Felon Friendly Jobs New Mexico | Second Chance
In New Mexico, individuals with felony convictions have access to second-chance employment opportunities, with a focus on rehabilitation and reintegration. According to the New Mexico Department of Corrections, approximately 75% of employers are willing to hire individuals with criminal records. Felon-friendly jobs in New Mexico include construction, transportation, and food service, with 40% of construction jobs, 35% of transportation jobs, and 30% of food service jobs held by individuals with felony convictions.
Through 2and Chance employment programs, New Mexico has successfully placed over 1,200 individuals with felony convictions in jobs, with a recidivism rate of only 15%, significantly lower than the national average. Additionally, studies have shown that individuals with felony convictions who find employment within the first year of release are 50% less likely to reoffend, making second chance employment a key component of reducing recidivism in New Mexico.
Latest Second chance Jobs in New Mexico
Searching for “no background check jobs near me” and living in New Mexico? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons in the area. Residents of Albuquerque, Santa Fe, Las Cruces, Roswell, Rio Rancho, Farmington, Hobbs, Carlsbad, and other nearby cities in New Mexico are encouraged to apply for the positions listed below. New Mexico’s job market offers a range of felon-friendly roles across various industries, providing individuals with criminal records the chance to secure stable employment and rebuild their lives.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
What are the Felon-Friendly Jobs in New Mexico That Require No Experience?
New Mexico offers various opportunities for individuals with felony records who lack prior work experience. These jobs typically prioritize on-the-job training and a willingness to learn over formal qualifications or experience. Below is a detailed list of options to explore:
1. Warehouse and Logistics Roles
- Job Examples: Picker/packer, forklift operator (training provided), and inventory assistant.
- Why It’s Suitable: Employers like Amazon, UPS, and FedEx often hire individuals with felony records. These roles focus on physical tasks and require minimal prior experience.
- Key Skills Needed: Basic physical fitness, attention to detail, and the ability to work in fast-paced environments.
2. Food Service and Hospitality
- Job Examples: Dishwasher, line cook, or kitchen assistant.
- Why It’s Suitable: Restaurants and hotels in New Mexico frequently hire entry-level staff, valuing reliability and teamwork over experience. Chains like McDonald’s, Taco Bell, and local diners are potential employers.
- Key Skills Needed: Good hygiene practices and the ability to follow instructions.
3. Construction and General Labor
- Job Examples: Construction helper, cleaner, or painter’s assistant.
- Why It’s Suitable: Many construction companies are open to hiring felons due to the high demand for labor. The New Mexico construction industry often provides on-site training.
- Key Skills Needed: Physical stamina and willingness to learn.
4. Customer Service and Retail
- Job Examples: Cashier, stock clerk, or greeter.
- Why It’s Suitable: Retailers like Walmart, Dollar Tree, and Home Depot hire individuals for entry-level positions with no prior experience.
- Key Skills Needed: Communication skills and basic math abilities.
5. Janitorial and Cleaning Services
- Job Examples: Custodian, housekeeper, or office cleaner.
- Why It’s Suitable: Cleaning companies and schools often need dependable workers. These roles are accessible to those with felony records and typically include on-the-job training.
- Key Skills Needed: Attention to detail and punctuality.
6. Delivery and Courier Services
- Job Examples: Delivery driver (non-CDL), package sorter, or bike courier.
- Why It’s Suitable: Employers like DoorDash, Instacart, and Amazon Flex offer gig-based or part-time opportunities, requiring no experience. Some companies have policies to hire felons after background checks.
- Key Skills Needed: Time management and customer interaction.
7. Landscaping and Outdoor Work
- Job Examples: Groundskeeper, landscaper, or gardener.
- Why It’s Suitable: Landscaping companies in New Mexico often hire entry-level workers with no prior experience, as these roles require physical labor and can be learned quickly.
- Key Skills Needed: Basic physical fitness and reliability.
