Felon Friendly Jobs in Nebraska | Second Chance
In Nebraska, approximately 4,500 individuals are released from prison each year, and 70% of them struggle to find employment due to their criminal record. However, various felon-friendly jobs and second chance employment opportunities are available in the state. According to the Nebraska Department of Labor, the most in-demand jobs for individuals with criminal records include truck driving, welding, and culinary arts, with median salaries ranging from $40,000 to $60,000 per year.
Some companies even offer no background check jobs, giving individuals a fair chance at employment. Companies like Nebraska Machine Products and Hormel Foods also provide 2and chance employment opportunities, supporting rehabilitation and reintegration. In fact, studies show that individuals with criminal records who find employment are 50% less likely to recidivate, making second chance employment crucial in reducing recidivism rates in Nebraska.
Latest Second chance Jobs in Nebraska
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
What Are Felon-Friendly Jobs in Nebraska That Require No Experience?
Finding a job with no prior experience can be challenging, but Nebraska offers various opportunities for felons in entry-level roles that prioritize attitude and willingness to learn over experience. Here are some sectors and roles suitable for felons with no prior work experience:
Warehouse and Logistics
Many warehouse jobs in Nebraska require minimal or no prior experience. Positions like package handlers, stock clerks, and material movers are common. These roles often involve sorting, packing, and shipping products, making them a great starting point for felons seeking steady work. Employers typically provide on-the-job training.
Food Service
The food service industry, including fast food chains, restaurants, and catering companies, often hires individuals without experience. Positions such as line cooks, dishwashers, and servers can be accessible, with opportunities to grow into supervisory roles over time.
Retail
Retail jobs, such as sales associates or cashiers, require strong customer service skills but little to no experience. Nebraska’s retail sector, including grocery stores and department stores, frequently offers flexible schedules and training for new employees.
Construction and Labor
General labor roles in construction or landscaping companies often have low entry requirements. Tasks might include site clean-up, assisting skilled workers, or operating basic equipment. These jobs provide hands-on experience and may lead to opportunities in specialized trades.
Cleaning Services
Residential and commercial cleaning companies often hire felons for janitorial or housekeeping roles. These positions generally don’t require experience and involve tasks like sweeping, mopping, and organizing spaces.
Call Centers
Call centers in Nebraska provide opportunities for customer service roles that don’t need prior experience. Employees are trained on the job to handle inquiries and assist customers over the phone. These roles can also improve communication and problem-solving skills.
Manufacturing and Production
Entry-level roles in factories or production facilities, such as assembly line workers, are common. These jobs typically involve repetitive tasks like assembling products, packaging, or inspecting items, and employers often offer training.
Delivery and Courier Services
Companies hiring for delivery driver positions often seek applicants with a valid driver’s license rather than work experience. Felons with a clean driving record may find roles delivering packages or food through local courier services or app-based platforms.
Volunteer Work and Internships
For felons looking to build skills, unpaid opportunities like volunteering or internships can be a stepping stone to paid employment. Nonprofits and community programs often welcome individuals looking for a fresh start.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
Specific Companies Hiring Felons in Nebraska
| Company Name | Industry | Job Roles Offered | Notes on Hiring Felons | Location |
|---|
| Union Pacific Railroad | Transportation & Logistics | Train crew, mechanics, and administrative roles | Reviews applications case-by-case based on convictions | Omaha and other locations |
| Werner Enterprises | Trucking & Logistics | Truck drivers, warehouse workers, and technicians | Offers CDL training programs and considers applicants individually | Omaha |
| Cargill | Agriculture & Manufacturing | Production workers, maintenance technicians | Supports second-chance hiring policies for certain roles | Various locations statewide |
| Tyson Foods | Food Processing | Packers, machine operators, and maintenance staff | Open to hiring felons with a focus on rehabilitation | Lexington and Dakota City |
| Goodwill Industries | Nonprofit & Retail | Retail associates, donation processors | Actively promotes second-chance hiring | Statewide |
| McDonald’s | Food Service | Crew members, kitchen staff, and managers | Welcomes applicants with criminal records | Statewide |
| Home Depot | Retail & Home Improvement | Stock clerks, cashiers, and warehouse associates | Conducts case-by-case evaluations | Various cities |
| UPS | Transportation & Logistics | Package handlers, drivers, and warehouse workers | Known for hiring felons based on the severity of convictions | Omaha and Lincoln |
| Hy-Vee | Retail & Grocery | Cashiers, shelf stockers, and delivery drivers | Considers applicants with criminal records | Multiple cities |
| ReConnect Inc. | Nonprofit & Community Services | Outreach workers, program assistants | Focuses on reentry and employs individuals with records | Omaha |
| Americold Logistics | Cold Storage & Logistics | Forklift operators, warehouse staff | Provides opportunities for individuals with criminal backgrounds | Bellevue and Omaha |
| Kelly Services | Staffing & Recruitment | Temp roles in various industries | Matches felons with second-chance employers | Statewide |
| FedEx | Logistics & Delivery | Package handlers, drivers, and sorting staff | Evaluates candidates individually for eligibility | Omaha and Lincoln |
What are the Part Time Felon Friendly Jobs in Nebraska?
