Snow-clearing worker
Also known as: snow removal worker, snow remover, snow plougher
About this occupation
Snow-clearing workers operate trucks and plows to remove snow and ice from public sidewalks, streets and other locations. They also dump salt and sand on the ground to de-ice the concerning locations.
Essential skills and knowledge
- perform cleaning activities in an outdoor environment
- remove snow
- adapt to different weather conditions
- drive heavy duty trucks for snow removal
- apply measures to prevent snow removal safety hazards
- snow removal safety hazards
- complete report sheets of activity
- use personal protection equipment
- use snow-removal equipment
- carry out de-icing activities
- follow organisational guidelines in the cleaning industry
Typical tasks and preparation
From the related US occupation profile Landscaping and Groundskeeping Workers (O*NET 37-3011.00). Linked by an official crosswalk: related, not identical; details vary by country.
- Mow or edge lawns, using power mowers or edgers.
- Operate vehicles or powered equipment, such as mowers, tractors, twin-axle vehicles, snow blowers, chainsaws, electric clippers, sod cutters, or pruning saws.
- Use hand tools, such as shovels, rakes, pruning saws, saws, hedge or brush trimmers, or axes.
- Prune or trim trees, shrubs, or hedges, using shears, pruners, or chain saws.
- Gather and remove litter.
- Trim or pick flowers and clean flower beds.
- Preparation
- Job Zone 2 of 5
- Interests
- Realistic, Conventional, Artistic
Top skills: Operation and Control, Critical Thinking, Active Listening, Speaking, Monitoring, Operations Monitoring
US median pay: US$39,150 a year (2025), 952,640 employed. Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Preparation needed
Job Zone 1-2: Very Little to Some Preparation Needed
- Education
- Usually requires a high school diploma or GED, though some occupations may not.
- Experience
- Some occupations may need little or no previous experience; others require several months to a year of experience. For example, landscaping and groundskeeping workers might require very little training or previous experience, while agricultural equipment operators can benefit from on-the job training.
- Training
- Ranges from a few days to one year of on-the-job training.
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.
Related occupations
Occupations O*NET links to this one by similar work, skills and knowledge.
- Pesticide Handlers, Sprayers, and Applicators, Vegetation
- Tree Trimmers and Pruners
- Farmworkers and Laborers, Crop, Nursery, and Greenhouse
- First-Line Supervisors of Landscaping, Lawn Service, and Groundskeeping Workers
- Agricultural Equipment Operators
- Highway Maintenance Workers
- Helpers--Pipelayers, Plumbers, Pipefitters, and Steamfitters
- Operating Engineers and Other Construction Equipment Operators
- Maintenance and Repair Workers, General
- Fallers
O*NET data describe work in the United States; requirements differ by country. This page includes information from the O*NET 31.0 Database by the U.S. Department of Labor, Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA). Used under the CC BY 4.0 license. O*NET is a trademark of USDOL/ETA. CareerProof Global has modified all or some of this information; USDOL/ETA has not approved, endorsed, or tested these modifications.