Felon Friendly Jobs in North Dakota | Second Chance Employment
In North Dakota, approximately 1 in 5 individuals have a criminal record, making it challenging to find employment. However, many companies are now embracing second chance hiring practices, offering felon-friendly jobs in various industries. According to the North Dakota Department of Corrections, over 70% of offenders are unemployed at the time of their arrest.
Fortunately, initiatives like the “Ban the Box” legislation aim to reduce recidivism rates by providing job opportunities for felons. Some of the top felon-friendly jobs in North Dakota include truck driving (median salary: $45,000), welding (median salary: $42,000), and culinary arts (median salary: $30,000). With a growing number of companies supporting 2and chance employment, North Dakota is leading the way in providing opportunities for individuals with criminal records to rebuild their lives and contribute to the workforce.
Latest Second chance Jobs in North Dakota
Searching for “felon-friendly jobs near me” and living in North Dakota? Here are the latest opportunities hiring felons across the state. Residents of Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, West Fargo, Dickinson, Jamestown, Mandan, or any other surrounding area in North Dakota should consider applying for the positions listed below. Each role offers a potential pathway to employment for individuals with a criminal record, providing opportunities to reintegrate into North Dakota’s thriving job market and contribute to the state’s diverse economy.
Some of the listed jobs are open to felons with no experience. Click on the ‘Apply Now‘ button to secure your position.
Part-Time Felon-Friendly Jobs in North Dakota
If you’re looking for part-time felon-friendly jobs in North Dakota, several opportunities can help you rebuild your career and move forward. Many businesses in the state value hard work and determination, and some are open to hiring individuals with criminal backgrounds. Here are some of the best part-time job options:
| Job Type | Description | Examples of Employers | Average Salary (Hourly) |
|---|
| Retail Positions | Cashier, Stock Clerk, Sales Associate. Retail jobs focus on customer service and organization. | Walmart, Target, Family Dollar, Dollar Tree | $12 – $16 |
| Food Service Jobs | Server, Cook, Dishwasher, Host/Hostess. Positions in restaurants and fast food chains. | McDonald’s, Taco Bell, Olive Garden, Local Diners | $10 – $14 |
| Delivery and Rideshare Driver | Delivery Driver (Food, Groceries, Packages), Rideshare Driver (Uber, Lyft). Flexible hours. | DoorDash, Uber Eats, Postmates, Lyft, Uber | $12 – $18 |
| Construction and Labor Jobs | Laborer, Landscaper, Painter, Warehouse Worker. Physical work and hands-on tasks. | Local construction firms, Landscaping companies | $13 – $18 |
| Customer Service Representative | Call Center Representative, Online Chat Support. Communication skills and problem-solving. | Alorica, Teleperformance, Concentrix | $12 – $16 |
| Maintenance and Janitorial | Custodian, Janitor, Maintenance Assistant. Cleaning and maintenance roles in various facilities. | Schools, Office buildings, Hotels, Hospitals | $11 – $14 |
| Warehouse Jobs | Forklift Operator, Packer, Stocker. Physical labor in distribution and storage centers. | Amazon, Target Distribution Centers, Local Warehouses | $14 – $18 |
| Tutoring and Teaching Assistance | Tutor, Teaching Assistant, Childcare Worker. Help students with subjects or assist teachers. | Local tutoring centers, Daycares, After-school programs | $12 – $18 |
| Freelance and Online Jobs | Writer, Graphic Designer, Social Media Manager, Data Entry. Flexible remote work. | Fiverr, Upwork, Freelancer | $15 – $25 |
| Nonprofit Organizations | Event Assistant, Community Outreach Worker, Fundraiser. Flexible hours in community-driven roles. | Local food banks, Shelters, Social Services | $12 – $18 |
List of Specific Companies Hiring Felons in North Dakota
These companies and organizations provide a range of part-time job opportunities across various industries, from retail and food service to customer support and nonprofit work. Many of them offer the chance to rebuild a career and advance, even with a felony conviction.
Walmart
Walmart is a large retail chain with a commitment to offering second chances to individuals with criminal backgrounds. They provide various entry-level and part-time roles such as cashier, stock clerk, and sales associate. Walmart values customer service and reliability, so a felony conviction may not be a barrier if you have a good work ethic. The company also has a strong record of promoting from within, offering opportunities for advancement.
Target
Target is another major retailer that has a history of hiring individuals with felony convictions. They offer part-time positions such as cashier, sales associate, and stocker. Target emphasizes inclusivity and second chances, and they focus on skills and experience rather than criminal history for many positions. They also offer competitive wages and benefits for part-time workers.
McDonald’s
McDonald’s often hires felons, particularly for entry-level positions like cashier, cook, and crew member. As one of the largest fast-food chains in the world, McDonald’s provides a chance for individuals to start fresh in the workforce. Their flexible hours and wide availability of locations make them a common employer for those seeking part-time work.
Amazon
Amazon is a major employer in North Dakota, particularly in warehouses and distribution centers. The company is known for its inclusive hiring practices and offers opportunities for felons in roles such as warehouse associate, packer, or sorter. Amazon values hard work, and many felons have successfully secured employment in their fulfillment centers. They also offer opportunities for overtime and flexible shifts, making it ideal for part-time work.
Alorica
Alorica is a customer service outsourcing company with operations in North Dakota. They hire customer service representatives for both part-time and full-time roles, and are known for being open to individuals with criminal backgrounds. Alorica focuses on providing a supportive work environment with extensive training and advancement opportunities, making it a good option for felons looking to work in a call center or customer support position.
