Disaster Debris Monitor

Also called: Debris Monitor

Tracks every truckload of storm debris hauled away after a disaster so federal money is spent properly.

A day in the life

After hurricanes, debris monitors stand at loading sites and dump sites, measuring and documenting each truck's load with a tablet. It's temporary, outdoor work that pays decently, and contractors hire hundreds after big storms.

Pay over a career

Starting
$30k
Typical
$40k
High
$55k

Temporary disaster work, often with long hours.

Approximate: anchored on Bureau of Labor Statistics data for a broader job group.

Training

High school diploma, about 0 years after high school. No degree; short training.

Ways in: On-the-job training. Training cost: Get paid while you train.

Outlook

Growing about average. Spikes after disasters.

Will it last? Our AI estimate

Medium risk in 5 years, high in 10. Truck-scanning lidar and photo AI can measure loads automatically; fewer monitors will be posted.

Could start right away

Age 18+. One way to start: Register with debris monitoring firms (Tetra Tech, Thompson, Witt O’Brien’s) before storm season

Start now, in high school

Classes: Algebra / geometry, Business / Excel.

Official data: O*NET occupation 47-4099.

More Emergency Management & Disaster Response careers

Career Universe is an early version. Pay, training and AI-risk figures are estimates to start your own research, not verified facts. The research was written with AI research assistants, checked by validation scripts and spot-checked by hand. Check anything important with schools, employers and official sources. How the numbers work.