When the "storm of the century" hits New York City, the subways might stall, and the taxis might vanish, but a small army of New Yorkers is just getting to work.
As a recent historic nor’easter dumped nearly two feet of snow across the five boroughs—marking the city's first true blizzard in a decade—Mayor Zohran Mamdani took a page from a 19th-century playbook. To clear the drifts, the city ramped up its Emergency Snow Shoveler program, a seasonal lifeline that dates back to the economic panics of the late 1800s.
To find out what life is like on the business end of a plastic shovel, we spoke with Dan Bennette, a 38-year-old aviation professional from Queens. Dan joined the ranks during the January freeze and returned for the latest record-breaking storm—this time with a pay bump from $19 to $30 an hour.
1. The Logistics: From Online Sign-up to the Garage
Joining the "Snow Squad" is surprisingly straightforward. According to Dan, it starts with an online application where you pick a local garage.
The Paperwork: You show up for an "administrative day" with your ID, Social Security card, and passport photos.
The Activation: Once the Department of Transportation (DOT) triggers an alert, you’re called in for a full 8-hour shift.
The Gear: While the city provides reflective vests, work gloves, and various shovels (metal for ice, plastic for snow), veterans like Dan recommend bringing your own high-quality thermal layers and waterproof boots.
2. The Mission: Crosswalks, Curb Cuts, and Hydrants
You might think shoveling is just about moving white powder from Point A to Point B, but in a dense city, it’s a tactical operation. The priority list is strict:
Pedestrian Accessibility: Clearing the red tactile rectangles (curb cuts) so wheelchairs and strollers can navigate.
Bus Stops: Carving out 4-foot-wide paths for commuters.
Fire Hydrants: Ensuring emergency services aren't digging for water during a fire.
"Usually it’s pretty obvious where to put it: We can place it anywhere we like if it’s not egregiously in the way of something else," Dan says. Sometimes, that means tossing it into the street for cars to crush into slush.
3. The Hazards: Rowdy Trucks and "Yellow Snow."
Working in NYC traffic is inherently dangerous. The DOT buffers the shovelers with large F-550 pickup trucks to prevent cars from creeping up behind them. However, Dan notes that "rowdy truck drivers" and garbage trucks still require constant vigilance.
And then there’s the... organic matter. While Dan hasn't encountered much "hidden" dog waste, he notes that yellow snow is an occupational constant. His take on people who don't pick up after their pets during a storm? "Anti-social, selfish behavior."
4. The Culture: A "Canyon" of Strength
The demographic is mostly men aged 21 to 40, and the camaraderie is real. While the younger guys often volunteer to tackle the "mountains of ice" at the corners to prove their strength, the older crew provides the technical support.
Accountability: If someone is "standing around admiring the clouds," the group speaks up.
Pacing: The DOT encourages frequent breaks. "They don’t want you to strain or hurt yourself... taking on as much as you feel comfortable doing is the best advice," Dan notes.
The Silver Lining: A Path to the City
Beyond the $30 an hour and the "priceless" experience of meeting quirky New Yorkers, the program serves as an unofficial recruitment tool.
For Dan, the most valuable part wasn't the paycheck—it was the DOT officials encouraging the temporary workers to get their Commercial Driver’s Licenses (CDL). What started as a way to make some "pocket money" while unemployed has turned into a potential career path toward a permanent city job.
Want to help dig out Gotham next time? Keep an eye on the NYC DOT website when the flakes start falling—and maybe invest in some good Sorel boots first.