Credited to: By Argus Staff
ST. LOUIS — In response to the recent tornado that caused widespread damage across the region, the SLATE Missouri Job Center is actively recruiting participants for its Disaster Recovery Jobs Program—an initiative designed to put residents to work while rebuilding impacted communities.
The program offers temporary employment focused on debris removal and restoration of public infrastructure, with opportunities that may lead to permanent positions for participants who demonstrate strong work ethic and reliability.
Positions are open to individuals with little to no prior experience, with most roles centered on general labor. Available job titles include Utility Worker, Debris Removal Laborer, and Repair Technician, along with some skilled positions depending on the worksite.
Participants can expect hourly wages ranging from $18.75 to $25.00. The program also removes barriers to entry by covering required pre-employment steps, including physical exams, tetanus vaccinations, and OSHA 10 safety training. Background checks and drug screenings may be required depending on the employer.
SLATE has partnered with a growing list of local worksites to provide employment opportunities. Current partners include AmeriCorps St. Louis, Alpha & Omega Demolition, the Land Reutilization Authority (LRA), Golden Heights LLC, MLK Construction, NJW Construction Corp., Latter Glory Manor Apartments, Kossuth Church, and Veterans Elite Development and Construction. Additional worksites are actively being recruited to expand placement opportunities.
To streamline access, SLATE is hosting open information and orientation sessions every weekday at 2:00 p.m. through April 24, 2026, at the SLATE Missouri Job Center, located at 1520 Market Street, Suite 3050 in downtown St. Louis. No appointment is required, allowing walk-in participants to begin the intake process immediately.
Officials emphasize that beyond immediate employment, the program serves as a pathway to long-term workforce development, equipping participants with skills, certifications, and real-world experience in construction and disaster recovery.
For more information, interested individuals can call 314-589-8000 or visit the SLATE website to complete an interest form.
As St. Louis continues its recovery, the program stands as both a response to crisis and a bridge to economic opportunity—putting residents at the center of rebuilding their own communities.
