Snow Removal Jobs in the Netherlands 2026/2027 – How to Find Work, Salaries, Requirements and How to Apply
Are you looking for a seasonal job in the Netherlands during the winter? Snow removal and winter maintenance jobs can offer opportunities for people who are willing to work outdoors, deal with cold weather and help keep roads, sidewalks and public areas safe.
Every winter, Dutch municipalities, road maintenance companies, landscaping businesses, property management companies and private contractors recruit workers to help with snow removal and ice prevention.
In the Netherlands, winter maintenance is not only about clearing snow. It also involves spreading salt, preventing slippery roads, treating bicycle paths and maintaining public spaces during freezing temperatures.
Whether you are looking for a manual snow removal job, a winter maintenance position or a driving job operating a salt spreading vehicle, there are several ways to find employment.
This guide explains how to find snow removal jobs in the Netherlands, which companies are recruiting, what qualifications you need, how much you can earn and how to apply.
1. What Does a Snow Removal Worker Do in the Netherlands?
Snow removal and winter maintenance workers help keep roads, pedestrian areas and private properties safe during winter weather.
The exact responsibilities depend on the employer and the position.
1.1 Clearing Snow from Sidewalks and Pavements
One of the most common activities is manually removing snow from:
- Residential sidewalks.
- Building entrances.
- Pedestrian walkways.
- Stairs and driveways.
- Shopping centre entrances.
- Office buildings.
- Parking spaces.
- Commercial and industrial properties.
Workers may use snow shovels, snow pushers and snow blowers.
1.2 Operating Snow Removal Machinery
Some employers recruit experienced workers to operate specialist vehicles and machinery.
Examples include:
- Snow plough trucks.
- Small snow removal tractors.
- Wheel loaders.
- Snow blowers.
- Salt spreading vehicles.
- Machinery used for maintaining bicycle paths and roads.
Depending on the equipment, a suitable driving licence and previous experience may be required.
1.3 Spreading Salt and Preventing Ice
In the Netherlands, preventing slippery conditions is particularly important because many people use bicycles as their daily means of transport.
Winter maintenance teams spread salt or other suitable materials on:
- Roads.
- Bicycle paths.
- Pedestrian walkways.
- Bridges.
- Public squares.
- Parking areas.
- Building entrances.
This work is known in Dutch as Gladheidsbestrijding.
1.4 Cleaning Parking Areas and Commercial Properties
Supermarkets, warehouses, factories, office buildings and shopping centres may require winter maintenance services.
Workers help remove snow and ice to ensure that employees, customers and delivery vehicles can access the premises safely.
2. Where Can You Find Snow Removal Jobs in the Netherlands?
There are several types of employers worth contacting.
Municipalities (Gemeenten)
Dutch municipalities organise winter road maintenance and may recruit temporary workers or employ contractors to carry out the work.
Search for municipal jobs using terms such as:
- Medewerker Gladheidsbestrijding.
- Chauffeur Gladheidsbestrijding.
- Medewerker Winterdienst.
Landscaping and Gardening Companies
Companies working in landscaping and outdoor maintenance may provide winter services when regular gardening activities decrease.
These businesses are particularly interesting for seasonal workers.
Road Maintenance Companies
Road maintenance contractors provide services such as salt spreading, snow clearing and maintaining public roads and bicycle paths.
Cleaning and Facility Management Companies
Some cleaning companies also provide winter maintenance services for commercial properties, residential buildings and office complexes.
Property Management Companies
Property managers may hire contractors to clear snow from entrances, parking areas, sidewalks and shared outdoor spaces.
Recruitment Agencies
Temporary employment agencies often recruit additional workers for winter services.
You can register with these agencies and ask whether they have employers looking for workers during the winter season.
3. Best Websites to Find Snow Removal Jobs in the Netherlands
The following websites can help you find employment opportunities.
1. Werk.nl – Official Dutch Job Portal
Werk.nl is operated by the Dutch Employee Insurance Agency (UWV).
You can search for vacancies and find employment information.
Website: https://www.werk.nl/
Recommended search terms:
- Gladheidsbestrijding.
- Winterdienst.
- Sneeuwruimer.
- Chauffeur Strooiwagen.
2. Nationale Vacaturebank
A Dutch job portal with vacancies in transport, maintenance, cleaning and outdoor work.
Website: https://www.nationalevacaturebank.nl/
Search for:
- Sneeuwruimer.
- Chauffeur Gladheidsbestrijding.
- Chauffeur Strooiwagen.
3. Indeed Netherlands
Indeed is useful for finding advertisements from recruitment agencies and private employers.
Website: https://nl.indeed.com/
Search for: Winterdienst medewerker or Sneeuwruimer.
4. Actief Werkt!
A recruitment agency that publishes vacancies in landscaping, outdoor maintenance and winter services.
