Temperatures may still be in the 70s, but that isn’t stopping New York City from getting prepped for the winter. The city launched its search for emergency snow shovelers on Tuesday, with a new process that includes early registration, paid training in December and a pay increase of up to $45 p er hour, along with faster payments. The changes build on the program’s efforts last winter, when thousands of New Yorkers responded to the call during historic storms. Mayor Zohran Mamdani made the announcement with Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “If last year taught us anything, with its blizzards, thunderstorms, and heat waves, it’s that it’s never too early to prepare for extreme weather,” said Mamdani. “Last winter, thousands of New Yorkers volunteered to help their neighbors clear snow and ice. This year, we’re increasing pay and making it easier to join the program because when the snow comes, our city needs to be ready.” For decades, paid shovelers have cleared snow and ice from public areas, including bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants and streets with steps. Last winter, a record number of New Yorkers — more than 7,800 — signed up to help during heavy snowfall, blizzards and sub-zero temperatures. For the first time, the New York City Department of Sanitation (DSNY) deployed the emergency shovelers during snowstorms and on overnight shifts to expedite snow removal. Working alongside DSNY employees, they helped the city clear 135,000 crosswalks, 34,000 bus stops and 29,000 fire hydrants. “New York City sanitation services prepare year-round for winter snowfalls,” said Sanitation Commissioner Gregory Anderson. “From adapting to a changing urban landscape to applying lessons learned from previous years, we are constantly updating and innovating to ensure a safer city after winter weather events. This year, we plan to start the snow season with emergency snow removal crews ready to ensure that pedestrian crossings, bus stops, and other critical infrastructure are safe for public transit users as soon as possible.” Now, the registration period is moving to the fall. The city says the new process will reduce paperwork and administrative burden, ensure that snow removal volunteers are ready to work when needed, and guarantee they receive their payment more quickly. What is the pay? Snow shovelers this winter will earn $30 per hour, increasing to $45 per hour after the first 40 hours worked in a week, according to the city. This represents an increase from the previous rates of $19.14 and $28.71, respectively. What are the requirements? Those looking to become emergency snow shovelers must be at least 18 years old, legally authorized to work in the United States, and physically capable of performing heavy and demanding work in harsh winter weather conditions. How to register to work Workers who register at a DSNY sign-up event before November 30 will be eligible for a paid four-hour orientation in December and expedited pay processing, with the goal of receiving payment within two weeks of starting work. The first registration event will be held on Saturday, September 19, from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., at Taft High School, located at 240 East 172nd Street in the Bronx. What documents are needed to apply for the job? Valid phone number and email address Social Security card Completed W-4 (Federal Withholding) and IT-2014 (New York State Withholding) forms Completed I-9 form along with required identification documents (see the official list of acceptable documents for Form I-9) Previously, DSNY required snow removal volunteers to bring their own printed photos. This year, photos will be taken during the registration events, removing an additional barrier to participating in the program. After registering, snow removal workers will receive a confirmation email with an invitation to a paid information session. They will then be assigned a DSNY garage to which they are expected to report during major snowfalls, based on county needs and their preferred location. For more details, click here. ...read more read less