Taco Bell
Taco Bell is another fast-food chain that hires felons, particularly for part-time and flexible positions such as cashier, cook, or drive-thru operator. The company values hard work and dedication, often offering opportunities for promotion within the organization. Taco Bell is known for its positive work culture and second-chance hiring practices, which make it a good employer for individuals with a criminal history.
Family Dollar
Family Dollar is a discount retail store that frequently hires individuals with criminal backgrounds. They offer part-time positions such as sales associate, cashier, and stocker. Family Dollar is focused on providing affordable products to communities, and they offer opportunities for felons to enter the retail workforce and gain valuable experience in customer service and inventory management.
Teleperformance
Teleperformance is a global customer service outsourcing company with positions available for call center representatives. They are known to be a felon-friendly employer, offering remote and in-house customer service roles. Teleperformance values strong communication and problem-solving skills, making it a good opportunity for individuals with a criminal record to work in a customer service environment.
Pizza Hut
Pizza Hut is another well-known restaurant chain that is open to hiring felons, particularly for part-time roles such as delivery driver, cook, or server. With flexible hours and a focus on teamwork and customer service, Pizza Hut provides a supportive environment for individuals with criminal convictions looking to get back into the workforce.
Goodwill
Goodwill Industries is a nonprofit organization that offers a variety of roles in retail, maintenance, and community services. Known for its commitment to second-chance hiring, Goodwill actively recruits felons for part-time and full-time positions. Their focus on rehabilitation and workforce reintegration provides a supportive environment for individuals who may have faced barriers to employment.
Which other states offer Second Chance Employment?
How Far Back Do Most Background Checks Go for Employment in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, most background checks for employment typically go back seven years. This is in line with the guidelines set by the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA), which restricts reporting of certain criminal records beyond seven years for employment purposes. However, there are some important considerations to keep in mind:
- Felony vs. Misdemeanor:
- Felonies can be reported for longer than seven years in some cases, particularly if they are considered relevant to the job being applied for.
- Misdemeanors generally have a shorter reporting period, typically no more than seven years.
- State Law Considerations: North Dakota does not have specific laws that deviate from the federal seven-year rule for employment background checks, but it’s important to be aware that some employers may have their own policies regarding how far back they choose to look at criminal history.
- Federal Jobs and Certain Industries: In certain cases, such as for positions in federal agencies or jobs that require specific security clearances, the employer may look at an applicant’s entire criminal history, including convictions that occurred more than seven years ago.
- Ban the Box Laws: While North Dakota does not have a statewide “ban the box” law that prevents employers from asking about criminal history on job applications, certain cities and counties may have local ordinances limiting when and how an employer can inquire about criminal background.
- Private Employers vs. Government Jobs: Private employers generally follow the seven-year rule for background checks, while government jobs, especially those requiring security clearances, may review an applicant’s entire criminal history, regardless of the time frame.
What are the Legal Protections and Incentives for Employers in North Dakota?
In North Dakota, employers who hire individuals with criminal records can take advantage of several legal protections and incentives. The Federal Bonding Program provides employers with insurance coverage that protects against theft or dishonesty committed by employees with criminal backgrounds during their first six months of employment.
Employers can also benefit from the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), which offers tax credits of up to $2,400 for hiring qualified individuals, including those with felony convictions. Additionally, employers are protected from liability under negligent hiring laws as long as they follow reasonable hiring practices when considering candidates with criminal records.
North Dakota also offers job training and apprenticeship programs for ex-offenders, and employers who hire individuals from these programs may receive subsidies or incentives. Finally, employers who partner with state reentry programs aimed at helping individuals transition from incarceration can receive financial support and assistance with hiring. These protections and incentives encourage employers to hire individuals with criminal histories while reducing the associated risks and costs.
Highest-Paying Felon-Friendly Jobs in North Dakota
These jobs provide solid wages and are available to individuals with criminal records, depending on the nature of the offense and the applicant’s skills or qualifications. Many employers in these fields value work ethic and expertise, making these careers accessible to felons looking for higher-paying job opportunities in North Dakota.
| Job Title | Description | Average Salary |
|---|
| Construction Worker | Laborers, carpenters, and electricians in the construction industry. | $18 – $25 per hour |
| Truck Driver | Driving commercial trucks for short or long hauls. Felon-friendly companies. | $20 – $30 per hour |
| Warehouse Manager | Overseeing logistics, shipping, and inventory control in warehouses. | $18 – $25 per hour |
| Heavy Equipment Operator | Operating machinery like bulldozers, cranes, and backhoes. | $20 – $30 per hour |
| Electrician | Licensed electricians working in construction and maintenance. | $22 – $32 per hour |
| Oilfield Worker | Physical labor in the oil and gas industry, including drilling and roughneck roles. | $18 – $28 per hour |
| Auto Mechanic | Repairing vehicles in auto repair shops or dealerships. | $16 – $25 per hour |
| Sales Representative | Sales positions in retail or business-to-business environments. | $15 – $25 per hour |
| Landscaping Supervisor | Supervising landscaping teams for commercial or residential projects. | $17 – $23 per hour |
| Health and Safety Officer | Ensuring safety compliance in industries like construction and oil & gas. | $20 – $30 per hour |
Conclusion
North Dakota offers a variety of felon-friendly job opportunities, particularly in industries like construction, transportation, and skilled trades. While challenges may remain for individuals with criminal records, there are ample resources, incentives, and growing support systems that help facilitate their reintegration into the workforce. Employers in the state are increasingly recognizing the value of second-chance employment, and with the right skills, determination, and support, individuals with felony convictions can build successful careers. By taking advantage of available training programs, incentives, and fair hiring policies, felons in North Dakota can find fulfilling job opportunities and contribute meaningfully to the state’s economy.
