ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Disaster Cleanup Jobs (NOW HIRING)

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsDisaster Cleanup Jobs

Disaster Cleanup information

See salary details

$29K

$87K

$176.5K

How much do disaster cleanup jobs pay per year?

As of Jul 17, 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:
What job categories do people searching Disaster Cleanup jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Disaster Cleanup jobs are:
Disaster Cleanup jobs near you
Infographic showing various Disaster Cleanup job openings in the United States as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 86% Full Time, 9% Part Time, and 5% Temporary. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $87,018 per year, or $41.8 per hour.
Restoration Technician

Restoration Technician

First Atlantic Restoration

Virginia Beach, VA • On-site

$19 - $26/hr

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 25 days ago

Job description

Responsive recruiter
Benefits:
  • 401(k)
  • Bonus based on performance
  • Competitive salary
  • Dental insurance
  • Health insurance
  • Opportunity for advancement
  • Paid time off
  • Training & development
  • Vision insurance
  • Wellness resources

About Us
At First Atlantic Restoration, we help people recover from water, fire, and mold damage with urgency, care, and professionalism. Our team takes pride in being the first on the scene when disaster strikes - and the last to leave when a home or business is safe again. If you're hands-on, calm under pressure, and ready to lead from the front, we want to talk to you.
What You'll Do
• Work as part of a team on water, fire, and mold remediation projects
• Conduct detailed damage assessments and develop action plans
• Set up and monitor drying equipment (air movers, dehumidifiers, etc.)
• Perform demolition when necessary (e.g., baseboards, drywall, flooring)
• Oversee moisture mapping and job documentation (paperwork & digital)
• Communicate clearly with customers throughout the project
• Uphold company standards and ensure high-quality restoration work
What You Should Expect
• Fast-paced work, often in emergency situations
• Getting dirty (yes, sometimes smelly, wet, or physically intense)
• Deep job satisfaction when a customer says: "Thank you for saving my home."
• Being on-call in rotation - storms and leaks don't clock out at 5 PM
• Being part of a crew that has your back, no matter how tough the job
The pay range for this position is $19 - $26 per hour with commissions, on-call bonuses and overtime available.
What We're Looking For
• Strong attention to detail, communication skills and commitment to doing the job right
• Ability to lift 50+ lbs, work in tight/confined spaces, and stand for long periods
• Valid driver's license with clean driving record
• Comfortable using mobile apps to record information
What You'll Get
• Competitive hourly pay + overtime + project bonuses
• Shared company vehicle for commuting to job sites
• Paid training, certifications and advancement paths
• 100% Paid Health Insurance Premium
• Dental, vision and life insurance plans available
• PTO, paid holidays and 401(k)
• Gym Wellness Incentive
• Cell Phone Allowance
• Scholarship and Home Ownership Programs
• Family-like team environment and leadership that listens
Compensation: $19.00 - $26.00 per hour
We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
WHO WE ARE
For more than 30 years, First Atlantic Restoration has provided high quality, award winning disaster cleanup, mitigation, and restoration services for both commercial and residential properties. We are a locally-owned, Virginia Beach-based company with multiple offices in our service area covering Virginia Beach, Newport News, Hampton, Norfolk, Chesapeake, Williamsburg, Richmond, Charlottesville and the surrounding towns and cities.
We provide emergency mitigation services 24/7/365 capable of responding to any size or complexity of property damage, biohazard containment or cleanup. Our high performing reconstruction department has won multiple national awards for excellence, performance, and creativity in disaster recovery solutions. Our infection control division First Atlantic Environmental is also entrusted daily with the lives and health of immune compromised patients in hospitals, operating rooms and nursing homes throughout our service area. Since 1990, over 45,000 clients have benefited from our expertise.
We are powered by our people - an excited, highly trained team driven by our core values that include humility, kindness and actions that all honor our God, our families, and each other.
Our 501(c)3 Give First charitable foundation also allows us to constantly help those unable to repay us, focusing on disabled veterans, disabled children, and other families in need of restoration, remodeling, handicap accessibility and other repairs to their homes and facilities.

Apply