Quick Answer

Yes, Big River Steel (now owned by Steel Dynamics - SDI) hires people with felony convictions on an accessible, conditional case-by-case basis.

Big River Steel operates a massive, state-of-the-art flat-rolled steel mill in Osceola, AR, known for its high-tech, high-wage industrial careers. Employment is highly accessible for production and industrial maintenance roles, provided the conviction is non-violent and the applicant adheres to the absolute zero-tolerance drug and safety policy required in heavy industry.

Entry-level Production Worker roles start around $20.00–$25.00 per hour plus extensive profit sharing and shift premiums, with skilled Technicians and Mill Operators earning $35.00–$45.00+ per hour (total annual compensation often exceeds $100,000).

🟢 FELON-FRIENDLY SCORE CARD: BIG RIVER STEEL

✅ WHAT YOU NEED BEFORE YOU APPLY (Eligibility Checklist)

This checklist is a mandatory gut-check for all applicants:

📃 MINIMUM REQUIREMENTS (Most Roles)

●     Age: 18 years or older.

●     Physical Ability: Ability to work rotating 12-hour shifts (common in 24/7 steel production).

●     Screening: Willingness to pass a mandatory drug screen and conditional background check.

1. About Big River Steel

Big River Steel, now fully integrated into Steel Dynamics (SDI), operates one of the most advanced electric arc furnace (EAF) steel mills in North America, located in Osceola, Arkansas (Northeast Arkansas). The facility focuses on producing high-quality flat-rolled steel for specialized use (automotive, infrastructure).

The work environment is classic heavy industrial manufacturing: 24/7 operations, high safety risks, and a culture that is production-focused. These roles are highly sought after because they offer some of the highest hourly wages in the region.

2. Hiring Policy for People with Felonies

Like other major steel companies (Nucor, SDI), Big River Steel's operations rely on continuous staffing and skilled maintenance. They maintain an accessible, pragmatic hiring policy for industrial roles, performing an individualized assessment against safety and integrity risks.

What Big River Steel Considers

• Safety Focus: The number one priority. Any felony related to violence, weapons, or substance distribution is a major concern due to the inherent dangers of the mill (molten steel, massive equipment).

• Drug History: This is a zero-tolerance environment. A mandatory, high-sensitivity pre-employment drug screen is universal. Failure is an immediate disqualifier for all safety-sensitive roles.

• Time Elapsed: While convictions can be reported indefinitely in Arkansas, the practical hiring focus is usually on the last 7 years. Showing a stable, crime-free period of 7+ years significantly improves eligibility.

• Skill Demand: High demand for skilled trades (Electricians, Millwrights, Crane Operators) means proven, certified expertise is a significant mitigating factor against an older, non-relevant felony.

• Physical Stamina: The demanding schedule requires workers who can reliably maintain focus and physical endurance during long, rotating shifts.

3. Available Jobs

Big River Steel offers stable, high-wage careers centered on mill operations and industrial maintenance.

Industrial and Technical Roles (Hourly Pay)

Career Path Example: Mill Operations

The clear path to high income relies on consistent reliability and skill acquisition:

• Utility Person

• Production Operator Trainee

• Mill Operator (Rolling/Casting)

• Shift Lead

• Production Foreman (Salaried $75K+)

4. Background Check Process

The screening process is rigorous, prioritizing safety and asset protection above all else.

1. Online Application: Submitted through the Steel Dynamics (SDI) careers portal.

2. Assessment Tests: Applicants must often pass industrial aptitude tests covering math, measurement, and mechanical reasoning.

3. Interview: Focuses heavily on safety scenarios, teamwork, and commitment to the shift schedule.

4. Conditional Offer: Contingent upon background and drug screen clearance.

5. Screening: Reviews criminal history for job relevance (past 7 years is the primary lookback). Focus is on safety violations and property crimes.

6. Drug Screening: Mandatory, high-sensitivity pre-employment drug screen is non-negotiable. Random testing is standard throughout employment.

