Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Job Description [Updated for 2025]

In a world where disasters and accidents can strike at any moment, the need for Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists is more critical than ever.

With each calamity, the demand for skilled individuals who can efficiently rehabilitate, restore, and ensure the safety of disaster-stricken areas grows.

But what does a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist actually do?

Whether you are:

• A job seeker looking to understand the core responsibilities of this role,
• A hiring manager seeking the perfect candidate,
• Or simply curious about the intricacies of disaster cleanup and restoration,

You’ve come to the right place.

Today, we present a customizable Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist job description template, designed for effortless posting on job boards or career sites.

Let’s dive right into it.

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Duties and Responsibilities

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists are involved in the initial response and subsequent recovery efforts following a range of disaster events.

They play a crucial role in restoring the affected environment back to its original state.

Their duties and responsibilities include:

• Evaluating the extent of disaster-related damages and estimating the necessary resources and time for cleanup and restoration
• Removing debris, hazardous materials and contaminated items from disaster sites
• Implementing emergency protective measures to prevent further damage
• Restoring buildings, infrastructure, and landscape affected by the disaster
• Decontaminating and sanitizing the area to ensure it is safe for inhabitants
• Utilizing specialized equipment and protective gear to perform clean-up and restoration tasks
• Coordinating with emergency management teams, local authorities, and insurance companies
• Maintaining accurate records of work performed and reporting progress to relevant stakeholders
• Ensuring compliance with local, state, and federal regulations during the clean-up and restoration process
• Providing support to displaced individuals and communities, and assisting in temporary accommodation if needed

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Job Description Template

Job Brief

We are seeking a dedicated Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist to join our team.

The specialist will primarily be responsible for effectively responding to natural and man-made disasters, safely cleaning up disaster sites, and restoring the affected areas to their original state.

The specialist must be knowledgeable in various disaster remediation techniques, able to work in challenging environments, and capable of coordinating with disaster management teams and local agencies.

 

Responsibilities

• Inspect disaster-affected sites to assess the extent of damage and determine cleanup requirements.
• Develop disaster clean-up and restoration plans based on site assessments.
• Remove hazardous materials and dispose of them safely and legally.
• Perform cleanup activities including debris removal, decontamination, and structural stabilization.
• Coordinate with construction and engineering teams to restore damaged structures.
• Adhere to safety and health regulations during cleanup and restoration activities.
• Document cleanup and restoration processes and maintain comprehensive records.
• Communicate effectively with clients, local agencies, and disaster management teams.

 

Qualifications

• Proven experience as a disaster site clean-up and restoration specialist or similar role.
• Knowledge of disaster remediation techniques and relevant safety regulations.
• Ability to work in challenging and stressful environments.
• Excellent physical condition and endurance.
• Proficiency in using cleanup and restoration tools and equipment.
• Strong communication and coordination skills.
• A valid driver’s license may be required.
• Certifications in Hazardous Waste Operations and Emergency Response (HAZWOPER) and other relevant fields would be advantageous.

 

Benefits

• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Life insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid time off
• Professional development opportunities

 

Additional Information

• Job Title: Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist
• Work Environment: Work involves outdoor locations, often in challenging and stressful conditions. Travel to disaster sites is a significant part of the job.
• Reporting Structure: Reports to the Disaster Response Coordinator or Disaster Management Supervisor.
• Salary: Salary is based upon candidate experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.
• Pay Range: $40,000 minimum to $60,000 maximum
• Location: [City, State] (specify the location or indicate if remote)
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Equal Opportunity Statement: We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
• Application Instructions: Please submit your resume and any relevant certifications to [email address or application portal].

 

What Does a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Do?

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists are crucial in the aftermath of natural or man-made disasters.

They primarily work for disaster recovery firms, environmental services, construction companies, or they can be self-employed.

Their job involves cleaning up and restoring homes, businesses, and public areas that have been damaged by events such as floods, fires, hurricanes, earthquakes, or accidents.

This involves removing debris, clearing out damaged materials, and sanitizing the area to make it safe for habitation again.

They utilize a range of tools and equipment, from basic hand tools to heavy machinery, depending on the extent of the damage.

Their tasks may include removing water and mold, repairing structural damage, replacing drywall and flooring, and repainting.

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists often collaborate with other professionals such as inspectors, architects, and contractors to ensure the site is structurally sound and meets local building codes and regulations.

In some cases, they may also help with tasks related to the initial disaster response, such as search and rescue operations, setting up temporary shelters, or distributing emergency supplies.

Their ultimate goal is to help people and communities recover as quickly as possible from the aftermath of a disaster, by restoring the affected areas to their pre-disaster conditions or even improving upon them.

