Quick Answer

Yes, Black Hills Corporation (Black Hills Energy) hires individuals with felony convictions. As a diversified energy company with over 135 years of history, Black Hills employs over 3,000 workers serving 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across eight states (South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas). Headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota, the company operates under EEOC individualized assessment requirements when evaluating criminal history.

CRITICAL BARRIERS: Mandatory drug testing (drug and alcohol-free workplace); Federal contractor status requires strict adherence to federal regulations; Safety-sensitive positions (field operations, power generation, gas operations) have heightened screening requirements; Positions requiring unescorted facility access face additional scrutiny. Greatest barriers created by recent felonies related to violence, theft/fraud, drug offenses, and safety violations.

Best entry points: Customer Service Representative ($17-$22/hr), Administrative Support, Warehouse/Material Handler, Entry-level Utility positions where essential safety requirements can be met. Company mission "Improving Life with Energy" supported by diverse workforce culture.

Table of Contents

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 in Black Hills Region and Service Territory

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Black Hills Corporation, assess these critical requirements:

• Pass Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing: Black Hills Corporation committed to drug and alcohol-free workplace. Pre-employment drug screening mandatory for all positions—no exceptions. Utility industry safety requirements demand complete sobriety. If currently using any substances, do not apply until completely clean.

  
  

• Assess Position Type and Access Requirements: Field positions (lineworkers, gas technicians, meter readers) require unescorted access to customer properties and utility infrastructure—higher scrutiny for violence, theft, drug convictions. Office positions (customer service, administrative) may have lower barriers while still requiring drug testing and background check.

  
  

• Consider Federal Contractor Status: As federal government contractor, Black Hills must comply with federal regulations that may impose additional restrictions beyond standard employment law. Certain positions may require federal background clearance or be subject to federal debarment lists.

  
  

• Evaluate Criminal History Type: Theft/fraud convictions scrutinized heavily (customer access, financial handling); Violence convictions concern for customer-facing roles; Drug convictions concern for safety-sensitive operations; Old convictions (7-10+ years) with rehabilitation evaluated more favorably.

  
  

• Review Driving Record for Field Positions: Many utility positions require commercial driving. DUI/DWI and other driving offenses may disqualify from field roles but not office positions.

  
  

• Understand Collective Bargaining Agreements: Some positions covered by union contracts may have specific procedures regarding hiring and background checks. Terms vary by location and position.

Critical Regulatory Information

IMPORTANT: Black Hills Corporation operates as regulated public utility with federal contractor status. Safety and regulatory compliance fundamentally shape hiring practices.

Mandatory Drug and Alcohol Testing

• Black Hills Corporation explicitly committed to drug and alcohol-free workplace.

  
  

• Pre-employment drug screening required for all positions without exception.

  
  

• Utility industry involves high-voltage electrical systems, natural gas infrastructure, and heavy equipment where impairment creates life-threatening safety risks to employees, customers, and communities.

  
  

• Failed drug test is automatic disqualification. Post-hire random testing programs likely for safety-sensitive positions. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing requirements apply to positions involving commercial vehicle operation.

  
  

EEOC Individualized Assessment

• For any conviction potentially leading to adverse action, company must conduct individualized assessment using Green Factors:

  (1) Nature and gravity of offense;

  (2) Time elapsed since conviction or sentence completion;

  (3) Nature of job sought (safety-sensitive, financial handling, facility access, customer contact).

  
  

• Black Hills cannot implement blanket exclusions—must evaluate each case individually considering circumstances, rehabilitation, and job relevance. This federal requirement creates genuine opportunity for qualified candidates.

  
  

Federal Contractor Requirements

• As federal government contractor, Black Hills Corporation must strictly adhere to federal regulations regarding employment.

  
  

• Certain positions may require security clearances or federal background verification. Federal debarment lists checked. OFCCP (Office of Federal Contract Compliance Programs) oversight applies.

  
  

• Some contracts may have specific requirements regarding criminal history.

  
  

• Federal contractor status creates additional compliance obligations beyond standard employment law.

  
  

Utility Industry Regulatory Framework

• Black Hills Corporation operates under multiple regulatory bodies: NERC (North American Electric Reliability Corporation) for electric grid reliability; state Public Utility Commissions in each operating state; FERC (Federal Energy Regulatory Commission) for wholesale transactions; OSHA for workplace safety; EPA for environmental compliance.

