Quick Answer

Yes, Alaska Commercial Company is likely to hire individuals with felony convictions. As the largest rural retailer in Alaska and a subsidiary of The North West Company, ACC serves remote communities often accessible only by air or sea with approximately 1,000+ employees across 38 stores across rural Alaska, plus warehouses in Anchorage and Tacoma, Washington. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a background check and are subject to Fair Chance Hiring principles and EEOC guidelines.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, they must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to theft, fraud, or embezzlement (direct cash and inventory handling responsibilities in isolated locations), violent felonies (small communities and limited supervision in remote stores), and drug trafficking or distribution (safety-sensitive operations and remote work environments). Recent offenses within the past 2-3 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type.

Entry-level Warehouse Team Member and Retail Support positions offer the most accessible opportunities for Second Chance applicants due to high turnover, constant hiring needs, and the company's strong demand for workers willing to relocate to remote Alaskan communities.

Table of Content

1. Quick Answer

2. Felon-Friendly Scorecard

3. Eligibility Checklist

4. Critical Regulatory Information

5. Company Overview

6. Hiring Policy Analysis

7. Background Check Process

8. Application Strategy

9. Tips for Applicants with Records

10. Benefits Overview

11. Frequently Asked Questions

12. Alternative Second Chance Employers

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements:

• No Blanket Exclusion: Must be aware that the company is not allowed to automatically exclude you solely for being a felon. EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to perform physically demanding work including standing for extended periods, lifting up to 50 pounds, working in warehouse or retail environments, and potentially harsh weather conditions in remote Alaska.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must be aware that positions may require a drug screening as a condition of hire, especially for safety-sensitive roles.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked (after conditional offer). Lying is an automatic disqualifier.

  
  

• Work Authorization: Must be legally authorized to work in the United States and able to provide required I-9 documentation.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in Alaska is essential for Second Chance applicants. Alaska has some of the most permissive reporting rules in the nation for criminal convictions, meaning felony and misdemeanor convictions can be reported indefinitely on background checks. However, federal protections under the EEOC and FCRA still apply, requiring employers to conduct individualized assessments and follow adverse action procedures.

EEOC Guidelines

The Equal Employment Opportunity Commission advises employers not to automatically refuse to consider an applicant because of a criminal record. Employers must conduct an individualized assessment considering the Green Factors:

(1) Nature and gravity of the offense;

(2) Time elapsed since the offense and/or completion of sentence;

(3) Nature of the job sought and its relationship to the offense. Blanket policies excluding all felons are prohibited.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Alaska Commercial Company must comply with the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA) adverse action procedures:

(1) Provide pre-adverse action notice with a copy of the report and summary of FCRA rights;

(2) Allow reasonable time to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Alaska does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers, meaning ACC can ask about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. However, EEOC guidance still requires individualized assessment considering the Green Factors (nature of offense, time elapsed, job relevance). Alaska's expungement options are extremely limited - only records based on mistaken identity or false accusation can be sealed. Courts may set aside certain convictions after successful probation under AS 12.55.085, but set-aside records remain visible and can still be considered in hiring decisions.

Retail-Specific Considerations

As a retail employer handling food products, ACC must comply with food safety regulations but faces no industry-specific criminal record barriers like those in healthcare or finance. The primary considerations are fiduciary responsibilities (cash handling, inventory management) and workplace safety in isolated environments. Positions involving commercial driving may require MVR checks and compliance with applicable DOT regulations.

Company Overview

Alaska Commercial Company is a major grocery and general merchandise retailer serving Alaska's rural communities since 1868, making it one of the oldest continually operating businesses in Alaska. Headquartered in Anchorage, Alaska, the company operates 38 retail stores in remote villages often accessible only by air or sea, providing groceries, fresh produce, general merchandise, fuel, and specialty items like ATVs and snow machines to over 80,000 customers annually. The company employs approximately ~1,000+ workers across facilities in 38 stores in rural Alaska; warehouses in Anchorage, AK and Tacoma, WA.

ACC is known for offering relocation packages including housing and travel benefits for employees willing to work in remote communities. The company emphasizes local hiring and is committed to serving as vital community hubs in isolated villages. As a subsidiary of The North West Company since 1992, ACC is part of the largest rural retailer in North America.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1868 (San Francisco; Alaska operations)

• Headquarters: Anchorage, Alaska

• Employees: ~1,000+

• Industry Rank: Largest rural retailer in Alaska

• Operations: 38 stores in rural Alaska; warehouses in Anchorage, AK and Tacoma, WA

• Parent Company: The North West Company (acquired 1992)

• CEO/President: Kyle Hill (President, Alaska Commercial Company)

• Business Model: Rural grocery and general merchandise retail serving remote Alaskan communities

• Recognition: Over 150 years of continuous operation serving Alaska; recognized as Alaska's trusted community store