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Qualifications and Skills

A proficient Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist should have the skills and qualifications that align with your job description, such as:

• Physical fitness and strength to carry out laborious tasks and work in potentially difficult conditions, such as flood, fire, or storm-damaged areas.
• Technical knowledge and expertise to safely and efficiently remove and dispose of hazardous materials in compliance with the law.
• Detail-oriented nature to assess and restore damaged properties back to their pre-disaster state.
• Safety and emergency response training to handle disaster situations and mitigate further damage.
• Communication and interpersonal skills to work effectively with a team, interact with distressed clients, and coordinate with other emergency response agencies.
• Problem-solving abilities to identify, evaluate and address complex problems that may arise during the clean-up and restoration process.
• Knowledge of construction, carpentry and restoration techniques for damaged structures and landscapes.
• Ability to work in high-stress situations and maintain composure in order to make effective decisions.
• Certification from a recognized agency or body in hazardous waste operations and emergency response (HAZWOPER) or equivalent is often required.

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Experience Requirements

The experience requirements for a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist usually start with a high school diploma or equivalent, coupled with significant on-the-job training.

Entry-level positions may not require any formal experience, but it is beneficial if the candidate has hands-on experience in manual labor, construction, or janitorial services.

This role often involves heavy lifting, use of construction equipment, and other physically demanding tasks.

Candidates with 1 to 2 years of experience may have gained this through full-time or part-time roles in related fields such as construction, sanitation, or waste management.

Having familiarity with hazardous materials and understanding safety protocols is crucial.

It’s also beneficial if these professionals have undergone safety or disaster response training.

Candidates with more than 3 years of experience often have more in-depth knowledge about different types of disasters and the appropriate clean-up and restoration techniques.

They may also have experience handling insurance claims and working directly with clients affected by disasters.

Those with more than 5 years of experience may have supervised teams on disaster sites and managed restoration projects.

They might have also trained and guided less experienced staff.

This level of experience may prepare them for a managerial or team-lead position within the disaster restoration industry.

In addition to these, certifications from recognized institutes such as the Institute of Inspection Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC) can be a major plus, as these validate a professional’s skills and knowledge in the field.

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Education and Training Requirements

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists generally require a high school diploma or equivalent education as a basic requirement.

They primarily gain their skills through on-the-job training, mentorship, and experience, where they learn to safely handle biohazard materials, operate specialized cleanup equipment, and understand the protocols for a variety of disaster scenarios.

Despite the emphasis on practical experience, formal education in environmental science, civil engineering, or a related field can be beneficial, particularly for those aspiring to supervisory roles.

Specialists may also need to undergo safety training and certification programs, such as the Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) training, which provides guidelines on handling hazardous materials and working in hazardous conditions.

Additional certifications, such as those offered by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification (IICRC), can be valuable for demonstrating professional competency in the field.

Some roles may require a driver’s license or the ability to operate heavy machinery.

Keeping up-to-date with the latest disaster management techniques, equipment, and safety protocols is crucial in this line of work.

Ongoing training and professional development opportunities should therefore be pursued.

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Salary Expectations

The average salary for a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist is approximately $40,000 (USD) per year.

However, the income can vary based on the level of experience, specific skills, geographical location, and the employing company.

In addition, overtime and hazard pay can significantly increase earnings in this field, especially during times of heightened natural disasters or emergencies.

 

Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist Job Description FAQs

What skills does a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist need?

A Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist needs strong physical stamina and dexterity to work in varying conditions, often with heavy equipment.

They also require problem-solving skills to assess and plan the clean-up and restoration of a site.

Being detail-oriented is crucial to ensure nothing is overlooked during the restoration process.

Additionally, they should have good communication skills to effectively coordinate with team members and other professionals involved in the restoration work.

 

Do Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialists need a degree?

While a degree isn’t typically required, a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist may benefit from an associate’s or bachelor’s degree in a related field such as environmental science or construction management.

Most importantly, they need to have appropriate training and certification in areas such as hazardous material handling, safety procedures, and the use of relevant equipment.

 

What should you look for in a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist resume?

Their resume should highlight their experience with disaster clean-up, including the types of disasters they’ve worked on, like floods, fires, or earthquakes.

Certifications in safety procedures and hazardous material handling should be noted.

A history of collaboration with other disaster response professionals, such as firefighters or emergency medical technicians, is a positive sign.

 

What qualities make a good Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist?

A good Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist is hardworking, physically fit, and possesses a strong dedication to safety.

They should be able to remain calm and focused under stressful conditions and be adaptable to the unpredictable nature of disaster recovery work.

They must also be team players, as successful disaster response and recovery often depend on effective teamwork.

Finally, they should have a deep commitment to helping communities recover from disaster situations.

 

Is it challenging to hire a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist?

Hiring for this role can be challenging due to the physical demands and stressful nature of the job.

It’s important to find candidates who can handle these conditions.

Offering competitive compensation, comprehensive training, and support can attract the right candidates.

Also, due to the sporadic nature of disasters, some companies may need these specialists on a contractual basis, which can add another layer of complexity to the hiring process.

 

Conclusion

There you have it.

Today, we’ve unraveled the true nature of being a Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist.

Surprised?

It’s not just about clearing debris.

It’s about restoring order and normalcy, one disaster site at a time.

With our go-to Disaster Site Clean-Up and Restoration Specialist job description template and real-world examples, you’re fully equipped to take your next step.

But why limit yourself?

Dig deeper with our job description generator. It’s your resource for crafting precise job listings or polishing your resume to perfection.

Remember:

Every disaster site restored is a step towards rebuilding lives.

Let’s restore. Together.

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