New York City officials have launched an urgent recruitment drive for emergency snow shovelers. A powerful winter storm is approaching the region with blizzard conditions expected.
The New York City Department of Sanitation said it is hiring temporary workers. These workers will clear snow and ice from public areas. Crews will focus on bus stops, crosswalks, fire hydrants, and step streets.
Forecasters predict between 19 and 24 inches of snowfall. Wind gusts could reach 55 miles per hour. The National Weather Service issued a rare blizzard warning for the city.
In response, Kathy Hochul declared a state of emergency. Zohran Mamdani said outreach teams are fully mobilized. City agencies are coordinating storm preparations across all boroughs.
Officials said shovelers will help protect public safety. Workers will earn $19.14 per hour at the start. Pay increases to $28.71 per hour after 40 hours in a week.
Applicants must meet several eligibility standards. Workers must be at least 18 years old. They must perform heavy physical labor. They must also be legally authorized to work in the United States.
The department requires multiple forms of identification. Applicants must bring two small 1.5-inch photographs. They must present two original forms of ID with copies. A Social Security card is also required for registration.
These requirements have drawn public attention. Most registered voters do not need to show identification at polling sites. The New York City Board of Elections does not require ID for most voters.
First-time voters must provide limited identifying information. They can use a driver’s license number or non-driver ID number. They may also provide the last four digits of a Social Security number.
As the storm intensifies, officials urge residents to stay indoors. Authorities also advise avoiding unnecessary travel. Emergency hiring efforts will continue as the blizzard approaches.
