Adapted from a real OPS Staffing article originally posted by Mitchell Riley (Sep 2026).
Pick the firm that already speaks restoration — then make them prove the search. The right staffing agency for a restoration or construction hire is niche-specific, can explain how they screen IICRC and Xactimate, will name a replacement guarantee, and will tell you who owns your search. A larger generalist desk with a construction dropdown is not the same thing.
Ask five questions before you sign anything. If the answers are vague, keep walking. You are hiring a partner who will represent your company to estimators and PMs who already have jobs.
OPS Staffing’s answers are public: restoration and construction only on the service pages, industry screens, 60-120 day guarantee, and a named process on how a search runs. Use that as a comparison sheet, not a slogan.
| Check | Pass | Fail |
|---|---|---|
| Niche | They ask about loss types, carriers, and software first | They lead with we staff all industries |
| Screen | IICRC, Xactimate/scoping, live-loss story | Keyword match and a phone screen about culture |
| Guarantee | 60-120 days, replacement is their job, terms in writing | We stand behind our work with no window |
| Communication | Weekly written status; one decision-maker on your side | You have to call to learn there are no names |
| Fee honesty | They can explain contingency vs a flat-fee sales program | They will not talk money until after you are locked in |
Specialization is not a logo on a trade-show booth. It is whether the recruiter can tell an estimator story from a new-construction estimator story, and whether they know mitigation on-call is not optional color. If you are filling reconstruction in Houston or a multi-site restoration seat, the firm should already work those conversations.
Reputation is useful. Ask for roles they have placed in the last year — title, market, not a client name if they cannot share it. We work with the top brands is not a reference.
Most restoration leadership and PM searches are contingency: you pay when you hire. Restoration sales can be a different conversation — OPS runs a retainer / flat-fee option under the Floodlight Sales Program. If a firm only sells one model for every seat, make sure that model matches the role.
If you already know you want a partner and you are deciding whether to use one at all, read why partner with a staffing agency.
Size helps a retail or warehouse desk. It does not help you find a fire-restoration PM who can run a large loss. Niche beats headcount for these seats.
Give each the same brief. See who sends a candidate who can talk Xactimate and a failed dry-out without you coaching them. The first relevant shortlist wins.
Send the role or call (888) 482-6019.
Updated September 2026 by the OPS Staffing recruiting team. Employee-owned. Based in Pasadena, TX. Placing restoration and construction talent nationwide since December 2015.