Website: https://www.actiefwerkt.nl/
5. Randstad Netherlands
Randstad offers employment opportunities in transport, logistics, technical work and seasonal positions.
Website: https://www.randstad.nl/
6. EURES – European Employment Services
EURES provides information about job opportunities across Europe and employment mobility.
Website: https://eures.europa.eu/
4. Real Snow Removal Job Opportunities in the Netherlands – November 2026
There are already winter maintenance advertisements for the 2026/2027 season.
Below are examples of recently published opportunities that illustrate the types of jobs available.
Job 1: Winter Maintenance Worker – Hengelo, Enschede and Borne
Recruitment agency: Actief Werkt!
Location: Hengelo, Enschede and Borne, Netherlands.
Position: Medewerker Gladheidsbestrijding (Winter Maintenance Worker).
Employment type: On-call employment.
Advertised working hours: 0–40 hours per week.
Advertised salary range: €2,489–€2,862 gross per month on the stated full-time salary basis.
Main responsibilities:
- Clearing snow and ice from roads.
- Maintaining bicycle paths.
- Treating public areas during freezing conditions.
- Helping keep roads safe for pedestrians and motorists.
- Working with colleagues during winter emergencies.
Requirements:
- Flexible availability during winter.
- Willingness to work during the day and at night.
- Availability on weekends and public holidays.
- Driving licence category B.
- Ability to work independently.
- Experience with machines or vehicles is an advantage, but not compulsory.
What the employer offers:
- Flexible employment from 0 to 40 hours per week.
- Availability compensation.
- Additional payments for irregular working hours.
- Training and instructions.
- Work that takes place when winter weather conditions require it.
This position may be suitable for people who are looking for flexible winter employment.
Apply here:
Job 2: Salt Spreading Driver – Enschede and Hengelo
Recruitment agency: Sebo Personeelsdiensten.
Location: Enschede and Hengelo, Overijssel.
Position: Zoutstrooier (Salt Spreading Driver).
Advertised working hours: Approximately 1–20 hours per week.
Employment type: Part-time winter employment.
Winter season: From 1 November 2026 until approximately mid-March 2027.
Main responsibilities:
- Driving a small tractor.
- Operating salt spreading equipment.
- Following digital routes.
- Spreading salt on bicycle paths.
- Preventing slippery surfaces.
- Working during freezing weather conditions.
Requirements:
- Previous experience driving a tractor.
- Driving licence categories T and B.
- Living within approximately 20–30 minutes of the work location.
- Availability during nights and weekends.
- VCA safety certificate or willingness to obtain one.
What the employer offers:
- Standby compensation.
- Payment for hours actually worked.
- Additional payments for irregular working hours.
- Night work payments of 150% according to the advertised conditions.
- Sunday and public holiday payments of 200% according to the advertised conditions.
The position may be especially suitable for people who already have tractor driving experience.
Apply here:
https://sebo-personeelsdiensten.nl/vacatures/zoutstrooier/
Job 3: Chauffeur Gladheidsbestrijding – Valkenburg aan de Geul
Recruitment agency: Start People.
Location: Valkenburg, Limburg.
Position: Chauffeur Gladheidsbestrijding (Winter Road Maintenance Driver).
Advertised salary: €22.95 gross per hour.
Contract period: 1 November 2026 to 31 March 2027.
Working hours: Up to 40 hours per week, with part-time opportunities.
Main responsibilities:
- Operating salt spreading vehicles.
- Operating snow clearing equipment.
- Preventative ice treatment.
- Clearing slippery roads.
- Following assigned routes.
- Responding to calls during winter weather.
Requirements:
- Driving licence category C, C1 and/or T, as specified in the advertisement.
- Previous truck driving experience.
- Availability for an on-call schedule.
- Willingness to work nights, weekends and public holidays.
- Living within approximately 30 minutes of Valkenburg.
Additional benefits:
- 8% holiday allowance.
- 27 holiday days on a full-time basis under the advertised conditions.
- Possibility of purchasing additional holiday hours.
- Seasonal employment.
Apply here:
https://nl.indeed.com/viewjob?jk=cbad72b785ca82bc
Important: These are specific advertised opportunities found in November 2026. Job availability can change, and employers may close advertisements once positions have been filled. Always check the original listing before applying.
5. What Qualifications Do You Need?
The requirements depend on the type of winter job.
For Manual Snow Removal
You may need:
- Good physical fitness.
- Ability to work outdoors in cold weather.
- Reliability and punctuality.
- Flexibility during winter weather.
- Willingness to work early mornings or at night.
- Basic Dutch or English, depending on the employer.
Previous experience is not always necessary.
For Driving and Machinery Jobs
Employers may require:
- A suitable driving licence.
- Experience driving tractors or trucks.
- Knowledge of machinery operation.
- Relevant safety training.
- Ability to work independently.