  
  

• Regulatory compliance culture emphasizes safety, integrity, and adherence to procedures values that extend to hiring practices.

  
  

Safety-Sensitive Position Designation

• Many Black Hills positions designated safety-sensitive due to: working with high-voltage electrical systems; natural gas infrastructure (explosion/fire risk); operating commercial vehicles and heavy equipment; accessing critical infrastructure (power plants, substations, pipelines).

  
  

• Safety-sensitive positions face heightened screening including extended drug testing, stricter background review, and ongoing monitoring.

  
  

• Non-safety-sensitive positions (customer service, administrative) may have more accessible pathways.

Company Overview

Black Hills Corporation is a diversified American energy company with over 135 years of continuous history, tracing roots to 1883 and the organization of the Black Hills Electric Light Company of Deadwood, South Dakota during the gold rush era when electricity first came to the Black Hills mining towns. Today headquartered in Rapid City, South Dakota in a modern corporate campus at 625 Ninth Street, the company has grown from regional South Dakota utility to multi-state energy provider serving over 1.3 million natural gas and electric utility customers across more than 800 communities in eight states: South Dakota, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas. Company trades on New York Stock Exchange under ticker BKH with market capitalization making it significant regional utility. Corporate culture emphasizes customer focus, safety, and community engagement—values reflected in company mission "Improving Life with Energy" and vision to be "the energy partner of choice."

Company operates through multiple utility subsidiaries serving distinct geographic regions: Black Hills Power provides electric utility service to approximately 70,000 customers in the Rapid City, South Dakota area extending to southeastern Montana and Newcastle, Wyoming; Cheyenne Light, Fuel & Power serves another 80,000+ customers in Cheyenne and southeastern Wyoming with both electric and natural gas service; Black Hills Energy operates natural gas distribution serving hundreds of thousands of customers across Colorado, Nebraska, Iowa, Kansas, and Arkansas, plus electric utility service in Colorado communities including Pueblo and Canon City area. Non-regulated operations include wholesale electricity generation with approximately 1,000 megawatts capacity serving customers across the western United States, natural gas production, and coal mining operations—notably the Wyodak Mine near Gillette, Wyoming, the oldest continuously operating surface coal mine in United States with 286 million tons of permitted reserves supplying regional power plants.

Growth through acquisition has expanded the company significantly: 2008 Aquila acquisition increased customers from 137,000 to 753,000 and employees from 916 to 2,000; 2015 SourceGas acquisition added 425,000 customers in Arkansas, Colorado, Nebraska, and Wyoming. Today over 3,000 employees work across corporate headquarters in Rapid City, regional offices throughout eight-state territory, power generation facilities, and field operations serving customer communities.

Company Fast Facts

• Headquarters: 625 Ninth Street, Rapid City, SD 57701;

• Employees: 3,000+; Founded: 1883 (Deadwood, SD); Customers: 1.3 million across 800+ communities;

• States: SD, MT, WY, CO, NE, IA, KS, AR; NYSE: BKH;

• Services: Electric and natural gas utility, wholesale power, coal mining; Mission: "Improving Life with Energy"; Safety Goal: Safest energy company in country.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Black Hills Corporation hiring shaped by commitment to safety, regulatory compliance, and customer service across regulated utility operations. Company conducts individualized assessment of criminal history per EEOC requirements, evaluating nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Drug-free workplace policy strictly enforced with mandatory pre-employment testing. Safety-sensitive positions face heightened scrutiny due to electrical, gas, and infrastructure risks.

Large regional utility employer creates ongoing hiring needs across eight-state service territory serving over 800 communities. Positions range from entry-level customer service and administrative roles requiring strong communication and computer skills to skilled trades positions (lineworkers, gas technicians, electricians) requiring apprenticeship training and certifications to professional engineering, accounting, and management positions requiring advanced degrees and experience.

Company experiences typical utility industry turnover and continuously recruits for customer service, field operations, and technical positions. Black Hills specifically values diverse workforce and states "Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities." This explicit diversity commitment, combined with federal EEOC individualized assessment requirements, creates genuine opportunity for Second Chance candidates in positions where essential safety and access requirements can be met. Company goal to be "the safest energy company in the country" reflects safety-focused culture that extends to careful but fair evaluation of all applicants.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 Indeed, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter for Black Hills Corporation positions across service territory. Union positions may follow collective bargaining agreements.