Hiring Policy Analysis

Alaska Commercial Company does not publicly maintain a formal Second Chance hiring policy, but the company's unique staffing challenges create practical opportunities for individuals with criminal records. ACC's stores operate in some of the most remote communities in North America, often requiring employees to relocate to villages accessible only by plane or boat. This creates a constant need for reliable workers willing to commit to challenging assignments. While ACC conducts standard background checks, the company must comply with EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment of criminal records. The practical reality is that ACC's high demand for committed workers, combined with the difficulty of staffing remote locations, often results in fair consideration for applicants with older, non-relevant convictions who demonstrate reliability and willingness to embrace the unique lifestyle of rural Alaska.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by required supervision level, access to inventory/equipment, safety sensitivity, and licensing requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from ACC job postings, Glassdoor, Indeed, and Salary.com. Actual compensation varies by location, shift, and experience.

Career Path Examples

ACC offers genuine advancement opportunities for employees who demonstrate reliability and commitment, with many management positions filled through internal promotion.

Warehouse Track: Warehouse Team Member ($18/hr) → Lead/Supervisor ($22-$26/hr) → Warehouse Manager ($30+/hr) → Operations Management. Anchorage-based path not requiring remote relocation.

Store Operations Track: Retail Support Duo ($21/hr) → Department Associate ($23/hr) → Department Manager ($28-$35/hr) → Assistant Store Manager → Store Manager ($93,100-$108,000/yr). Requires commitment to remote living.

Specialty/Corporate Track: Entry Position → Specialist Role (Produce, Meat, Bakery/Deli) ($21-$25/hr) → Corporate Specialist ($65,500-$80,000/yr) → Management. Path available for those with specialized skills or corporate experience.

Background Check Process

Understanding Alaska Commercial Company's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer, which means you'll have the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) through Alaska court system and potentially county records; Identity verification through SSN trace and address history; Employment history verification; Drug screening for many positions, especially remote and safety-sensitive roles.

Lookback Period: In Alaska, felony and misdemeanor convictions can be reported indefinitely, regardless of age. This is one of the most permissive reporting standards in the nation. However, EEOC guidelines still require employers to consider the age of offense as a mitigating factor in individualized assessments. Non-conviction records (arrests not resulting in conviction) follow the FCRA 7-year limit.

Timeline: Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks to complete. The entire hiring process from application to start date can range from 2-4 weeks for warehouse positions to several weeks for remote store positions requiring relocation coordination.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Interview conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Recent (within 7 years) felony convictions for theft, embezzlement, or fraud due to cash and inventory handling; Violent felonies due to isolated work environments and small community settings; Drug trafficking or distribution due to safety requirements; Any conviction with clear nexus to essential job duties.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Older (7+ years) non-violent drug possession offenses; Minor property crimes or misdemeanors from the distant past; DUI offenses older than 7 years for non-driving positions; Offenses clearly unrelated to retail or fiduciary responsibilities. All subject to individualized assessment.

Your Rights as Applicant

• FCRA Protections: You must receive written notice and provide consent before a background check. If denied based on the report, you're entitled to a copy and the right to dispute inaccuracies.

  
  

• Pre-Adverse Action Notice: Before a final decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. Reasonable time to respond.

  
  

• EEOC Protection: You have the right to an individualized assessment. Blanket exclusions based solely on criminal record are prohibited.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency.

Application Strategy

1. Target Entry-Level Positions: Focus on Warehouse Team Member positions in Anchorage, which have the lowest barriers, no relocation requirement, and highest volume hiring. For those willing to relocate, Retail Support Duo positions offer housing benefits which have the lowest barriers and highest volume hiring needs. These roles offer the best opportunity to get your foot in the door. Avoid Store Manager, Department Manager, and any position with significant cash handling or supervisory responsibilities initially if your record is recent or includes relevant offenses.

   
   

2. Apply Online and In Person: Submit your application through jobs.alaskacommercial.com or acc.careers. Consider attending job fairs, contacting ACC's recruiting team directly, or working with Alaska Job Center Network or Partners for Progress (Anchorage-based reentry services organization).

   
   

3. Prepare for the Interview: Be ready to discuss your work ethic, reliability, and ability to work reliably in challenging environments, demonstrate commitment to attendance and punctuality, and maintain integrity in handling company assets. Research the company beforehand. Emphasize stability, commitment, flexibility, and willingness to learn.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire if discovered later. Wait until asked or until the appropriate stage (after conditional offer) to discuss your record.

   
   

5. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes since your conviction: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, vocational training, stable housing, community involvement, and references from employers, probation officers, or community members.