- Experience driving in difficult weather conditions.
Some jobs require driving licence B, while tractor and heavy vehicle positions may require T, C or another appropriate category.
Always check the exact job requirements.
6. Can You Get a Snow Removal Job Without Experience?
Yes. Some employers accept applicants who have never worked in winter maintenance before.
These entry-level roles may involve:
- Manual snow clearing.
- Spreading salt.
- Cleaning sidewalks.
- Removing snow from parking spaces.
- Cleaning entrances and pathways.
- Supporting experienced winter maintenance workers.
Useful Dutch job titles to search for include:
- Hulpmedewerker Gladheidsbestrijding.
- Medewerker Winterdienst.
- Medewerker Sneeuwruiming.
- Medewerker Buitenonderhoud.
- Hulpmedewerker Groenvoorziening.
- Medewerker Terreinonderhoud.
If you have previous experience in cleaning, construction, gardening, warehouse work or outdoor maintenance, mention it in your application.
7. How Much Can You Earn in Snow Removal Jobs in the Netherlands?
Your salary depends on the employer, contract, qualifications, working hours and applicable collective labour agreement (CAO).
The following are examples of advertised salaries:
| Position | Advertised payment |
|---|---|
| Winter Maintenance Worker – Hengelo | €2,489–€2,862 monthly on the stated full-time basis |
| Salt Spreading Driver – Enschede | Salary negotiable |
| Winter Road Maintenance Driver – Valkenburg | €22.95 gross per hour |
The Dutch statutory minimum hourly wage for employees aged 21 and older is €14.99 gross from 1 July 2026. From 1 January 2027, it will increase to €15.29 gross per hour.
These are statutory minimums, not guaranteed salaries for every snow removal position. <a href=”https://www.government.nl/themes/work/minimum-wage/minimum-wage-amounts“>Official minimum wage information</a>.
Before accepting a job, ask the employer about:
- Gross hourly wage.
- Weekly working hours.
- Night shift allowances.
- Weekend and public holiday payments.
- Standby compensation.
- Overtime.
- Holiday allowance.
- Travel expenses.
- Contract duration.
Important: Many winter maintenance jobs operate on an on-call basis. This means that you may only be called to work when freezing conditions, snow or ice are expected.
You should therefore check whether the employer guarantees working hours and whether standby time is paid.
8. Which Dutch Cities and Regions Should You Target?
You can search for winter maintenance jobs throughout the Netherlands.
However, some regions have more relevant job opportunities depending on their local employers, road maintenance operations and winter services.
Overijssel
Search in:
- Enschede.
- Hengelo.
- Borne.
- Almelo.
- Oldenzaal.
- Deventer.
Limburg
Search in:
- Valkenburg.
- Maastricht.
- Heerlen.
- Venlo.
- Roermond.
- Sittard.
Gelderland
Search in:
- Arnhem.
- Nijmegen.
- Apeldoorn.
- Doetinchem.
- Zutphen.
Utrecht
Search in:
- Utrecht.
- Amersfoort.
- Nieuwegein.
- Veenendaal.
North Holland
Search in:
- Amsterdam.
- Haarlem.
- Alkmaar.
- Hoorn.
South Holland
Search in:
- Rotterdam.
- The Hague.
- Leiden.
- Dordrecht.
Do not search only in major cities. Smaller municipalities and surrounding areas may also recruit temporary winter maintenance workers.
9. Important Dutch Keywords for Finding Snow Removal Jobs
Most Dutch employers publish their vacancies in Dutch.
Using local search terms can help you find more relevant advertisements.
| Dutch keyword | English meaning |
|---|---|
| Gladheidsbestrijding | Ice prevention and treatment |
| Winterdienst | Winter maintenance |
| Sneeuwruimer | Snow removal worker |
| Sneeuwruiming | Snow removal |
| Medewerker gladheidsbestrijding | Winter maintenance worker |
| Chauffeur strooiwagen | Salt spreading truck driver |
| Zoutstrooier | Salt spreading operator |
| Chauffeur sneeuwschuiver | Snow plough driver |
| Strooidienst | Salt spreading service |
| Medewerker buitenonderhoud | Outdoor maintenance worker |
| Groenvoorziening | Landscaping and green maintenance |
| Oproepkracht winterdienst | On-call winter maintenance worker |
Try searching for:
- Winterdienst vacatures Nederland.
- Medewerker gladheidsbestrijding gezocht.
- Sneeuwruimer vacatures.
- Chauffeur strooiwagen vacatures.
- Zoutstrooier werk Nederland.
- Winterdienst zonder ervaring.
- Winterbaan Nederland.
10. Can Foreigners Apply for Snow Removal Jobs in the Netherlands?
Yes, foreign nationals can apply, but the right to work depends on their nationality and residence status.