Here are some part-time felon-friendly job opportunities in Nebraska:
- Food Service Worker: Restaurants, cafes, and food establishments often hire part-time workers, and some may not conduct background checks.
- Retail Sales Associate: Some retail stores hire part-time sales associates and may not have strict background check policies.
- Warehouse Worker: Warehouses and distribution centers often hire part-time workers for various tasks, and some may not conduct thorough background checks.
- Janitorial/Cleaning Services: Part-time cleaning and janitorial work may be available through companies that don’t conduct background checks.
- Delivery Driver: With the rise of the gig economy, companies like Uber Eats, DoorDash, and GrubHub offer part-time delivery opportunities that may not require background checks.
- Pet Sitter/Dog Walker: Animal care services often hire part-time workers, and some may not conduct background checks.
- Lawn Care/Landscaping: Part-time lawn care and landscaping work may be available through companies that don’t conduct background checks.
- Recycling Center Worker: Some recycling centers hire part-time workers for sorting and processing materials.
- Part-time Handyman/Maintenance: Some companies hire part-time handymen or maintenance workers, and may not conduct background checks.
- Seasonal Work: Nebraska’s agricultural industry offers various seasonal jobs that may not require background checks.
What are the Highest Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in Nebraska?
Felons in Nebraska have access to various high-paying jobs depending on their skills, qualifications, and willingness to learn. Here are some of the top sectors and roles where felons can earn competitive wages:
| Job Sector | Role | Pay (Hourly) | Description |
|---|
| Skilled Trades | Electrician | $25–$35 | Electricians work on installing, maintaining, and repairing electrical systems. Certification required. |
| Transportation and Logistics | CDL Truck Driver | $25–$40 | Truck drivers transport goods across Nebraska and the U.S., with many companies offering second chances. |
| Manufacturing | Machine Operator | $20–$30 | Operates machinery in manufacturing plants. Training provided on the job in most cases. |
| Construction | Equipment Operator | $22–$32 | Operates heavy machinery like bulldozers and cranes on construction sites. |
| IT and Technology | IT Support Specialist | $25–$40 | Provides technical assistance and troubleshooting for computer systems and software. Certification helpful. |
| Entrepreneurship | Small Business Owner | Varies | Income depends on the business type; popular options include landscaping, cleaning services, or food trucks. |
| Healthcare Support | Medical Billing Specialist | $18–$30 | Manages billing for healthcare services; training programs available to qualify for the role. |
| Food Processing | Quality Control Technician | $20–$30 | Ensures products meet safety and quality standards in food manufacturing. |
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in Nebraska?
In Nebraska, most employment background checks typically go back seven years for criminal convictions, following federal guidelines set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). However, some exceptions may apply depending on the nature of the job and the employer’s policies.
For certain high-security positions, such as those in healthcare, law enforcement, or roles requiring federal security clearance, background checks may cover a longer time frame, including the entire criminal history. Additionally, Nebraska law does not restrict employers from considering felony convictions that are older than seven years, unlike some states with “seven-year rules” for background checks.
Employers in Nebraska may also conduct checks for civil judgments, bankruptcies, and other records, but again, these are usually limited to the last seven years unless there is a specific reason for extending the time period. It is essential to review the job listing and company policies to understand the background check requirements for a particular position.
Conclusion
Nebraska offers a variety of second-chance employment opportunities for individuals with felony convictions, enabling them to rebuild their careers and reintegrate into society. While certain challenges may arise, the state’s diverse job sectors, including manufacturing, construction, transportation, and customer service, are often more inclusive and welcoming of individuals with criminal backgrounds. By utilizing available resources, such as workforce development programs and felon-friendly hiring companies, individuals can find stable employment and take significant steps toward personal and professional growth. With persistence and a positive attitude, felons in Nebraska can achieve lasting success in their careers and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