   
   

7. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for expungement in your state. Alaska has extremely limited expungement options - only records based on mistaken identity or false accusation can be sealed. Courts may set aside certain convictions after successful probation (SIS), but set-aside records remain visible. Focus on demonstrating rehabilitation rather than record clearing. Contact Legal Aid or Public Defender's Office for assistance. Expunged records cannot be reported on background checks.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up with HR if you don't hear back within 1-2 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation. Persistence and professionalism show the qualities employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. High-Volume Hiring Creates Opportunities: Rural retail in Alaska has significant turnover. Alaska Commercial Company and similar companies are constantly hiring. Multiple applications increase your chances. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful careers at Alaska Commercial Company begin in Warehouse Team Member and Retail Support positions. Prove reliability by showing up on time, working hard, and being a team player. Advancement comes with demonstrated trustworthiness. Many Store Managers started in entry-level positions and advanced through demonstrated reliability and commitment to remote living.

   
   

3. Run Your Own Background Check First: Know what will appear before the employer sees it. Order your own criminal background check from a consumer reporting agency. Dispute any errors or outdated information in advance.

   
   

4. Industry-Specific Preparation: If willing to relocate to remote Alaska, emphasize your adaptability, self-sufficiency, and commitment to community. ACC values employees who can thrive in isolated environments with limited amenities. The Dynamic Duo program hires couples for remote stores, offering housing and relocation benefits.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: If you have substance issues, address them before applying. Failed drug tests are automatic disqualifiers. Drug screening is common for many positions, especially safety-sensitive and remote roles. Alaska allows pre-employment drug testing without specific restrictions. Medical marijuana users should be aware that employers can still enforce drug-free workplace policies.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows you can be counted on. Employers value attendance and dependability.

   
   

7. Network Through Current Employees: Current Alaska Commercial Company employees can provide referrals. Current employees may provide referrals. Network with ACC employees through LinkedIn or community connections in Alaska. A personal referral can help your application stand out.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Shifts and Locations: Willingness to work nights, weekends, holidays, or less desirable shifts increases your chances. Remote store positions often involve long hours and limited work-life balance. Warehouse positions in Anchorage offer more standard schedules (4x10s Monday-Thursday reported for some roles). Flexibility on location also expands opportunities.

Benefits Overview

Alaska Commercial Company offers a competitive benefits package. ACC is recognized for providing comprehensive benefits, especially for employees relocating to remote communities where the company provides housing and travel assistance.

Compensation: Entry-level warehouse positions start at $18/hr. Remote retail positions start at $21+/hr with housing included. Department Managers earn $59,500-$74,200/yr. Store Managers earn $93,100-$108,000/yr. All remote management positions include housing, utilities, and travel benefits.

401(k) and Retirement: Savings and Retirement Programs available including Employee Ownership Plan allowing eligible employees to become company shareholders. Specific 401(k) match details through parent company The North West Company.

Health Benefits: Medical, dental, and vision insurance for employees and eligible dependents. Coverage includes routine check-ups, preventive care, medical treatments, dental services, and vision care. Short-Term Disability Wellness Incentive Program available.

Time Off: Paid vacation and paid sick leave. Vacation accrual based on hours worked. Remote employees receive paid travel days and covered flights to nearest major city for vacations.

Additional Benefits: Supplemental Life Insurance beyond basic employer-provided policy; Employee Assistance Program (EAP) providing confidential counseling and support services; One-time gift card upon start date for leadership roles.

Education Benefits: Training provided for all positions. Opportunities for advancement through internal promotion. The company emphasizes developing employees from within.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Housing provided for remote positions (fully furnished with utilities); Relocation costs covered; Competitive pay for Alaska; Unique adventure lifestyle; Strong benefits package; Career advancement opportunities; Employee ownership program; Tight-knit community experience.

Cons: Extremely remote locations with no restaurants, shops, or amenities; High cost of living (groceries $400-500/paycheck in villages); Long hours with limited work-life balance; 2-year contract commitment for some positions; Isolation can be challenging; Weather-dependent freight and travel; Salaried positions may work well over 40 hours.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Alaska Commercial Company hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Alaska Commercial Company will consider applicants with felony convictions. While there is no formal Second Chance policy, the company's constant need for reliable workers in remote locations creates practical opportunities. ACC must follow EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment. Best chances are for Warehouse Team Member positions in Anchorage and Retail Support positions for those willing to relocate. Older, non-violent offenses unrelated to theft or financial crimes have better outcomes than recent convictions or those involving dishonesty.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Alaska Commercial Company?

   Background checks are conducted after a conditional job offer is extended. ACC typically uses standard criminal record checks through Alaska court systems and potentially county records. Employment and education verification may be included. Drug screening is common for many positions. Under FCRA, applicants must provide written consent and receive copies of reports and their rights if adverse action is considered.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go at Alaska Commercial Company—what is the lookback period?