EU and EEA Citizens
Citizens of EU and EEA countries generally have the right to work in the Netherlands without needing a separate Dutch work permit.
Swiss citizens also benefit from the relevant free movement agreements.
Non-EU Citizens
People from countries outside the EU/EEA and Switzerland generally need the appropriate work authorisation.
The two main permits are:
- TWV – Work Permit (Tewerkstellingsvergunning).
- GVVA – Combined Residence and Work Permit.
For employment lasting less than three months, a TWV may be required.
For employment lasting longer than three months, a GVVA is generally required for non-EU workers who need a residence and work permit.
The employer normally has an important role in arranging the work authorisation.
Important distinction: The Dutch seasonal worker residence permit is specifically for temporary agricultural and horticultural work for up to 24 weeks. Snow removal jobs do not automatically qualify under this agricultural seasonal work scheme. They must follow the applicable regular employment and immigration rules.
Official information:
https://www.government.nl/themes/migration-and-travel/foreign-citizens-working-in-the-netherlands
People who have a German residence permit should not assume that it automatically gives them the right to work for a Dutch employer. Their individual immigration status must be checked first.
11. How to Apply for a Snow Removal Job in the Netherlands
Follow these steps to improve your chances of getting hired.
Step 1: Prepare Your CV
Prepare a professional CV in English or Dutch.
Include:
- Full name and contact details.
- Previous employment experience.
- Driving licence categories.
- Machinery operating experience.
- Languages spoken.
- Availability during winter.
- Relevant safety certificates.
- Current work authorisation status, where relevant.
Step 2: Search for Vacancies
Register with Dutch employment websites such as Werk.nl, Indeed and Nationale Vacaturebank.
Use Dutch search terms such as Gladheidsbestrijding, Winterdienst and Sneeuwruimer.
Step 3: Contact Companies Directly
Do not wait only for job advertisements.
Contact:
- Landscaping companies.
- Cleaning companies.
- Property maintenance businesses.
- Road maintenance contractors.
- Municipalities.
- Recruitment agencies.
Ask whether they need additional workers for the winter season.
Step 4: Send Your Application
Send your CV with a short application email.
Explain that you are available for winter work and are willing to work outdoors during freezing temperatures.
Step 5: Prepare for an Interview
Be prepared to explain:
- Your previous work experience.
- Your driving licence.
- Your language skills.
- Your availability.
- Whether you can work nights and weekends.
- Whether you have experience operating machinery.
- Whether you have the right to work in the Netherlands.
12. Example Job Application Email in Dutch
You can copy this message and send it to Dutch employers.
Subject: Sollicitatie – Medewerker Winterdienst / Gladheidsbestrijding
Geachte heer/mevrouw,
Via deze weg wil ik graag informeren of u momenteel of voor het komende winterseizoen medewerkers zoekt voor de winterdienst of gladheidsbestrijding.
Ik ben gemotiveerd, betrouwbaar en fysiek fit. Ik ben bereid om buiten te werken tijdens koude weersomstandigheden en werkzaamheden uit te voeren zoals sneeuwruimen, zout strooien en het schoonmaken van trottoirs, parkeerplaatsen en bedrijfsterreinen.
Ik ben flexibel inzetbaar en bereid om indien nodig vroeg in de ochtend, ‘s avonds, ‘s nachts en in het weekend te werken.
Graag ontvang ik meer informatie over eventuele vacatures, de arbeidsvoorwaarden en de mogelijkheden om bij uw bedrijf aan de slag te gaan.
Mijn cv kan ik u op verzoek toesturen.
Alvast hartelijk dank voor uw reactie.
Met vriendelijke groet,
[Your Name]
[Your Telephone Number]
[Your Email Address]
13. What Should You Check Before Accepting a Job?
Before signing an employment contract, make sure you understand the conditions.
Ask the employer:
- Is the position full-time, part-time or on-call?
- How many hours are guaranteed?
- What is the gross hourly wage?
- Is standby time paid?
- Are night and weekend allowances included?
- Is protective clothing provided?
- Are vehicles and machinery provided?
- Is a driving licence required?
- Is accommodation available?
- Will there be additional work after winter?
Make sure you receive clear written employment conditions.
Avoid recruiters who promise guaranteed employment or work permits in exchange for advance payments.
14. Final Advice: Start Searching Before Winter
Winter maintenance jobs can offer opportunities for people looking for flexible employment in the Netherlands.
You do not always need professional experience to work in manual snow removal. However, a driving licence, tractor experience or machinery qualifications may help you access more specialised jobs.
The best approach is to register with Dutch employment websites, contact winter maintenance companies and apply directly to employers.
Remember that some positions are weather-dependent and involve on-call work rather than guaranteed full-time employment.
Prepare your CV, use the Dutch job search keywords and apply to several companies in your preferred region.
Good luck with your job search in the Netherlands!