I can't trade as old and retired. Sounds like you got skills your local county or city public works dept would love. After you work your way up you'll easily make about 80K per year plus benefits. Will have a defined benefit plan retirement. You will feel good being a civil servant improving the quality of life for your community. If you are under 40 you'll get in eventually if keep applying.
Discussion
You can get in over 40 as well as cannot discriminate but just easier to beat out competition. Will need a clean background.
Dont gave a clean background.
I have a federal arson charge from when I was 17.
🤷
Have you looked into getting that expunged? Especially from such a young age and under 18.
Yeah. No luck.
Only foind out that Federal convictions can't be expunged, sealed, etc etc
Bummer, I would apply anyway and look for attorney seeking recourse if they are discriminating. You may be able to get through and hired anyway and can explain the mistake. Public Works can be very forgiving, especially at the larger counties like Los Angeles County. For skilled labor type jobs it's not uncommon for someone to have made a serious mistake when young so can still get hired. If you haven't tried I would for sure and be willing to relocate if necessary. Sometimes there are special programs to help in your situation as well. Your skills you mentioned are great for Public Works. Clean driving record will help along with good working track record. Pay an expert to do a killer resume for you if don't want to do yourself.