Best Jobs for Felons: Finding Government Careers After Conviction

Getting back into the workforce with a felony record can feel tough, but it’s not the end of the line—especially if you want a steady gig with good benefits. You might not hear this enough, but there are government jobs that welcome people ready to rebuild.

First thing to know: not every government job is off-limits if you’re a felon. Some roles are out for sure, like law enforcement or certain federal security positions, but there’s actually a surprising number of government jobs that look at the whole person, not just a record. Cleaning, maintenance, warehouse work, groundskeeping, some clerical jobs, and even certain state or city-run programs are possible to break into, especially if your conviction doesn’t directly relate to the job tasks.

It’s all about targeting the right spots. Want to boost those chances? Start by getting smart about which jobs actually fit the rules in your state. Local governments often have the most flexible policies. Federal jobs are harder, but they’re not all out of reach—especially with the Second Chance Act in play and Ban the Box laws popping up all over.

• Understanding Restrictions and Opportunities
• Types of Government Jobs Felons Can Get
• Preparing for the Application Process
• Tips to Strengthen Your Job Hunt
• Real Stories: Felons Who Landed Great Jobs

Understanding Restrictions and Opportunities

If you’ve got a felony in your past, you probably wonder what doors are actually open when it comes to steady government jobs for felons. The short answer: it depends—a lot. Rules can be different at the federal, state, and local levels.

Let’s be upfront. Certain jobs, like working as a police officer, corrections officer, or in federal agencies like the FBI, usually stay off-limits if you have a felony. Those jobs do detailed background checks, and the law almost never allows someone with a felony into those roles. But that’s in the minority—there’s actually a range of other government jobs for felons where the rules aren’t so strict.

Here’s where things start to look up. The Ban the Box movement and laws like the Second Chance Act are changing the playing field. "Ban the Box" means many government job applications don’t ask about convictions up front. This gives you a shot to show what you can do before your background comes up. The Second Chance Act, signed back in 2008, helps people reenter society by opening up more job training and opportunities, including for some government work.

• State jobs can be easier to land than federal jobs. States like California and Illinois are leaders—California stopped asking about convictions on state job applications as early as 2018.
• City and county jobs often give even more room for people with records, especially in public works, maintenance, and entry-level offices roles.
• Federal government jobs are tougher but not impossible. Some positions at the United States Postal Service (USPS) and in support roles at agencies don’t have an outright ban on people with felonies.

There are some quick checks to do before applying:

1. Double-check the rules for the state or city you want to work in. They can change from place to place.
2. Look at what type of felony you have. Some jobs block all felonies, others only block certain crimes (like theft if you want a money-handling job).
3. Be honest in applications and during background checks. Hiding it almost always backfires.

Here’s a snapshot of how a few states handle best jobs for felons in government:

The bottom line: if you focus your search on the right places and know the laws where you live, your odds get a lot better. Next up: what types of jobs should you look for?

Types of Government Jobs Felons Can Get

This is where things get real: not all government jobs for felons are totally off the table. Sure, high-clearance roles or anything in law enforcement is usually out. But look past those, and you’ll spot way more options than most folks expect.

Here’s a list of potential government jobs where people with felonies have landed roles, as long as the crime isn’t directly related to the work or a specific ban doesn’t exist:

• Public Works & Maintenance: Jobs like groundskeeper, parks worker, sanitation, or public building maintenance often have fewer background barriers. State and city departments are usually open to second chances here.
• Transportation & Transit: Bus cleaning, vehicle maintenance, ticketing, or station attendant jobs can sometimes fit. Felonies involving driving may get flagged, though, especially for jobs that need a commercial license.
• Administrative Support: Certain clerical roles in local government programs, filing jobs, or records assistants might be available after background checks, depending on the crime and the state’s rules.
• Waste Management: Municipal garbage collection and recycling departments often hire folks looking for a fresh start, especially if reliability is strong.
• Construction & Labor Projects: Cities and counties sometimes need seasonal or project-based laborers, which can be open to those with prior records.

Some states go further with “Ban the Box” laws, which means the application doesn’t even ask about felonies up front. This pushes your resume to hiring managers before they ever see your record, creating a fairer shot.

The trick is matching your background with roles where your conviction isn’t a direct conflict. You’ll get farther if you check city and state job boards. Some government agencies will even label jobs as "second chance" opportunities. That’s your green light to apply without stressing about automatic rejection.

Preparing for the Application Process

Getting a government job for felons isn’t about luck. It’s about hitting the process with facts, paperwork, and the right mindset. Knowing exactly what you’re up against helps you avoid wasting time on jobs where your record means instant rejection. It also lets you focus on real chances for a fresh start.

The first thing you should do: get your paperwork in order. Grab your state ID or driver’s license, Social Security card, proof of address, and work history. If you’re missing anything, get started replacing those now because most employers—including for city or state roles—will ask for these up front.

