Does BELFOR Property Restoration Hire Felons?
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BELFOR runs background checks and drug screens but reviews records case-by-case. The disaster-restoration trade often needs hands-on labor, and non-violent records are frequently workable for field roles.
BELFOR Property Restoration does hire some people with felony records. Headquartered in Birmingham, Michigan, BELFOR is the world's largest disaster-restoration company, with more than 100 full-service offices in the U.S. (500-plus globally across roughly 57 countries) and over 12,500 employees. It rebuilds and cleans up after fires, floods, storms, and other disasters, so it constantly needs field labor. Entry-level restoration and general-labor roles typically require the ability to lift about 75 pounds, a valid driver's license with a clean driving record, and being 21 or older, with pay often in the $15 to $22 per hour range and on-the-job training. BELFOR conducts pre-employment background checks and drug screening, as is standard in the construction and restoration trades, but there is no published blanket felony ban. Records are reviewed individually. Because the work is physical, hands-on, and often behind the scenes on job sites, non-violent records are frequently workable, though a clean driving record matters for roles that require operating company vehicles.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restoration Technician / General Laborer | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Entry-level. Lifting ~75 lbs, on-the-job training. Most accessible field role. |
| Water / Fire Mitigation Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check | Cleanup and drying after floods and fires. Physical, hands-on work. |
| Content / Contents Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check | Handling and cleaning customer belongings. May involve entering homes. |
| Driver / CDL | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal + driving record | Clean driving record and possible DOT rules apply for commercial driving. |
| Warehouse / Support | Case-by-case | Yes — standard criminal check | Behind-the-scenes roles. Often more accessible than customer-facing jobs. |
BELFOR Hiring Practices
BELFOR is a large, growth-oriented restoration company that responds to disasters nationwide, so labor demand is constant and turnover in field roles is common. Entry-level postings emphasize physical ability (lifting around 75 pounds), a valid driver's license with a clean record, and reliability, with training provided on the job. BELFOR conducts pre-employment background checks and drug screening, consistent with construction and restoration industry norms, but publishes no blanket felony exclusion. The construction and disaster-recovery trades have long been among the more open sectors for people rebuilding after a record, especially for hands-on labor and warehouse work that is not customer-facing. Roles requiring a company vehicle weigh your driving record, and any position with home-entry duties may draw closer review of theft-related convictions.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply at belfor.com/us/en/careers and target entry-level restoration technician, general labor, or warehouse postings, which value physical reliability over polish. If you have construction, cleanup, demolition, HVAC, or any trades experience, highlight it. Be prepared for a background check and drug screen, and disclose prescriptions before testing. BELFOR promotes from within and provides certifications and training, so a foot in the door as a laborer can lead to skilled, better-paid work over time. Storm-season surges create extra hiring, so timing your application to peak demand can help. Show up dependable, be honest about your record, and emphasize your ability to do hard physical work day in and day out.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at belfor.com/us/en/careers and focus on entry-level restoration, general labor, or warehouse roles.
- 2.Highlight any construction, demolition, cleanup, HVAC, or trades experience.
- 3.Be ready to lift roughly 75 pounds and to work physically demanding, sometimes long, shifts.
- 4.Expect a background check and drug screen; disclose prescriptions in advance.
- 5.A clean driving record helps for roles that use company vehicles; non-driving roles may be easier.
- 6.Apply during storm-season surges when hiring demand and openings tend to spike.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does BELFOR hire felons?
- BELFOR hires some people with felony records. It runs background checks and reviews records individually rather than posting a blanket ban, and the restoration trade often has hands-on labor roles that are workable for non-violent records.
- Does BELFOR do background checks?
- Yes. BELFOR conducts pre-employment background checks, and for driving roles it also reviews your motor vehicle record.
- Does BELFOR drug test?
- Yes. BELFOR uses pre-employment drug screening, consistent with construction and restoration industry standards, and DOT-regulated driving roles follow federal testing rules.
- What entry-level jobs does BELFOR offer?
- Common entry-level roles include restoration technician, general laborer, water and fire mitigation technician, contents technician, and warehouse support, typically paying around $15 to $22 per hour with on-the-job training.
- How big is BELFOR Property Restoration?
- BELFOR is the world's largest disaster-restoration company, with more than 100 U.S. offices (500-plus worldwide) and over 12,500 employees across roughly 57 countries.
Take Action — Direct Links
- BELFOR Careers
Search restoration, labor, driving, and support jobs at BELFOR offices nationwide.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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