8. Manufacturing and Assembly Jobs
- Job Examples: Assembly line worker or machine operator trainee.
- Why It’s Suitable: Manufacturing companies often need workers for entry-level tasks, and many offer training programs for felons.
- Key Skills Needed: Dexterity and ability to follow safety protocols.
9. Nonprofit and Community Programs
- Job Examples: Assistant at food banks, thrift stores, or shelters.
- Why It’s Suitable: Many nonprofits in New Mexico are open to hiring individuals with criminal records, especially for roles that contribute to community service.
- Key Skills Needed: Compassion and teamwork.
10. Oilfield Services
- Job Examples: Roustabout or equipment cleaner.
- Why It’s Suitable: The oil and gas industry in New Mexico often hires felons for entry-level positions, offering competitive pay and training.
- Key Skills Needed: Physical endurance and willingness to work in remote areas.
Part-Time Felon Friendly Jobs in New Mexico
Finding part-time employment as a felon in New Mexico can be a stepping stone toward rebuilding a career. Many employers are open to hiring individuals with felony records, particularly for part-time roles that allow flexibility. Here’s a comprehensive guide to part-time opportunities:
| Industry | Job Examples | Top Employers | Why It’s Suitable | Pay Range |
|---|
| Retail and Customer Service | Cashier, Sales Associate, Stock Clerk | Walmart, Target, Dollar General | Retail jobs offer high turnover, flexible shifts, and focus on customer service skills over background. | $10–$15/hour |
| Food Service | Server, Dishwasher, Line Cook | McDonald’s, Subway, Local Diners | Restaurants and fast-food chains often hire for part-time shifts and focus on reliability. | $9–$14/hour + tips |
| Delivery and Gig Economy | Food Delivery, Rideshare, Courier | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Amazon Flex | Flexible hours with platforms lenient toward felons after background checks. | $15–$25/hour |
| Cleaning and Janitorial | Office Cleaner, Housekeeper | Local Cleaning Companies, Marriott, Hilton | Dependable and part-time cleaning roles are in demand and require no formal experience. | $12–$16/hour |
| Warehouse and Stocking | Package Handler, Stock Clerk | UPS, FedEx, Amazon | Warehouses provide on-the-job training for part-time shifts and are felon-friendly. | $15–$18/hour |
| Landscaping and Outdoor | Groundskeeper, Gardener | Local Landscaping Companies, City Parks | Outdoor labor jobs don’t require extensive background checks and are ideal for part-time schedules. | $13–$17/hour |
| Nonprofits | Thrift Store Assistant, Food Bank Worker | Goodwill, Salvation Army | Nonprofits are lenient toward hiring felons and support community reintegration. | $9–$12/hour |
| Call Center/Remote Work | Customer Service Representative | Local Call Centers, Liveops | Remote and part-time roles focus on communication skills rather than background. | $12–$15/hour |
| Pet Care Services | Dog Walker, Pet Sitter | Rover, Wag, Local Boarding Facilities | Flexible part-time roles suitable for animal lovers; background checks may vary. | $12–$20/hour |
| Event Staffing | Usher, Ticket Taker, Event Setup Crew | Concert Venues, Sports Arenas, Private Firms | Event staffing focuses on reliability and punctuality, offering seasonal or part-time roles. | $13–$18/hour |
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in New Mexico?
The timeframe for background checks in New Mexico depends on the type of check conducted and the employer’s specific requirements. Here are the general practices:
- Criminal History Checks
Most employers in New Mexico follow the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which limits the reporting of criminal convictions to the past seven years for positions with annual salaries under $75,000. For higher-paying roles or positions with security concerns, employers may access older convictions. - Federal Background Checks
Federal background checks, such as those for government jobs or regulated industries, do not have time restrictions. These checks can include the applicant’s entire criminal history. - State-Level Background Checks
Background checks performed within New Mexico often cover the past 7–10 years, though this can vary depending on the agency conducting the check. Older offenses may still appear but are less likely to be considered unless relevant to the job. - Driving Record Checks
For roles involving driving, such as delivery or trucking jobs, employers typically review offenses from the past 3–10 years. Serious violations like DUIs may remain on record longer. - Credit History Checks
For financial or managerial positions, credit history reports generally go back seven years under FCRA regulations. - Employment and Education Verification
Employers can verify work and academic history without any time limitations. They typically check only what is relevant to the role or provided by the applicant.
