A Job as Steady as Snowflakes
Once the summer sun sets and the crisp chill of winter creeps into the air, New Yorkers have to gear up for one thing: snow. And while many are preparing for cocoa and cozy blankets, the city's Department of Sanitation is busy gearing up for a different kind of need—emergency snow shovelers. Yes, you heard it right! The Big Apple is inviting residents to don their winter gear, roll up their sleeves, and help combat the inevitable snowstorm chaos.
The city recently announced that it is looking for some heroes to join the "snow brigade." If you’ve ever dreamt of earning money while fighting against winter's icy grips, now’s your chance to turn the dream into reality. What's the catch? Besides the obvious challenge of working outside in the frigid air, you're presented with an opportunity to earn a pretty decent wage—business as usual in a city that never sleeps, and certainly never stops shoveling after a storm.
Dollars and Sense: Wages and Benefits
What can shovelers expect in terms of compensation? The city is offering around $20 an hour for these positions. While not exactly Wall Street earnings, it’s certainly more than the average cup of hot chocolate cost. Moreover, it’s a golden opportunity for side hustlers or anyone looking to make a bit of extra cash—especially during the holiday season when everyone seems to need a bit of extra spending money.
And if you find yourself wondering why partake in shoveling snow when your hobbies might include binge-watching Netflix or trying out every coffee shop in Brooklyn, consider this: the flexible hours allow you to pick when you want to work; whether it's early morning or late at night. Not to mention, spending time outdoors can also be a welcome reprieve from the screen-heavy lives most of us lead. Remember, there’s a certain charm that comes with seeing the city blanketed in white; who wouldn’t want to experience that up close?
Who’s Eligible to Shovel?
It's worth noting that NYC is looking for individuals aged 18 and over. Perfect for college students and anyone looking to earn some money without committing to a full-time gig! Applicants don’t need prior work experience in snow removal, but familiarity with the chilly conditions and an ability to lift heavy loads will help. Seasonal workers, part-time heroes, full-time dreamers—this gig is perfect for a wide range of applicants.
But don't just jump on the snow-shoveling bandwagon willy-nilly. Interested folks should apply as soon as possible since the season's first storm can always be just around the corner. Ideally, you want to be prepped and ready, snow shovel in hand, when that first blizzard hits.
As snow removal isn't exactly a new concept in New York City, it's also wise to consider some history here. For days, the city remains snowbound, past blizzards like the infamous 2016 storm served as a reminder of just how crucial these roles can become. Sometimes, if you're lucky enough, you might even get to work alongside the venerable snow plows that roam the streets in a quest to clear paths while battling Mother Nature’s icy wrath.
Each year, the hunt begins to recruit city workers to help clear the sidewalks and roads that are essential to keeping the city running smoothly. Previous seasons have shown just how well teamwork can perform when things get slippery.
