Hiring & Background Checks
Felon-Friendly Lineman Jobs
Felon-friendly lineman jobs are out there, but you need to know where the barriers are and how to work around them. This guide breaks down background checks, union rules, and what actually gets you hired with a record.
The short answer: Yes, you can be a lineman with a felony. Get an unrestricted Class A CDL, start as a groundman with a storm or transmission contractor, and build hours fast. The CDL is usually a bigger hurdle than the record.
The Honest Answer
Can You Be a Lineman With a Felony?
Yes. Utilities, contractors, and co-ops hire people with felonies every year. What matters is the type of charge, how long ago it happened, and whether you can pass the rest of the requirements.
Linework is short-handed across the country. The Bureau of Labor Statistics reports over 10,000 openings hit the market each year from retirements and grid expansion. Contractors need groundmen and apprentices who show up and work.
What the Charge Type Actually Does
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Violent felonies: raise red flags, especially at utilities
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Drug-related charges: common in the trade; many contractors overlook older cases
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Theft or fraud: can block you from jobs involving substations, meters, or customer property
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DUI: medium impact, but CDL eligibility matters more than the conviction itself
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Weapons charges: medium to high, depends on job location
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Recent convictions: under 3 to 5 years is the hardest window to overcome
If you can pass a CDL, show up on time, and work safely, you still have a shot. Plenty of journeymen on the line today have a past. The Class A CDL requirement is often the bigger hurdle than the felony itself. If you cannot legally obtain one, you will not get hired.
Know Who You're Applying To
How Background Checks Work
Most lineman jobs run a background check after a conditional offer. The depth depends entirely on who you are working for.
Contractor Jobs
Most Flexible
Checks usually go back 7 years, with the focus on safety risk and job-related offenses. The decision is often made by a project manager, not HR. Storm work contractors are the loosest; if you have a CDL and can travel, they care more about availability than your past.
Utility Companies
Strict
Investor-owned utilities and municipals run 7 to 10 year checks, fingerprinting is common, and federal compliance rules apply for critical infrastructure. Expect issues if your record includes theft, fraud, or violence. These companies answer to regulators and insurers. Hiring standards vary further between IOUs, co-ops, and municipal utilities.
Union Apprenticeships
Case-by-Case
IBEW outside apprenticeships do not automatically disqualify felons, but they review your record closely: time since conviction, evidence of rehabilitation, work history, and references. Some locals are stricter than others. A felony will not automatically keep you off the books, but you need to explain it clearly.
Steps to Get Hired With a Record
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Get Your CDL First
Non-negotiable. Class A with no restrictions, a clean driving record for at least 2 to 3 years, no recent DUIs. Without this, you will not get called.
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Start as a Groundman
The entry point and the most forgiving. Pay ranges from $18 to $35 per hour depending on region, and storm work can push that past $40 with overtime. Minimal experience required. This is where most guys with records get their start.
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Apply to Multiple Contractors
Do not rely on one application. Hit transmission contractors, distribution contractors, and storm restoration companies. Hiring standards vary wildly between companies, so cast a wide net.
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Be Direct About Your Record
If they ask, answer clearly. State the charge, state the year, explain what changed. Do not overshare, but do not dodge it either. Most foremen respect straight answers.
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Build a Work History Fast
Once you get in, your record matters less with every month you work. Show up early, take overtime, travel when asked. Six months of solid work beats any explanation.
Where the Doors Open First
Best Entry Points With a Record
01
Storm Restoration Work
Fast hiring, minimal screening, and 16 to 20 hour shifts during events. High pay with per diem. This is the easiest entry point in the trade. See what storm pay for linemen actually runs.
02
Transmission Construction
Remote job sites, fewer customer interactions, and contractors who care about production. Less red tape compared to utility hiring.
03
Non-Union Contractors
Faster hiring process, less centralized screening, more willing to take a chance. You can move into union work later once you build experience.
The Realistic Path
Timeline From Record to Journeyman
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Month 0 to 3: Get CDL and basic certifications
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Month 3 to 6: Land a groundman job, often storm or traveling work
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Month 6 to 18: Build hours, apply for apprenticeship
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Year 2 to 4: Move into an apprentice role
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Year 4 to 5: Top out as journeyman
The key is getting that first job. After that, your work speaks louder than your record. The full groundman to journeyman progression is the same regardless of your background.
Certifications That Offset a Record
Stack qualifications to compete. These show you are serious and reduce the perceived risk.
- OSHA 10 or OSHA 30
- First aid and CPR
- Flagger certification
- Climbing school completion
Common Questions
FAQ: Felon-Friendly Lineman Jobs
Will a felony stop me from joining a union?
No. Many union members have records. Each local reviews applicants individually.
How far back do background checks go?
Most go back 7 years, some utilities go 10 years or longer.
Can I work storm with a felony?
Yes. Storm contractors are the most flexible in the industry.
Do I have to disclose my felony?
If asked on an application or during hiring, yes. Lying will get you terminated later.
What is the biggest barrier?
Getting a CDL and landing your first groundman job.
Keep Reading
Related Lineman Guides
Bottom Line
Be Realistic and Aggressive
You can get into linework with a felony, but you have to move fast and target the right employers. Start with a CDL, aim at contractor and storm work, and build a track record.
Once you have hours and references, doors open. Your first job is the hard one. Every job after that is earned on the ground.
Start Where Hiring Is Fastest
Groundman openings posted daily. Minimal experience required.
Search Groundman Jobs
Ready for the Next Step?
Apprentice openings once you have hours behind you.
Apprentice Openings
Written by
Matthew Sorensen. Skilled trades recruiting executive and founder of PowerLinemanJobs.com. Matthew has 15+ years placing electrical and commercial trades professionals, authored four books on hiring, and hosted the Hired podcast, ranked in the top 0.5% of career podcasts worldwide.