Additional Factors for Felons in New Mexico
- Ban-the-Box Law: New Mexico enforces a “ban-the-box” law, which prevents most employers from asking about criminal history during the initial application process. Employers can only inquire into a candidate’s criminal background later in the hiring process.
- Expungement Laws: New Mexico allows some felony convictions to be expunged after a waiting period (usually 2–5 years after completing the sentence). Expunged records will not appear on most standard background checks.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in New Mexico
Felons seeking high-paying opportunities in New Mexico can find jobs in industries that prioritize skills, certifications, or labor demand over background checks. Below are some of the best-paying roles for individuals with felony convictions:
| Industry | Job Examples | Pay Range | Why It’s Suitable | How to Start |
|---|
| Skilled Trades | Electrician, Plumber, Welder | $50,000–$80,000/year | High demand for skilled trades with apprenticeship and training programs open to felons. | Enroll in trade schools or apprenticeship programs; gain certifications. |
| Truck Driving | Long-Haul Driver, Delivery Driver | $45,000–$80,000/year | Many trucking companies hire felons, focusing on reliability and skill with a CDL. | Complete a CDL training program; some companies sponsor new drivers. |
| Construction | Heavy Equipment Operator, Manager | $45,000–$75,000/year | Construction offers roles with on-the-job training, especially in supervisory positions after experience. | Gain experience on construction sites; pursue equipment operation certifications. |
| Oil and Gas Industry | Rig Worker, Equipment Technician | $50,000–$90,000/year | High-paying industry with opportunities for felons in roles requiring physical labor and technical skills. | Apply to oil and gas companies directly; complete safety training programs. |
| Information Technology (IT) | Web Developer, IT Support | $60,000–$100,000/year | IT roles prioritize technical skills over background; remote opportunities available. | Learn coding, networking, or cybersecurity through platforms like Coursera; obtain IT certifications like CompTIA or AWS. |
| Sales and Commission-Based | Insurance Agent, Real Estate | $40,000–$100,000/year | Sales positions reward performance, making them suitable for felons with strong interpersonal skills. | Research state licensing requirements; train in sales techniques. |
| Entrepreneurship | Business Owner, Freelancer | Varies; $50,000+/year | Starting a business allows felons to bypass background checks while building income. | Leverage personal skills; seek funding through felon-friendly grants or small business programs. |
| Healthcare Support Roles | Medical Coder, Technician | $35,000–$60,000/year | Non-licensed healthcare roles are accessible with certifications and training. | Enroll in certification programs for medical billing, coding, or phlebotomy. |
| Renewable Energy | Solar Installer, Turbine Technician | $40,000–$70,000/year | New Mexico’s growing renewable energy sector offers well-paying roles for felons. | Join training programs for solar installation or wind turbine maintenance; apply to energy companies. |
| Logistics and Supply Chain | Warehouse Supervisor, Coordinator | $50,000–$80,000/year | Logistics roles value work experience and certifications, often open to felons. | Start with entry-level warehouse jobs; obtain logistics certifications to advance. |
Conclusion
New Mexico offers a variety of felon-friendly job opportunities across industries such as skilled trades, transportation, construction, and technology. With second-chance employment initiatives and supportive resources, individuals with felony convictions can rebuild their careers and achieve financial stability. By pursuing training, certifications, or entrepreneurship, felons can unlock pathways to high-paying roles and meaningful employment. The journey may come with challenges, but New Mexico’s growing economy and inclusive hiring practices provide hope for a fresh start.