Career Path Examples

Office/Customer Service Track: Customer Service Representative ($17-$22/hr entry, handling customer inquiries, billing questions, service requests via phone and computer systems) → Senior Customer Service Representative ($20-$26/hr, complex inquiries, escalations, mentoring) → Customer Service Supervisor ($50K-$65K annually, team leadership, quality oversight) → Manager Customer Operations ($70K-$90K, department management, process improvement) → Director level positions.

Timeline: 4-8 years for progression through supervisory ranks depending on performance and openings. Office-based career path without field access requirements allows Second Chance candidates to build positive employment record demonstrating reliability, customer service skills, and company knowledge before potentially pursuing other opportunities.

Field Operations Track: Utility Line Locator/Entry Field Position ($22-$27/hr, locating underground utilities before excavation, customer property access required) → Utility Service Technician (meter reading, service connections, equipment installation) → Gas Service Technician ($25-$35/hr, natural gas system maintenance, safety-critical work, certifications required) or Utility Construction Specialist ($22-$30/hr, utility construction and installation) → Crew Leader/Foreman → Field Supervisor ($65K-$85K, team and operations management).

Timeline: 5-10 years for full progression depending on position availability and qualifications. Some positions covered by collective bargaining agreements with defined wage progressions. Lineworker Apprenticeship programs available for those pursuing electrical career path—typically 4-year apprenticeship with structured training. Requires meeting all safety-sensitive requirements including drug testing, driving record, and criminal history review for customer property access.

Background Check Process

Black Hills Corporation Screening Process: Application submission through company careers website (attention to detail test may be required for certain positions—timed test typing answers to questions); Initial screening and phone interview; Zoom video interview or in-person interview depending on position and location; Conditional offer extended; Drug and alcohol testing (mandatory for all positions, completed immediately after conditional offer); Comprehensive background check conducted through third-party consumer reporting agency (criminal history typically 7-10 year lookback, employment verification confirming work history, education verification); Credit check for positions involving financial responsibilities; Driving record review for field positions and any CDL-required roles; Additional verification for federal contractor compliance requirements. EEOC individualized assessment conducted if criminal history identified—considering nature of offense, time elapsed, and relationship to specific position duties. Timeline: Interview process approximately 2 weeks; background check completion additional 1-2 weeks depending on verification complexity. Positions covered by collective bargaining agreements follow contractual terms.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: Failed drug or alcohol test; Dishonesty during application process; On federal debarment list.

  
  

• High Risk: Recent violent crimes—customer and employee safety; Theft, fraud, embezzlement—utility billing access, customer property access, financial handling; Drug trafficking—safety-sensitive operations; DUI/DWI for driving positions—CDL requirements; Safety violations in prior utility/industrial work.

  
  

• Evaluated Individually: Old convictions (7-10+ years) with clean record; Non-violent offenses unrelated to utility work; Drug possession (not trafficking) with demonstrated sobriety; Single incidents with strong rehabilitation evidence.

Your Rights as Applicant

• EEOC: Individualized assessment required; Cannot deny solely on conviction without job-relatedness analysis using Green Factors.

  
  

• FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report copy; 5 business days to dispute inaccuracies; Adverse action notice if denied.

  
  

• State Laws: Various state requirements apply across 8-state service territory; Some states have additional protections.

  
  

• Union Rights: Positions covered by collective bargaining agreements have contractual protections and grievance procedures.

Application Strategy

1. Be Completely Drug and Alcohol-Free: Mandatory pre-employment testing with zero tolerance. Utility industry safety requirements demand sobriety. If currently using, wait until completely clean before applying.

   
   

2. Focus on Safety and Integrity: In interview, emphasize commitment to safety protocols, procedural compliance, attention to detail, and honesty. Utility culture prioritizes safety above all else.

   
   

3. Be Truthful on Application: Dishonesty on application or background screening is automatic disqualification. If asked about criminal history, provide honest, concise response. Discovered dishonesty worse than conviction itself.

