Does Surge Staffing do background checks?

Yes. Surge's process includes background and drug screenings, but the depth depends on the client company you would be assigned to. Some clients do not require a background check.

Does Surge Staffing drug test?

Surge's screening process includes drug testing, and many clients require passing a drug screen before an assignment begins. Requirements vary by client and position.

Where does Surge Staffing operate?

Surge Staffing is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and operates roughly 200 branches across about two dozen states, staffing manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, office, and call-center roles.

How do I apply to Surge Staffing with a record?

Apply at surgestaffing.com/jobsearch, through the mySurge app, or at a local branch. Be honest about your history and ask your recruiter which assignments do not require a background check.

Does Surge Staffing Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-07-12

Sometimes

Surge Staffing places people with records depending on the assignment. Reports vary by branch and client — many warehouse and light-industrial jobs do not require a clean record.

Surge Staffing does place some people with felony records, though outcomes vary by branch, position, and client. Headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, Surge is a national workforce-solutions firm with roughly 200 branches across two dozen states, staffing manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, hospitality, general office, and call-center roles. As a staffing agency, Surge is an intermediary: it screens you into its candidate pool, then places you on assignments at client companies. Surge's process includes interviews, reference checks, and background and drug screenings, but many of its light-industrial and warehouse clients do not require a spotless record, and worker self-reports frequently note that Surge places people with backgrounds. Because each client sets its own rules, whether a felony blocks a specific assignment depends on the offense, how recent it is, and the client's requirements. The easiest way to know is to ask your local Surge branch directly which openings will clear your background.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Warehouse / Logistics Associate	Case-by-case	Yes — depends on client	Picking, packing, shipping, receiving. High volume; the most accessible assignments.
Manufacturing / Production Worker	Case-by-case	Yes — depends on client	Assembly, machine operation, packaging. Many clients hire non-violent records.
General Labor	Often	Varies — some clients skip it	Entry-level light-industrial work. Second and third shift most accessible.
Hospitality / Food Service	Case-by-case	Yes — depends on client	Banquet, kitchen, and event staffing. Screening depends on the venue.
Call Center / General Office	Case-by-case	Yes — often stricter	Customer service and clerical roles. Screening tends to be more thorough.

Surge Staffing Hiring Practices

Surge Staffing is a national workforce-solutions company headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, with roughly 200 branches spread across about two dozen states. It places temporary, temp-to-hire, and direct-hire workers into manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, hospitality, general office, and call-center roles. Surge's stated process includes interviews, reference checks, and background and drug screenings — but because Surge is an intermediary, whether a record matters depends on the client company you would be assigned to. Worker self-reports are mixed: some say Surge does not hire felons for certain roles, while others report being placed without issue and note the company hires people with backgrounds. That inconsistency reflects reality in staffing — policies differ by branch, by client, and by the type of assignment. Light-industrial and warehouse clients, which make up much of Surge's volume, tend to be the most open to non-violent records.

Tips for Getting Hired at Surge Staffing

Apply online at surgestaffing.com/jobsearch, through the mySurge app, or at your local branch. Because reports vary, the single most useful step is to call or visit your nearest Surge branch and ask directly which current openings do not require a background check — branch staff know their client roster. Be honest about your record; staffing recruiters place people they can vouch for. Target warehouse, logistics, and general-labor assignments on second or third shift, where demand is highest and screening is often lighter. Mention any certifications (forklift, OSHA) or steady work history to broaden the assignments you qualify for. If one branch cannot place you, try another in your area — different branches serve different clients.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Apply at surgestaffing.com/jobsearch, via the mySurge app, or at a local branch.
2.Call your nearest branch and ask directly which openings do not require a background check.
3.Be honest about your record — recruiters place candidates they can vouch for.
4.Target warehouse, logistics, and general-labor assignments on second or third shift.
5.List forklift, OSHA, or other certifications to widen the assignments you qualify for.
6.If one branch can't place you, try another nearby — each serves different clients.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Surge Staffing hire felons?: Surge Staffing places some people with felony records, though reports vary by branch, position, and client. Many warehouse and light-industrial assignments do not require a clean record, so eligibility depends on the offense and the client's requirements. Ask your local branch which openings will clear your background.
Does Surge Staffing do background checks?: Yes. Surge's process includes background and drug screenings, but the depth depends on the client company you would be assigned to. Some clients do not require a background check.
Does Surge Staffing drug test?: Surge's screening process includes drug testing, and many clients require passing a drug screen before an assignment begins. Requirements vary by client and position.
Where does Surge Staffing operate?: Surge Staffing is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio, and operates roughly 200 branches across about two dozen states, staffing manufacturing, logistics, hospitality, office, and call-center roles.
How do I apply to Surge Staffing with a record?: Apply at surgestaffing.com/jobsearch, through the mySurge app, or at a local branch. Be honest about your history and ask your recruiter which assignments do not require a background check.

Take Action — Direct Links

Surge Staffing Job Search
Search open assignments and apply at Surge branches nationwide.
National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.

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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).