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Disaster Relief Worker Jobs in California (NOW HIRING)

Community Health Worker - 2025640

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is ... Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community ...

Community Health Worker - 2025640

Sacramento, CA · On-site

$20.25 - $26.75/hr

ORGANIZATION SUMMARY World Relief is a global Christian humanitarian organization whose mission is ... Today, organizational programming focuses on humanitarian and disaster response, community ...

Driver I

Fontana, CA

$21.40 - $26.45/hr

... disaster relief to communities in need. For more information, visit Lowes.com. Pay Range: $21.40 ... Associate Benefits ( ) Working at one of the largest retail companies has its perks. We offer ...

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Showing results 1-20

Disaster Relief Worker information

See California salary details

$22.2K

$37.4K

$47.4K

How much do disaster relief worker jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 26, 2026, the average yearly pay for disaster relief worker in California is $37,416.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $29,600.00 and $43,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a disaster relief worker?

A Disaster Relief Worker helps communities recover from natural disasters, conflicts, or other emergencies by providing essential aid and support. Their tasks may include distributing supplies, offering medical assistance, assessing damage, coordinating logistics, and supporting displaced individuals. They often work with government agencies, nonprofits, and international organizations to ensure effective relief efforts. This role requires adaptability, problem-solving skills, and the ability to work in high-stress environments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a disaster relief worker?

To thrive as a Disaster Relief Worker, you need knowledge of emergency response protocols, basic medical care, and logistical coordination, often backed by a degree in emergency management or a related field. Familiarity with incident management systems, satellite communication tools, and certifications such as CPR, First Aid, or FEMA training is often required. Strong teamwork, resilience under stress, and cross-cultural communication are standout soft skills in this position. These competencies ensure effective and timely aid delivery, safety, and adaptability in challenging, rapidly changing environments.

What are the typical working conditions and challenges faced by disaster relief workers?

Disaster Relief Workers often work in unpredictable and high-pressure environments, including areas affected by natural disasters or humanitarian crises. Shifts can be long and may require physical endurance, as well as the ability to operate in challenging conditions such as extreme weather or limited resources. Collaboration with multi-agency teams—including government officials, NGOs, and local volunteers—is common, requiring strong teamwork and adaptability. Despite the demanding nature, the role offers immense fulfillment by directly helping individuals and communities recover and rebuild during times of need.

Do disaster relief workers get paid?

Disaster relief workers are typically paid for their work, especially if they are employed by government agencies, non-profit organizations, or contracted firms. Compensation varies based on the organization, location, experience, and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or volunteer; many positions also offer benefits such as hazard pay or overtime. Volunteer roles are unpaid, but paid positions often require relevant skills, certifications, and the ability to work in challenging environments.

How do you become a disaster relief worker?

To become a disaster relief worker, individuals typically need a high school diploma or equivalent, relevant skills such as first aid and crisis management, and often obtain certifications like CPR or emergency response training. Gaining experience through volunteering or working with emergency services can also improve chances of employment in this field.

Is disaster relief a good career?

Disaster relief work is a challenging but rewarding career that involves providing aid during emergencies such as natural disasters and humanitarian crises. It requires strong problem-solving skills, physical endurance, and often involves working in high-stress environments with irregular hours. Many professionals find it fulfilling due to its impact, but it can also be physically demanding and emotionally taxing.
Infographic showing various Disaster Relief Worker job openings in California as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 1% Temporary, 4% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 70% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 28% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $37,416 per year, or $18 per hour.

Join Our Disaster Action Team in Alpine County!

American Red Cross Gold Country Region

Markleeville, CA • On-site

Other

Posted 15 days ago


Job description

Schedule a call to learn more about this role -

  • Copy and Paste this Link: https://outlook.office365.com/owa/calendar/AmericanRedCrossVolunteerRecruitmentCaliforniaGoldCountry@AmericanRedCross.onmicrosoft.com/bookings/s/s2xeo3CDfk2avkjbruSzyQ2

Overview:

The Disaster Action Team (DAT) serves as the first Red Cross contact at the scene of a disaster. As a lifeline for people facing the most difficult crisis of their lives, the Red Cross Disaster Action Team supports those affected by fires, floods and other natural or man-made disasters. The California Gold Country Region responds to a local emergency - most often house or apartment fires - an average of once every 11 hours!

The DAT conducts the initial disaster relief fieldwork to ensure that the affected clients are given resources to aid in their recovery over the next few days or weeks. These teams are providing the first steps in the recovery process for those directly impacted by a disaster. A DAT generally consists of a team leader, team member, and one or two members in training.

Required Training:

4-5 hours of Virtual self-paced and instructor-led training.

Qualifications:

Must be 18 years of age or Older.

Have a valid driver’s license or reliable form of transportation.

Possess strong interpersonal communication and problem-solving skills.

Able to work with clients under stress while remaining objective and empathetic.

Able to promote and maintain productive working relationships with a variety of individuals from diverse backgrounds.

Able to understand and apply Red Cross policies and procedures appropriately.

Must commit to a once-per-month minimum on-call rotation for your territory team.

Complete online training with in 90 days.

Specific responsibilities include:

Responding immediately to dispatches

Performing disaster assessments

Compassionately interviewing clients

Assessing immediate emergency needs

Ready to become a Red Cross volunteer? Submit a volunteer application today –

  • Copy and Paste this Link: https://volunteerconnection.redcross.org/?nd=lead&a=160366&h=153&p=1884873&or=7735
  • Select “Apply Now” and follow the steps till application is submitted (Takes about 5 minutes)