Does BrightView Hire Felons?
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BrightView runs background checks but hires people with records, especially for entry-level landscaping crews. It posts openings on Honest Jobs, a fair-chance hiring platform, signaling genuine openness to second-chance candidates.
BrightView does hire some people with felony records, particularly for entry-level landscaping and grounds crew positions. BrightView is the largest commercial landscaping company in the United States, with more than 22,000 team members and over 175 branch offices nationwide. The company runs criminal background checks, but screening depth varies by role — entry-level landscaper positions are generally the most accessible, while driver, crew leader, irrigation technician, and equipment operator roles that involve operating a company vehicle also require a motor vehicle record check and a drug screen. BrightView posts openings on Honest Jobs, a fair-chance hiring platform built for people with records, which signals real openness to second-chance candidates. Landscaping is physically demanding, seasonal, and frequently short-staffed, so field crews turn over quickly and hire steadily. BrightView uses individualized assessment, meaning the nature of the offense, how long ago it happened, and its relevance to the job all factor into the decision.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Landscaper / Grounds Crew Member | Yes | Yes — screening often lighter for entry-level | Mowing, planting, pruning, mulching, cleanup. Most accessible entry point. No CDL required. |
| Irrigation Technician | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check plus drug screen | Installing and repairing sprinkler and irrigation systems. May involve driving. |
| Equipment Operator / Driver | Case-by-case | Yes — criminal check, MVR, and drug screen | Operating mowers, trucks, and heavy equipment. Clean driving record required. |
| Crew Leader / Foreman | Case-by-case | Yes — comprehensive check | Supervising a field crew. Frequently filled by internal promotion. |
| Snow & Ice Removal (Seasonal) | Yes | Yes — standard criminal check | Winter seasonal work in northern markets. High demand, often more accessible. |
BrightView Hiring Practices
BrightView is the largest commercial landscaping provider in the United States, with more than 22,000 team members across over 175 offices. It handles landscape maintenance, development, irrigation, tree care, and snow and ice removal for commercial properties nationwide. BrightView conducts criminal background checks, but it evaluates records individually rather than applying a blanket ban. Entry-level landscaper and grounds crew roles tend to have the lightest screening, while positions that involve driving a company vehicle — drivers, equipment operators, and many technician and crew-leader roles — add a motor vehicle record check and a pre-employment drug screen. Notably, BrightView lists openings on Honest Jobs, a hiring platform designed specifically for people with criminal records, which reflects a real willingness to consider second-chance applicants. Because landscaping work is seasonal, physical, and often short-staffed, field crews hire steadily throughout the growing season.
Tips for Getting Hired
Apply online at brightviewcareers.com, and check Honest Jobs, where BrightView actively posts fair-chance openings. Target entry-level landscaper and grounds crew roles first — they have the lightest screening and the highest volume of openings. Emphasize any landscaping, groundskeeping, construction, or physical-labor experience, and show up ready to work outdoors in all weather. If you have a clean driving record, mention it, because it opens the door to higher-paying driver and equipment-operator roles. Be honest about your record; individualized assessment means how you present your history matters. Apply to multiple nearby branches, since staffing needs vary by location. Spring and early summer are peak hiring seasons.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at brightviewcareers.com and check Honest Jobs, where BrightView posts fair-chance openings.
- 2.Target entry-level landscaper and grounds crew roles first — lightest screening, most openings.
- 3.Highlight landscaping, groundskeeping, construction, or physical-labor experience.
- 4.A clean driving record opens the door to higher-paying driver and equipment-operator roles.
- 5.Be honest about your record; BrightView uses individualized assessment.
- 6.Apply in spring and early summer, the peak hiring season, and try multiple nearby branches.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does BrightView hire felons?
- Yes, BrightView hires some people with felony records, especially for entry-level landscaping and grounds crew roles. It runs background checks but uses individualized assessment and posts openings on the fair-chance platform Honest Jobs.
- Does BrightView do background checks?
- Yes. BrightView conducts criminal background checks. Screening tends to be lighter for entry-level landscaper roles, while driver and technician positions also require a motor vehicle record check.
- Does BrightView drug test?
- BrightView drug tests for safety-sensitive and driving positions such as equipment operators, drivers, and many technician roles. Screening practices can vary by branch and role.
- What positions does BrightView hire for?
- Common roles include landscaper, grounds crew member, irrigation technician, equipment operator, driver, crew leader, and seasonal snow and ice removal.
- How big is BrightView?
- BrightView is the largest commercial landscaping company in the United States, with more than 22,000 team members and over 175 branch offices nationwide.
Take Action — Direct Links
- BrightView Careers
Search and apply for landscaping and grounds positions at BrightView branches nationwide.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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