HAZWOPER Laborer/Cleanup Laborer
Essel Environmental · Spokane
Project: Wildfire Cleanup & Disaster Recovery
Schedule: Full-Time / Project-Based
Overtime: Potential overtime based on project needs
We are seeking dependable HAZWOPER-certified General Laborers to assist with wildfire cleanup and recovery efforts throughout the Spokane, Washington area.
Workers will support environmental cleanup crews in areas impacted by recent wildfires. This position will involve outdoor physical labor, debris removal, site cleanup, material handling, and assisting with the safe removal and disposal of fire-damaged materials.
Candidates should be comfortable working in physically demanding outdoor environments where they may encounter ash, smoke residue, burned structures, debris, dust, and potentially hazardous materials.
This is not a wildland firefighting position. The primary focus will be post-fire cleanup, debris removal, environmental remediation, and recovery work.
- Assist with wildfire debris removal and cleanup
- Remove burned and damaged construction materials from affected properties
- Load, unload, move, and stage debris and cleanup materials
- Perform general site cleanup and environmental remediation support
- Assist crews with the segregation and proper handling of waste materials
- Use hand tools and basic power tools as directed
- Shovel, sweep, rake, and remove ash, soil, and debris
- Assist with demolition and removal of damaged materials when required
- Follow established procedures when working around potentially hazardous materials
- Properly wear and maintain required PPE and respiratory protection
- Follow HAZWOPER procedures, site-specific safety plans, and supervisor instructions
- Maintain safe work areas around equipment, vehicles, debris piles, and active cleanup operations
- Work effectively as part of a fast-paced disaster recovery team
- Follow all OSHA, environmental, and project-specific safety requirements
Requirements
- Current HAZWOPER certification required
- 40-Hour HAZWOPER certification strongly preferred
- Current 8-Hour HAZWOPER Refresher, when applicable
- Previous construction, demolition, environmental cleanup, restoration, remediation, or general labor experience preferred
- Ability to perform physically demanding work for extended periods
- Ability to lift and carry 50+ lbs
- Comfortable working outdoors for extended shifts
- Comfortable working around ash, dust, smoke residue, debris, and fire-damaged structures
- Ability to wear respiratory protection and other required PPE
- Must be able to follow strict safety procedures and supervisor instructions
- Must be dependable and report to work on time
- Must have reliable transportation to designated Spokane-area jobsites
- Must be legally authorized to work in the United States
Preferred Experience - Candidates with previous experience in any of the following are strongly encouraged to apply:
- Wildfire or disaster cleanup
- Environmental remediation
- Hazardous material cleanup
- Fire or flood restoration
- Demolition
- Construction labor
- Debris removal
- Asbestos or lead-related remediation
- Emergency response cleanup
- Disaster recovery projects
Benefits
Work Environment
This position involves working in areas affected by wildfire damage. Conditions may include:
- Burned or damaged structures
- Ash and airborne dust
- Smoke residue and soot
- Uneven terrain
- Heavy debris
- Hot weather and direct sunlight
- Extended periods of standing, walking, bending, lifting, and carrying
- Use of respirators, protective suits, gloves, safety glasses, hard hats, and other PPE
Workers will be expected to strictly follow all established site safety, respiratory protection, HAZWOPER, and environmental procedures.