Does SERVPRO Hire Felons?
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SERVPRO is a franchise system, so hiring is decided by each independently owned location. Background checks and drug tests are standard, but many franchises hire people with records for physical restoration labor on a case-by-case basis.
SERVPRO does hire some people with records, but because it is a franchise system, the decision rests with each independently owned and operated location rather than corporate. SERVPRO of Gallatin, Tennessee has more than 2,380 franchises across the U.S. and Canada specializing in fire, water, mold, and biohazard cleanup and restoration. Franchises typically require candidates to pass a criminal background check and drug test 'subject to applicable law,' and many job postings list the ability to pass a check with no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft. In practice this varies widely: restoration and production-crew work is physically demanding, labor-hungry, and often more accessible to people with non-violent or older records, while roles that involve entering occupied homes, handling customer property, or driving may face closer scrutiny. Your best strategy is to apply directly to specific local franchises, since each owner sets its own hiring standards.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Restoration / Production Technician | Case-by-case (varies by franchise) | Yes — standard criminal check | Physical cleanup and restoration labor. Often the most accessible entry point. |
| Water / Fire Damage Crew | Case-by-case (varies by franchise) | Yes — standard criminal check | Demanding field work, frequent hiring. Enters damaged homes and businesses. |
| Crew Chief / Production Supervisor | Case-by-case (varies by franchise) | Yes — comprehensive check | Leads crews and often drives. Violent or theft convictions are bigger barriers. |
| Warehouse / Equipment Support | More accessible | Yes — standard criminal check | Less customer contact. Good option for people with records. |
| Office / Administrative | Case-by-case (varies by franchise) | Yes — standard criminal check | Scheduling, dispatch, and estimating. May involve handling customer data. |
SERVPRO Hiring Practices
SERVPRO is a franchise organization of more than 2,380 independently owned locations across the U.S. and Canada, so there is no single company-wide hiring rule — each franchise owner is a separate employer that sets its own standards. Corporate and franchise postings commonly require passing a background check and drug test 'subject to applicable law,' and many list a preference for no felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft. Because restoration and production work is physically demanding and franchises are frequently short-staffed, many owners will consider applicants with non-violent or older records, particularly for crew labor. Roles that involve entering occupied homes, handling valuables, or driving company vehicles tend to get closer scrutiny. Since standards differ from one franchise to the next, applying broadly across multiple local offices materially improves your odds.
Tips for Getting Hired
Because SERVPRO is franchised, apply directly to specific local offices through servpro.com/careers or by visiting franchise location pages — a 'no' at one franchise says nothing about the next. Target restoration and production-crew roles, which are labor-intensive and hire often. Be upfront about your record; franchises still run background checks and drug tests, and honesty matters more than the conviction itself. Emphasize physical reliability, a willingness to work emergency and after-hours calls, and any restoration, construction, or cleaning experience. IICRC certifications or a clean recent driving record strengthen your case for crew-chief roles. Ask the local owner directly about their policy — franchise managers have full discretion.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply directly to specific local franchises via servpro.com/careers — each owner hires independently.
- 2.Target restoration and production-crew roles; they are labor-heavy and hire frequently.
- 3.Be honest about your record — franchises run background checks and drug tests subject to applicable law.
- 4.Highlight physical reliability and willingness to take emergency, after-hours, and weekend calls.
- 5.List any restoration, construction, cleaning, or IICRC-certified experience.
- 6.Apply to multiple nearby franchises — standards vary widely from one owner to the next.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does SERVPRO hire felons?
- Some SERVPRO franchises do. Because SERVPRO is a franchise system, each independently owned location sets its own hiring policy. Many hire people with non-violent or older records for restoration labor on a case-by-case basis, while violent or theft convictions are bigger barriers.
- Does SERVPRO do background checks?
- Yes. SERVPRO franchises require candidates to pass a criminal background check subject to applicable law, and some run annual checks after hiring.
- Does SERVPRO drug test?
- Yes. Franchises typically require a drug test as part of the hiring process, subject to applicable law.
- Is SERVPRO a franchise?
- Yes. SERVPRO has more than 2,380 independently owned and operated franchises across the U.S. and Canada, with headquarters in Gallatin, Tennessee. Each franchise owner is a separate employer.
- What disqualifies you from being hired at SERVPRO?
- Postings commonly cite felony convictions or misdemeanors involving violence or theft as barriers, but standards vary by franchise. Failing the drug test or having a poor driving record can also disqualify applicants for driving roles.
Take Action — Direct Links
- SERVPRO Careers
Official careers site — browse franchise and headquarters openings and apply locally.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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