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If you are justice involved, then you will likely encounter challenges when trying to get a job. We understand your struggle and if you are looking for jobs for felons in Tacoma, Washington, we’re here to help you. Our team has contacted over 1,000 US companies to find out what their practices are concerning hiring former felons. This article will give you some tips on finding a job and some specific places to look at in the Tacoma area for work and other assistance.
Jobs that hire felons in Tacoma
Tacoma got its name from the Native American word for Mother of the Waters, which is also the Native American name Mt. Rainier. Tacoma is the 6th largest port in North America (over 2,400 acres) and has local attractions such as the Tacoma Dome, which is the largest wood-domed arena (1.6 million board feet) in the world, and the Museum of Glass, which displays different types of glass art from the region and all over the world.
Aside from being a major port city, Tacoma is an important center for agricultural and forest products. It is also becoming a major tech center and has many companies in the manufacturing, healthcare, financial, and professional services industries.
You may have to do some looking around to find good jobs that hire felons in Tacoma, but there are lots of opportunities available in and around the area. If you need help narrowing your list down, then use our great job search tool. It will let you search by industry, job title, company, and other filters.
Top companies that hire felons in Tacoma
When restarting your career as a justice involved person, it is tempting to try and pick up where you left off. However, this is not usually a very successful approach for most people. We recommend you look at entry-level jobs to start with. Entry-level roles are going to be more feasible for people with criminal records because the requirements are low, and they may not require a background check.
A great way to cast a broad net for job opportunities is to leverage temp and employment agency jobs for felons in Tacoma. Employment and temp agencies always have lots of job listings, and they are familiar with locating jobs for people in your situation. We’ll give you a list of some good agencies later in this article.
The main section of this article will give you some likely companies that hire felons in Tacoma. You can see the list of companies below. If you click on a name, you will jump right to that company’s section. Or continue reading down the page to see all of them. We’ll also give you more information and advice on how to get a job with a criminal record.
As a jobseeker, you will need to have a good, up-to-date resume prepared. For those out there that need assistance with making a resume for people with a record, check out our great guide that will give you plenty of tips on how to make the best resume.
Foss Maritime
If you like boats and working on the water, then Foss Maritime (formerly Foss Launch and Tug Company) may be a good place for you to look. It is a tugging company that was founded in 1889 and is the largest tug and towing operation on the west coast of the United States.
Some promising jobs for former felons:
- Loader Operator
- Laborer
- Barge Loading
- Maintenance and Repair
- 2nd Mate (Ocean Fleet)
Tacoma Public Utilities
For something in the public services realm, then check out the Tacoma Public Utilities. It is the public utility that services the city of Tacoma and is the largest department in the Tacoma City government with over 1,300 employees (2018).
Some good opportunities for justice-involved folks to look for:
- Mail And Stock Processor
- Animal Control
- Utility Services Specialist
- Customer Accounts
- Maintenance
Ferguson Enterprises
Ferguson Enterprises is a leading plumbing-supply company with several locations in the Tacoma area. They also have a good variety of entry and lower level positions that should give you an opportunity to get a foothold in the company.
Some solid jobs for former felons:
- Warehouse Associate
- Sales Representative
- Delivery Driver
- Estimator
- Service Representative
Koch Industries
Koch Industries, Inc. is has a number of subsidiaries including Georgia-Pacific, Invista, Molex, and others, which will provide a wider selection of locations and jobs available in Tacoma and Washington state. Their Georgia-Pacific operations in Washington are very sizable due to the large lumber industry in the state. They also have a good variety of entry level positions.
Great jobs for former felons:
- Truck Driver
- Forklift Operator
- Maintenance Technician
- Operations
- Quality Control
Fred Meyer
Fred Meyer is a grocery store chain based in Portland, Oregon with over 130 stores throughout Oregon, Washington, Idaho, and Alaska. They offer one-stop shopping with employment opportunities in apparel, housewares, food, pharmacy and home electronics as well as their division office.
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Grocery Clerk
- Cashier
- Sales Associate
- Assistant Coordinator
- Engagement Specialist
Restaurant Depot
For something in the restaurant industry, then take a look at Restaurant Depot. It is a Members-Only Wholesale Cash & Carry Food service supplier. They support many local restaurants and have a variety of entry-level type positions available.
