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25 Bona Fide Ways to Find Jobs for Felons in Mesa in 2023

By Last update September 26, 2022
Mesa Arizona cityscape

If you have a criminal record, it can be hard to find work. Finding jobs for felons in Mesa, Arizona, is about to get a little easier, with this article to guide you. 

We’ve contacted over 1,000 companies directly with regard to their hiring practices for former offenders and did our research on the local economy in Mesa to save you some time. We’ve looked through the biggest companies in the area to give you the best shot at getting a job right away. 

Jobs that hire felons in Mesa

Mesa Arizona downtown

Mesa has a population of about 450,000 people with a huge variety of professions. This is because Mesa has a large number of jobs in the following fields:

  • Manufacturing
  • Retail and wholesale trade
  • Education, health care, and social services
  • Public administration

If you’re interested in finding jobs that hire felons in Mesa, you can try the search feature on our website to browse popular places to work locally.

Top companies that hire felons in Mesa

Entry-level jobs are the focus because they are the easiest to get and will teach you valuable skills that can be applied in any future job. Looking at the biggest companies and industries in town will give you a good idea of the kind of entry-level jobs available that you could get without much experience or special education.

Staffing agencies can also help you find the perfect job that matches your skills and interests, even if you think you are not qualified or eligible. Try looking for employment agency jobs for felons in Mesa if you want to work now, not later, and aren’t fussy about the work you get!

Using our jump-ahead text, you can choose the businesses that interest you most. Simply click on the company name to jump to its section! 

Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT)

American Discount Foods

Gurr Brothers

AT and T

AZ Metals

Bobby-Q BBQ

Big Tree Landscaping

Harbor Freight Tools

Aristotle Air

The Salvation Army

The other thing you’ll need, once you find your ideal starting point, is a good resume. We have a detailed guide on how to create an incredible resume with a criminal background to help you with that!

Now you’re ready to see the 

Mesilla Valley Transportation (MVT)

MVT is looking for passionate and safety-oriented drivers who want to run. They are seeking individuals who understand the importance of being on time, have a passion for trucks, use their mobile devices well with no problem handling potential conflicts respectfully in order to succeed at this job.

Below are some of the jobs they have available:

  • Driver
  • Recruiter
  • Shop technician
  • Accounting Clerk

American Discount Foods

Despite them being a “small family business,” American Discount Foods is a solid hirer in Mesa. They have more than one location and are open to hiring former offenders as long as you’re upfront about your past and ready to do the work for them.

They have several jobs available based in Mesa:

  • Grocery Clerk
  • Deli Clerk
  • Stocker
  • Cashier

Gurr Brothers

Are you handy? Do you like working in the construction industry, or think it would be a good fit for you? Gurr Brothers might be the right fit for you if you’re bringin the right attitude to the place. They are often hiring. Are you ready to work?

Here are some examples of their entry-level work:

  • General Labor
  • Installer
  • Carpenter
  • Electrician

AT and T

AT&T provides telecommunications services to customers around the world and has a high market share for wireless services in North America.

This company is also based in Mesa and offers jobs for felons that are focused on customer service. They offer a variety of different positions within the company, but it can be difficult to get an entry-level job because they require a lot of training upfront.

Some of the roles you can find here at AT&T:

  • Account Manager
  • Retail Sales
  • Call Center Representative
  • Customer Service Agent

AZ Metals

This local manufacturer focuses on metals, as you may have guessed by their name. AZ Metals is a big company that frequently hires, but also has a demanding work flow. They’re a cut-to-size distributor, so check them out if you have the skills or aptitude to do this work!

Jobs that are offered include:

  • Sales
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Fabricator
  • Installer

Bobby-Q BBQ

There’s nothing like the smell of BBQ. If you like that, you’ll love working here. Bobby-Q BBQ is a well-known local place that offers a variety menu based on BBQ (obviously) and they also offer catering and VIP treatment.

Check out their entry-level positions:

  • Bartender
  • Server
  • Caterer
  • Host

Big Tree Landscaping

In business since 1997, Big Tree Landscaping offers great employment and full service in both English and Spanish. They do tree trimming and landscaping, so you’ll be working with your hands or on the back end getting the orders placed and organized.