   In Alaska, felony and misdemeanor convictions can be reported indefinitely - there is no lookback limit on convictions. This is one of the most permissive standards in the nation. However, non-conviction records (arrests without conviction) are subject to the FCRA 7-year limit. Despite unlimited reporting, EEOC guidelines still require employers to consider time elapsed as a mitigating factor.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Alaska Commercial Company?

   Theft, embezzlement, and fraud convictions create the highest barriers due to cash and inventory handling responsibilities in isolated locations with limited oversight. Violent felonies face scrutiny due to small community environments where employees live and work together. Drug trafficking offenses are concerning for safety-sensitive operations. Recent convictions (within 7 years) face much higher scrutiny than older offenses regardless of type.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Alaska Commercial Company for applicants with a record?

   Warehouse Team Member positions in Anchorage ($18/hr) offer the lowest barriers - no relocation required, entry-level duties, and high volume hiring. For those willing to relocate, Retail Support Duo positions ($21+/hr with housing) are accessible. Wholesale Operations Support ($17-$20/hr) is another Anchorage-based option. These roles provide paths to advancement once reliability is established.

   
   

6. Does Alaska Commercial Company drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, ACC conducts drug testing for many positions, especially safety-sensitive and remote roles. Alaska law permits pre-employment drug testing without specific restrictions. Testing may include 5-panel or 10-panel urine analysis. Failed tests are typically disqualifying. Note that while Alaska has legal recreational marijuana, employers can still enforce drug-free workplace policies.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Alaska Commercial Company ask about criminal history?

   Alaska does not have a statewide Ban the Box law for private employers, meaning ACC can legally ask about criminal history at any point in the application process. However, many large employers voluntarily delay inquiries until later stages. ACC conducts formal background checks after extending conditional offers, giving candidates the opportunity to interview and demonstrate qualifications first.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Alaska Commercial Company if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement to management is possible for individuals with felony records, though scrutiny increases for positions with greater fiduciary and supervisory responsibility. Many Store Managers started in entry-level roles. Success requires demonstrating consistent reliability, integrity, and commitment over time. Department Manager and Store Manager positions face higher scrutiny for any history involving financial crimes or violence.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take at Alaska Commercial Company?

   Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks. The overall hiring process ranges from 2-4 weeks for warehouse positions in Anchorage to several weeks for remote positions requiring relocation coordination, training, and housing arrangement. Some employees report being hired immediately for high-need positions, while others went through extended training periods (2+ months) before remote assignment.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Alaska Commercial Company?

    Target entry-level positions (Warehouse Team Member, Retail Support). Be completely honest about your record - dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier. Prepare a concise narrative about rehabilitation and growth. Emphasize stability, reliability, and commitment. If willing to relocate to remote Alaska, highlight your adaptability and self-sufficiency. Document rehabilitation efforts. Consider working with Partners for Progress or Alaska Job Center Network. Be flexible on shifts and locations. Follow up professionally after applying.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Alaska Commercial Company doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices:

Conclusion

Alaska Commercial Company offers genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in entry-level warehouse and retail support positions. As Alaska's largest rural retailer with over 150 years of history serving remote communities and constant hiring needs, the company provides a realistic pathway to stable employment. Rural retail in Alaska experiences significant turnover and constant demand for workers willing to embrace challenging, isolated work environments.

The work is physically demanding and often requires adapting to remote living in small Alaskan villages with limited amenities. However, the compensation is competitive, starting at $18/hr for warehouse positions and $21+/hr for remote retail positions with housing included. The benefits package includes medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement programs with employee ownership; and for remote positions, fully furnished housing with utilities covered. Career advancement is real, with many Store Managers ($93,100-$108,000/yr) having started in entry-level positions.

Key Success Factors: Target entry-level positions initially. Be completely honest about your record. Prepare a brief narrative about rehabilitation. Demonstrate reliability through consistent attendance. Be flexible on shifts. Take advantage of internal advancement opportunities and demonstrate reliability to progress from entry-level to management roles.

Biggest Barriers: Theft, fraud, embezzlement, and violent felonies create the greatest challenges due to cash and inventory handling responsibilities and isolated work environments. Store Manager, Department Manager, and positions with significant fiduciary responsibility face higher scrutiny than entry-level roles. However, individualized assessment means your specific circumstances matter.

For those ready to commit to hard work, Alaska Commercial Company can be a stepping stone to long-term career stability. Start with Warehouse Team Member positions in Anchorage or Retail Support positions for those willing to relocate, prove your reliability, and use internal advancement opportunities to grow your career.

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Hiring policies vary by position, location, and individual circumstances. While we strive for accuracy using publicly available sources including company websites, job postings, employee reviews (Glassdoor, Indeed), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Alaska Commercial Company.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

Apply Now: https://jobs.alaskacommercial.com