Some great opportunities for former felons:
- Cashier
- Driver
- Porter
- Receiving clerk
- Picker
Milgard Windows and Doors
Milgard Windows & Doors is the leading manufacturer of windows and doors in the western US with operations in Washington, Oregon, California, and Colorado. They have good opportunities for entry level positions in a number of areas.
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Manufacturing
- Warehouse
- Installation Tech
- Maintenance & Repair
- Business Operations
Port of Tacoma
Tacoma has a huge port and the Port of Tacoma is a major employer in the area. If you are looking for a physical job or something with exposure to a lot of different shipping related businesses, then this may be a good place for you to look at.
Some good job opportunities for former felons:
- Freight Coordinator
- Trucking Dispatcher
- Forklift Operator
- Production Machine Operator
- Operating Maintenance
- Warehouse
Toray CMA
If you are looking for something in high-tech manufacturing, then Toray Composite Materials America is a good choice. They are a leading producer of advanced composite materials such as carbon fiber for aerospace and industrial markets. They do have some entry-level and other opportunities.
Excellent openings for former felons to look for:
- Production Technician
- Quality Assurance
- Sales Operations
- Facilities
- Maintenance Technician
Auto Warehousing
Do you love working with and around vehicles, and the transportation industry? Then Auto Warehousing may be the place for you. Auto Warehousing (AWC) is a family-owned and operated auto service business that has been around for over 50 years.
Promising jobs for former felons:
- Rail Loader
- Automotive Accessory Installer
- Billing Revenue Specialist
- Facilities and Maintenance
- Customer Service
Trucking jobs for felons in Tacoma
Do you like driving and traveling cross-country? How about big rigs? If so, then you should definitely investigate the trucking industry. They are always looking for drivers and dependable workers. They also have a long history of giving former felons a second chance.
Below are a few companies to check out for trucking jobs for felons in Tacoma:
- Nichols Trucking Co. Inc.
- Veneer Chip Transport, Inc.
- Reddaway
- D & B Trucking
- Walsh Trucking Co. LTD.
Warehouse jobs for felons in Tacoma
A great source of jobs is to look for warehouse jobs for felons in Tacoma. They are everywhere, because just about every company with goods needs a place to store their inventories. Warehouses also are constantly seeking good workers to fill a variety of entry-level and higher roles.
Here are some of the top businesses to consider:
- ReadySpaces
- Americold Logistics Tacoma
- Atlas Columbia Warehouse
- Mainfreight Seattle
- Infinity Global Distribution
Temp agency jobs for felons in Tacoma
To give your job search a fast start, then check out temp agency jobs for felons in Tacoma. Temp and employment agencies are a good overall source of job listings and job search help. They are familiar with assisting people in your situation and will give you a plethora of information on the local job market.
Here are some good agencies in the area:
- Beacon Hill Staffing Group
- LaborWorks
- HireQuest Direct
- Valeo Vocation
- Opti Staffing Group
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Tacoma
For former felons in Washington, the state has enacted “Ban the Box” laws. These laws prohibit inquiries into an applicant’s criminal record until after the employer initially decides that the applicant is otherwise qualified.
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Tacoma and Washington can provide you with some additional help with your reentry into society. They offer a wide variety of services like training, housing, addiction and recovery, and legal assistance to give you that extra boost to get your life going in the right direction.
Resources for former felons in Tacoma:
- New Connections
- Mission: To interrupt the poverty-to-prison pipeline and promote community reintegration after incarceration.
- Services offered: Housing, Legal
- Reentry into the Community
- Mission: Though most individuals who are incarcerated will return to their communities, successful transitions are difficult. The likelihood of successful transition can be improved with utilization of reentry programs and practices. The Department is committed to being reentry-focused and providing resources for individuals currently in and leaving the system, to assist in safe and successful transition to the community.
- Services offered: Employment
- Evergreen Treatment Services (ETS)
- Mission: Transforming the lives of individuals and their communities through innovative and effective addiction and social services.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Legal, Mental Health
- Sound Mentally Ill Offender Services
- Mission: To strengthen our community and improve the lives of our clients by delivering excellent health and human services tailored to meet their needs.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Housing, Medical, Mental Health
- Freedom Project
- Mission: Freedom Project works to dismantle the institution of mass incarceration and heal its traumatic effects on our community — Black, Indigenous and People of Color who are impacted by the systems of mass incarceration. As a community-centered and culturally-responsive organization, we come from, are in, and are directed by the community we serve. We offer tangible resources where they are needed most — and make space for people to show up as they are and be seen for their humanity.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Medical
