Does EMCOR do background checks?

Yes. EMCOR runs pre-employment background checks, and many jobs also require a separate client-mandated clearance to access secured sites.

Does EMCOR drug test?

Yes. EMCOR conducts pre-employment drug testing and reserves the right to perform random drug tests for safety reasons.

What jobs does EMCOR hire for?

EMCOR hires apprentices and trade helpers, laborers, facilities and maintenance technicians, skilled tradespeople like electricians and pipefitters, and field supervisors across its subsidiaries.

Does EMCOR Group Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

EMCOR runs background checks and drug tests and has not adopted ban-the-box hiring, but its local subsidiaries hire case by case. Skilled-trades and construction work is a realistic path for people with records.

EMCOR Group (NYSE: EME) is a Fortune 500 leader in mechanical and electrical construction, industrial and energy infrastructure, and building services, with more than 46,000 employees across over 400 locations and roughly 70 operating subsidiaries. Because EMCOR works through those local subsidiaries — regional mechanical, electrical, and facilities-services firms — hiring decisions are made locally, and there is no single company-wide felony policy. EMCOR does run pre-employment background checks and drug testing, and it has not publicly signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge or adopted formal ban-the-box hiring. That said, skilled-trades and construction work is one of the more realistic paths for people with records, often through union apprenticeships. Whether you're hired depends on the subsidiary, the role, the offense, how long ago it happened, and whether the job requires access to secured client sites such as data centers, hospitals, or government facilities.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Apprentice / Trade Helper	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Entry to electrical, HVAC, plumbing, and pipefitting trades. Often through union apprenticeship programs.
Laborer / Construction Worker	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	General site labor and material handling. Physically demanding; an accessible entry point.
Facilities / Maintenance Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard criminal check	Servicing building systems. Some client sites require an added background clearance.
Skilled Tradesperson (Electrician / HVAC / Pipefitter)	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive check	Licensed or experienced trades work. Skills and certifications are weighed heavily.
Project / Field Supervisor	Case-by-case	Yes — comprehensive check	Runs crews and job sites. Usually a promotion from the trades.

EMCOR Group Hiring Practices

EMCOR is a holding company that operates through roughly 70 subsidiaries — regional mechanical, electrical, and facilities-services firms — so hiring is decentralized and there is no single corporate felony policy. Each subsidiary sets its own practices within EMCOR's standards, which include pre-employment background checks and drug testing, and EMCOR reserves the right to conduct random drug tests for safety reasons. EMCOR has not publicly signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge or adopted formal ban-the-box hiring, so applicants should expect the background check to factor into the decision. On the other hand, the construction and skilled-trades sector is one of the more realistic fields for people with records, valuing trade skills and reliability, and many workers enter through union apprenticeships that are open to people with backgrounds. A key barrier is site access: jobs at data centers, hospitals, airports, or government facilities often require a separate client-mandated background clearance beyond EMCOR's own.

Tips for Getting Hired at EMCOR

Apply through emcorgroup.com/careers, but also research which local EMCOR subsidiary serves your area and apply to it directly, since hiring is decentralized. Consider entering through a union apprenticeship (IBEW for electrical, UA for pipefitting and HVAC), which builds skills and often welcomes people with records. Be honest about your history and prepared to explain it; a background check and drug test are standard. Emphasize any trade skills, certifications, safety training (such as OSHA 10 or 30), or reliable work history. Ask up front whether a role requires secured client-site clearance so there are no surprises. If your conviction is old or eligible, expungement or sealing beforehand can clear many checks and open more of these sites to you.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at emcorgroup.com/careers and also directly to the local EMCOR subsidiary that serves your area.
2.Consider entering through a union apprenticeship (IBEW, UA) that builds skills and often welcomes people with records.
3.Be honest about your record — a background check and drug test are standard at EMCOR.
4.Highlight trade skills, certifications, and safety training like OSHA 10 or 30.
5.Ask up front whether a job needs secured client-site clearance (data centers, hospitals, government).
6.If your conviction is old or eligible, pursue expungement or sealing to clear more site background checks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does EMCOR Group hire felons?: Some EMCOR subsidiaries hire people with felony records, especially for trades and construction roles. There is no single company-wide policy; decisions are made locally and case by case after a background check.
Does EMCOR do background checks?: Yes. EMCOR runs pre-employment background checks, and many jobs also require a separate client-mandated clearance to access secured sites.
Does EMCOR drug test?: Yes. EMCOR conducts pre-employment drug testing and reserves the right to perform random drug tests for safety reasons.
Does EMCOR use ban-the-box hiring?: EMCOR has not publicly signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge or adopted formal ban-the-box hiring, so applicants should expect the background check to factor into the decision.
What jobs does EMCOR hire for?: EMCOR hires apprentices and trade helpers, laborers, facilities and maintenance technicians, skilled tradespeople like electricians and pipefitters, and field supervisors across its subsidiaries.

Take Action — Direct Links

EMCOR Group Careers
Search construction, trades, and facilities jobs across EMCOR's subsidiaries.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

Related Resources on This Site

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Helpful guides

HealthFree mental health services
ExpungementHow to find an expungement lawyer
ToolsYour first week after release
Drug Testing12-panel drug test — what does it test for?

Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).