7. Final Decision: Driven by the Plant Operations Manager and Safety department.

   
   

5. Application Tips

• Target the Shift: Steel mills run on 12-hour shifts with mandatory rotating days and nights. Emphasize your ability to commit to this challenging schedule.

• Focus on the Entry Point: The Production Worker/Utility Person role is the quickest way to get hired. It requires hard work but offers immediate exposure to internal training.

• Emphasize Safety: Frame your entire resume and interview around the "safety first" mentality. Mention any OSHA certifications or past safety awards.

• Get Certified: Having a basic welding certificate, OSHA-10, or a specialized technical course completion dramatically improves your chances for Maintenance roles.

• Be Honest and Direct: If your felony is older than 7 years, disclose it briefly (if asked) and pivot immediately to your impeccable work history since then, proving your reliability today.

6. Benefits and Compensation

Big River Steel (SDI) offers highly competitive compensation and benefits packages: Excellent Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance, Generous 401(k) Retirement Plan with Match, Extensive Paid Time Off (PTO), and a highly valuable Profit Sharing/Bonus Program tied to the mill's performance.

7. Comprehensive FAQs

Q: Does Big River Steel hire felons with recent theft charges?

A: A recent theft or fraud felony (under 7 years) is a major hurdle. If the crime is recent, denial is likely. If it is older than 7 years, you may be considered for entry-level utility roles.

Q: Is drug testing mandatory?

A: Yes, a mandatory pre-employment drug screen is strictly enforced for all positions due to the dangerous nature of working near molten steel and heavy machinery. Random testing is common.

Q: What is a Mill Operator?

A: A Mill Operator is a highly skilled worker who controls the machinery (like furnaces, casters, or rolling mills) that turn scrap metal into finished steel products. This is a highly specialized trade job reached through internal promotion.

Q: How long does the background check go back?

A: The standard check focuses on the last 7 years of criminal history. Convictions older than 7 years may still be reported in Arkansas but are assessed for job relevance and mitigation efforts.

Q: Can I still be hired if I have a violence felony on my record?

A: An old, single violence felony (7+ years) can be manageable. However, recent violence (under 5 years) is a serious risk in a heavy industrial setting and will likely be disqualifying for safety reasons.

Q: What are the shifts like at the steel mill?

A: Mill workers are on a 12-hour rotating shift schedule (often 7 AM to 7 PM, or 7 PM to 7 AM). This schedule provides good blocks of time off but requires physical stamina for long shifts and quickly changing sleep patterns.

Q: Do I need a college degree to become a Mill Operator?

A: No, a degree is not typically required. The career path relies on demonstrating technical aptitude, safety adherence, and completing extensive on-the-job training (OJT) after starting as a Production Worker.

Q: Does Big River Steel offer tuition assistance?

A: Yes, as a subsidiary of SDI, they offer tuition reimbursement for employees pursuing technical education, certifications, or degrees relevant to the steel industry.

Q: What is the highest paying non-management job?

A: Skilled Mill Operators, Electricians, and Millwrights are the highest paid, often exceeding $40/hr plus profit sharing, resulting in annual earnings well over $100,000.

Q: What is the job outlook for this industry in Arkansas?

A: Excellent. Northeast Arkansas has seen massive investment in steel manufacturing (Big River Steel/SDI), leading to consistent growth and demand for new workers.

Q: Are there union jobs here?

A: Big River Steel is largely a non-union employer, but they offer highly competitive compensation and benefits designed to rival union pay scales in the steel industry.

9. Final Thoughts and Strategy Summary

Big River Steel (SDI) offers access to highly paid, stable industrial careers in Northeast Arkansas. Success in this environment depends on your grit, technical aptitude, and absolute commitment to safety.

Strategy for Success:

1. Safety is Non-Negotiable: Ensure zero recent drug use and a clean safety record. This is the single most important barrier to clear.

   
   

2. Physical Commitment: Apply for the Production Worker entry point and show up ready to work the long, strenuous rotating shifts without fail.

   
   

3. Advance with Skill: Use internal training programs to learn the high-paying Mill Operator or Maintenance Technician roles as quickly as possible.