Most government jobs for felons will require you to submit to a background check. Some roles just ask about convictions that relate to the job; for others, they dig deeper. Check each application closely and always answer honestly—lying is usually a deal breaker. If your conviction was a long time ago, some states will let you seal or expunge the record. This can make a big difference, so it’s worth checking if you qualify for that before applying.

"When you’re honest on your application, the employer sees you care about moving forward. We’ve hired people with felonies who show up ready and determined," says Greg Hartley, a hiring manager at a municipal public works department in Texas.

Many cities and states have removed the felony checkbox from job applications thanks to the 'Ban the Box' effort. That means they don’t ask about criminal records until they’re ready to talk job offer. This alone has upped interview chances for people with records by more than 30%, according to a 2023 report from the National Employment Law Project.

Polishing up your resume is next. Focus on skills you picked up on the job, volunteering, or even during time served. If you completed any workforce training, workshops, or certifications—even inside—put those front and center. Employers want to see you kept growing.

If you want to really stand out for the best jobs for felons, here are some tips:

• Look for job fairs or hiring events that are felon-friendly—some are run by your city or state government.
• Check workforce development boards; they often match people with records to government jobs or training programs.
• Use your local library or job center. They can help you with online applications, building a resume, or prepping for interviews.
• Ask about programs under the Second Chance Act—they connect people with records to public jobs and state-funded training.

One last thing: don’t let one "no" bump you off track. The process takes time. But there are second chances out there—and a growing number of government offices are making it part of their mission to offer them.

Tips to Strengthen Your Job Hunt

If you’re trying to land one of the best jobs for felons, you’ll need more than just a decent résumé. The right moves can make all the difference, especially when you’re applying for government jobs or anything that’s closely checked. Here’s how you can really bump up your odds:

• Be honest about your record. Lying on applications is a deal-breaker, especially for government jobs for felons. Most agencies appreciate straight talk more than perfect backgrounds.
• Get references that count. A letter from a probation officer, a former boss, or even a counselor who can back up your effort speaks louder than a generic letter. Real endorsements matter.
• Check your eligibility for record expungement. Some states let you wipe certain felonies off your record, making you way more attractive to employers. It’s worth the research—and sometimes it’s as simple as filling out an online form and paying a fee.
• Build up new skills. Training programs, trade certificates, or GEDs can totally change your story. The more you bring to the table, the harder it gets for an employer to say no. Most government job prep centers offer free or cheap courses that look great on your application.
• Use organizations set up for second chances. Nonprofits like Goodwill and The Doe Fund partner with government agencies and often have a direct line to public sector employers willing to hire people with records.

Curious about what works for folks in your shoes? According to a 2023 report from the National Employment Law Project, job seekers with felony records are 35% more likely to score interviews when they get help from community reentry programs. Here’s a breakdown showing helpful support:

And don’t sleep on the language you use. Highlight what you’ve learned, the positive steps you’ve taken, and why you’re ready to move forward. When you’re prepping for any felon job search in the public sector, it’s about showing that you’ve grown and the value you can add now—not just your past.

Real Stories: Felons Who Landed Great Jobs

When you’re looking for the best jobs for felons, nothing hits harder than real wins from real people. Some of these folks had no hope at first, but their stories prove you can get a steady job—even in government or jobs funded by government programs—if you play it smart.

Take the story of Marcus. Out of prison for drug charges in Texas, Marcus jumped into a city-run job training program. He started as a janitor for the local transit station, putting all he had into the work. Within two years, he was promoted to shift supervisor, earning health benefits and solid pay. Marcus says the key was showing up every day and being honest with his boss about his record—the city’s “Ban the Box” policy gave him a fair shot in the interview without his record getting in the way.

Another killer example is Denise in Illinois. After serving time for theft, Denise found it impossible to get interviews—until she tried the Department of Transportation. Illinois DOT doesn’t automatically disqualify felons, so she spent some time volunteering at community events, built up references, and landed a clerical role. Four years later, she’s now working in their logistics office, handling paperwork and dispatch. She credits her success to knowing which government jobs for felons had open policies and getting recommendations from people who knew her outside of her rap sheet.

Want some numbers? Check this out:

*Data from the National Employment Law Project, 2023

One more story: Chris in Florida had a record for assault, which knocked him out of police and security jobs. After months of applying everywhere, he got a shot as a state park groundskeeper through an “open hiring” partnership. He’d never done landscaping, but learned on the job. Now he trains new hires who also have records. Chris says if you keep your expectations flexible at the start, and use your time to learn new skills, government-linked jobs can be the gateway to a real career. His advice? Don’t sleep on parks, public works, or city operations—some of the highest felon job search success rates are hiding right there.

The bottom line: Ban the Box and second-chance hiring aren’t just buzzwords. They play out every day for people who stay patient, do the research, and show up willing to work.