Felony Friendly Jobs in Bakersfield, CA

Best Industries in Bakersfield for People With Records

• ✓Agriculture & food processing
• ✓Oil & gas
• ✓Logistics & distribution
• ✓Healthcare
• ✓Construction

Staffing Agencies in Bakersfield That Work With People With Records

Temp and staffing agencies are often the fastest way to get working. These agencies serve the Bakersfield metro area and are known to place people with criminal records.

• Express Employment Professionals
• Manpower
• Kelly Services
• Adecco
• Labor Finders

California Employment Laws for People With Records

Tips for Job Searching With a Record in Bakersfield

1. 1.Start with staffing agencies. Temp agencies are often the fastest way to get working. They have relationships with employers who are willing to hire people with records, and a temp-to-hire position can become a permanent job.
2. 2.Apply to multiple places at once. Do not wait for one application to come back before applying to the next. Apply to 5-10 places in the same week. The more applications you send, the better your chances.
3. 3.Be honest about your record. If asked, be upfront. Lying about your criminal history is grounds for immediate termination if discovered later. Briefly acknowledge what happened, explain what you have learned, and focus on what you bring to the job.
4. 4.Focus on industries with high demand. Warehouse, logistics, construction, and food service jobs tend to be the most accessible for people with records because these industries have chronic worker shortages.
5. 5.Use local reentry programs. Organizations like Goodwill, workforce development centers, and reentry coalitions can connect you with employers who actively hire people with records. They often know about job openings before they are publicly posted.
6. 6.Know your rights. Under the EEOC guidelines, employers must use individualized assessment — they cannot have a blanket ban on hiring people with records. Under the FCRA, you have the right to see and dispute your background check. If you are in a ban-the-box state or city, employers cannot ask about your record until later in the hiring process.

Reentry Employment Programs in Bakersfield

• America's Job Center of California — Bakersfield
• Goodwill Industries of South Central California
• Bakersfield Homeless Center (employment programs)
• Kern County Reentry Collaborative
• Community Action Partnership of Kern

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the best felony friendly jobs in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield has strong opportunities in agriculture and food processing, oil and gas services, warehouse and logistics (Amazon, FedEx), construction, and retail. Agricultural work is especially accessible during harvest seasons.

Does Bakersfield have ban-the-box laws?

Yes. California's Fair Chance Act (AB 1008) applies to employers with 5+ employees in Bakersfield. Criminal history inquiries are delayed until after a conditional offer.

What staffing agencies in Bakersfield hire felons?

Staffing agencies in Bakersfield include Express Employment Professionals, Manpower, Kelly Services, Adecco, and Labor Finders. Agricultural, warehouse, and industrial staffing are especially active.

What is the minimum wage in Bakersfield?

Bakersfield follows California's state minimum wage of $16.85 per hour. Fast food workers at large chains earn $20.00 per hour. Agricultural and warehouse jobs typically start at $17-$20 per hour.