Here are there best roles for former offenders:

  • Laborer
  • Driver
  • Sales
  • Administration

Harbor Freight Tools

This is not your average hardware store. Harbor Freight Tools tools come with a lifetime warranty, and they also operate seven days a week. Whether you have hands-on tool experience to share with customers or are a good retail associate, this could be the company for you. They also offer remote positions if that’s more your thing.

Check out these entry-level roles:

  • Sales Associate
  • Stocking Associate
  • Warehouse Associate
  • Equipment Operator

Aristotle Air

If you’ve got HVAC experience and are looking for a way back into the market, try Aristotle Air. This heating and cooling company has been around since 2007 and is a solid local employer for people who ware willing to put in a hard day’s work. They pride themselves on professionalism and have a really great reputation.

The company offers positions such as:

  • HVAC Installer
  • General Labor
  • Driver
  • Technician

The Salvation Army

This charity organization hires people with criminal records to help others and make a difference. This company offers jobs for felons who are at least 18 years old and has many part-time employment opportunities that focus on a retail and service environment.

The Salvation Army offers entry-level positions such as:

  • Bagger
  • Kitchen Worker
  • Furniture Packer
  • Administrative Assistant
  • Delivery Driver

Trucking jobs for felons in Mesa

If you are looking for a job that provides great pay and benefits while also enabling you to hit the road, trucking might be perfect. However, it’s important to find out about trucking jobs for felons in Mesa before signing on with them.

We have a great guide on the trucking industry for people with criminal histories. Make sure to read this before applying to any of the trucking jobs listed below!

Here is a list of local trucking companies:

Warehouse jobs for felons in Mesa

The most popular perk of working a warehouse job has to be the flexible work environment. There are always a ton of warehouse jobs as lots of products are brought in every day. Maybe you’ll be one of the stockers or lift drivers helping move it!

Below is a list of some companies with warehouse jobs for felons in Mesa, Arizona:

  • Target
  • Mesa Cold Storage
  • Sunkist Warehouse
  • Sam’s Club

Temp agency jobs for felons in Mesa

Staffing agencies can provide felons with an entry-level temp job, fast. When you need work now, finding temp agency jobs for felons in Mesa should be on the top of your list.

Temp agencies are attractive to employers because they provide a steady supply of quality employees on short demand.

Here are temp agencies in Mesa, Arizona:

  • Kelly Services
  • TERRA Staffing Group
  • HireQuest Direct of Mesa
  • Elwood Staffing

Second chance and job training programs for felons in Mesa

The Arizona Senate passed legislation that will make it easier for people with criminal histories to find employment. These changes are part of a bill called Ban the Box which would limit what prospective employers can ask about an applicant’s criminal history on their job applications, giving those who have served time more opportunity at competitive interviews.

Second chance and job training programs for felons in Mesa:

  • Arizona Department of Corrections Inmate Programs and Reentry
    • Mission: To serve and protect the people of Arizona by securely incarcerating convicted felons, by providing structured programming designed to support inmate accountability and successful community reintegration, and by providing effective supervision for those offenders conditionally released from prison.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Reentry, Spiritual Services
  • Arizona Advocates for Ex-Offenders (AAFEO)
    • Mission: AAFEO is a Phoenix-based 501c (3) nonprofit agency whose mission is to reduce recidivism in adults and youth through active engagement and community embeddedness.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Employment, Food, Housing, Legal, Mental Health
  • Gold Canyon Heart and Home
    • Mission: Through peer-to-peer relationship, we mentor inmates through the reentry process. We inspire hope while they’re still incarcerated and then we provide support and resources upon release.
    • Services offered: Employment, Housing, Transportation
  • The Yavapai Reentry Project
    • Mission: Yavapai Reentry Project is a regional support system that promotes the successful reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals in a way that improves community safety by reducing criminal behavior.
    • Services offered: Employment, Family, Housing, Medical, Mental Health

Adam Sanders has worked as a reentry advisor, program leader, and teacher at San Quentin State prison in San Quentin California for several years. He co-founded San Quentin's financial literacy program and is passionate about helping former offenders successfully re-enter society and find personal and financial success. Adam also has nearly a decade of experience working in Marketing and Finance for large software companies and an MBA from Northwestern University.