Technician Schedule: Full-Time | On-Call and Weekend Availability May Be ... This hands-on role involves emergency response, cleanup, demolition, and restoration work on ...

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Disaster Cleanup information

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$87K

$176.5K

How much do disaster cleanup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for disaster cleanup in the United States is $87,018.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $46,500.00 and $117,000.00 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.

More about Disaster Cleanup jobs
What cities are hiring for Disaster Cleanup jobs? Cities with the most Disaster Cleanup job openings:
What are the most commonly searched types of Disaster Cleanup jobs? The most popular types of Disaster Cleanup jobs are:
What states have the most Disaster Cleanup jobs? States with the most job openings for Disaster Cleanup jobs include:
Infographic showing various Disaster Cleanup job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 12% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $87,018 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Water Damage Restoration Technician

Water Damage Restoration Technician

Rainbow Restoration

Greenville, SC

$18 - $27/hr

Other

Medical, Retirement

Posted 12 days ago


Rainbow Restoration rating

6.9

Company rating: 6.9 out of 10

Based on 18 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz


Job description

Are you looking for a career where you can make a difference in people’s lives and the community? Do you want variety in your job, where every day is different? Do you enjoy being part of a team and rolling up your sleeves to achieve a common goal?

If you said yes to the above, then we may have a great opportunity for you at Rainbow Restoration as an Emergency Services Technician!

This is not just a job — it is an opportunity to build a long-term career within the Restoration Industry. We are looking for career-oriented individuals who are eager to learn, grow, and develop into future leaders within our organization. Many of our technicians go on to lead teams, manage projects, and grow into leadership roles throughout the company.

The ideal candidate is self-driven, enthusiastic, hardworking, and motivated to make a quality difference within our territories while helping customers during some of the most difficult situations they may experience.

The hourly rate is based on cost of living within the assigned territory as well as previous experience and certifications. The pay range for this role is between $18–$27 per hour. With overtime and emergency response opportunities, motivated technicians can earn an additional $3,000–$10,000 annually in overtime pay.

Competitive Perks

  • Competitive Pay
  • 401(k) with Company Match
  • 50% of Medical Insurance Costs Covered by Employer
  • Company-Paid IICRC Certifications & Continuing Education (including renewals)
  • Career Growth & Advancement Opportunities
  • Hands-On Training & Leadership Development
  • Opportunity for Overtime & Emergency Response Incentives
  • Supportive Team-Oriented Environment

Position Summary

An Emergency Services Technician is a key component of our restoration team, responsible for responding to residential and commercial property losses related to water, mold, fire, storm, and other emergency situations.

This role focuses heavily on water mitigation, structural drying, mold remediation, containment, demolition, and disaster cleanup while helping customers restore their homes and businesses after unexpected losses.

This position is ideal for someone who thrives in fast-paced environments, enjoys physical and hands-on work, takes pride in helping others, and can maintain urgency and professionalism during emergency situations.

Duties & Responsibilities

  • Respond to residential and commercial emergency losses involving water, mold, fire, storm, and other property damage
  • Perform water mitigation services according to IICRC standards and company procedures
  • Become proficient in water extraction, structural drying, mold remediation, containment setup, demolition, and disaster cleanup
  • Operate restoration equipment including air movers, dehumidifiers, extraction units, HEPA filtration devices, and moisture detection tools
  • Work with power tools and perform demolition work as needed throughout mitigation projects
  • Monitor drying progress and document moisture readings, equipment usage, and job updates accurately
  • Establish and maintain schedules to ensure services are completed efficiently and on time
  • Communicate professionally with customers regarding scope of work, expectations, timelines, and necessary documentation
  • Maintain accurate job documentation including notes, sketches, photos, and equipment counts
  • Ensure job sites remain clean, safe, and compliant with company and OSHA standards
  • Maintain company vehicles, tools, and restoration equipment to ensure operational readiness
  • Participate in emergency on-call rotations including nights, weekends, and holidays as business demands require
  • Travel throughout state with potential overnight stays when needed to support operations
  • Cross-train in related restoration services including contents cleaning, carpet cleaning, and reconstruction support
  • Perform additional operational duties and emergency response tasks as assigned

Requirements & Skills

  • Not afraid to roll up your sleeves and get dirty
  • Strong work ethic with a positive, team-oriented attitude
  • Empathy, professionalism, and strong customer service skills
  • Eagerness to learn and grow within the Restoration Industry
  • Ability to work independently while also thriving in a team environment
  • Comfortable working in emergency response situations and fast-paced environments
  • Strong verbal and written communication skills
  • Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record
  • Ability to pass a drug test and extensive background screening
  • Ability to lift and/or move up to 100 pounds
  • Comfortable standing, walking, climbing, bending, and working at elevated heights or in confined spaces such as crawlspaces and attics while wearing PPE
  • Comfortable working around demolition debris, moisture-damaged materials, and varying environmental conditions
  • Ability to work overtime, participate in on-call rotations, and travel statewide as needed
  • IICRC Certifications are a plus but not required

Why Join Rainbow Restoration?

At Rainbow Restoration, we believe in investing in our employees and creating long-term career opportunities. We foster a supportive, team-oriented culture where hard work, initiative, growth, and leadership are recognized and rewarded.

Every day presents a new challenge and an opportunity to help customers recover from unexpected property losses — and our team takes pride in making that happen.

Looking for a career working with the best? Join the Rainbow Family!


Rainbow Restoration provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, or genetics. In addition to federal law requirements, Rainbow Restoration complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company operates. Rainbow Restoration expressly prohibits any form of workplace harassment based on race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, genetic information, disability, or veteran status.


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