   
   

4. Address Access Requirements: If job requires unescorted access to customer properties or sensitive facilities, be prepared to explain how conviction does not relate to trustworthiness for access. Old convictions with rehabilitation documentation stronger.

   
   

5. Target Appropriate Position Level: If recent conviction or integrity-related offense (theft, fraud), start with office-based positions not requiring field/customer access. Build positive employment record then pursue advancement.

   
   

6. Document Rehabilitation: Prepare evidence supporting your application: stable employment since conviction, sobriety (especially if drug offense), education/certifications, character references, community involvement.

   
   

7. Consider All Locations: Black Hills operates across 8 states with multiple office locations. Corporate headquarters in Rapid City; regional offices in Denver, Papillion (Nebraska), Fayetteville (Arkansas), and throughout service territory.

   
   

8. Black Hills Corporation Many field positions require Commercial Driver License with clean driving record. DUI/DWI and serious traffic offenses may preclude CDL-required roles but not office positions.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Drug Testing is Non-Negotiable: Utility industry safety requirements are strict. Unlike criminal history which receives individualized assessment, failed drug test is automatic disqualification.

   
   

2. Office Positions More Accessible: Customer service, administrative, accounts processing positions avoid field access requirements. Build record internally before pursuing field roles.

   
   

3. Stable Regional Employer: Utility provides essential services regardless of economy. Black Hills Corporation offers job stability, comprehensive benefits, and community presence.

   
   

4. Multiple State Opportunities: Eight-state footprint creates diverse opportunities. Requirements may vary slightly by location. Consider less competitive locations.

   
   

5. Union Positions: Some roles covered by collective bargaining agreements with defined progression and protections. Union membership provides additional job security.

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: $17-$45/hour depending on position and skill level; Competitive utility industry pay; Annual discretionary bonuses; Shift differentials where applicable.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) with 6% company match; Up to 9% additional company retirement contribution; Strong retirement benefits compared to many industries.

  
  

• Health Insurance: Competitive medical, dental, and vision insurance; Company-subsidized premiums; Medical and dependent care flexible spending accounts; Part-time employees eligible for health coverage.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: Generous paid time off including vacation, sick leave, personal days; Paid holidays; Parental leave; Bereavement leave.

  
  

• Insurance: Company-paid life insurance; Short-term and long-term disability coverage; Additional voluntary insurance options.

  
  

• Career Development: Tuition reimbursement; Professional development opportunities; Apprenticeship programs for skilled trades; Internal advancement paths; Employee assistance program.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Job stability (essential utility services); Strong retirement benefits (401k match + company contribution); Comprehensive health coverage; Tuition reimbursement; Community-focused company; Union representation for some positions; Multiple state locations; Career advancement opportunities; Safety-focused culture.

Cons: Mandatory drug testing; Thorough background checks; Safety-sensitive restrictions; Overtime expectations; Holiday/weekend work for operations; Weather-exposed field work; Slow promotion timeline per some reviews; Management varies by department.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Black Hills Corporation hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Black Hills Corporation hires individuals with felony convictions using EEOC-required individualized assessment. Company evaluates each case considering nature of offense, time elapsed, and relationship to job duties. Office-based positions (customer service, administrative) more accessible than safety-sensitive field roles. Critical barrier is mandatory drug testing—failed test is automatic disqualification. Old convictions (7-10+ years) with rehabilitation evidence evaluated favorably.

   
   

2. What is the background check process?

   Process includes: drug and alcohol testing (mandatory); criminal background check through third-party agency; employment verification; education verification; credit check for financial positions; driving record for field/CDL positions; federal contractor compliance verification. Individualized assessment per EEOC if criminal history identified. Timeline approximately 2-4 weeks total including interview process.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go?

   Typically 7-10 years for criminal history review. Safety-sensitive positions may review longer periods given critical infrastructure access. FCRA limits reporting of non-conviction information to 7 years. Old convictions evaluated more favorably during individualized assessment. Federal contractor requirements may impose additional verification.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring difficult?

   Most challenging: Violence (customer/employee safety); Theft, fraud, embezzlement (customer access, billing, financial handling); Drug trafficking (safety-sensitive operations); DUI/DWI (CDL-required positions); Safety violations. Individual review: Old convictions with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to utility work; Drug possession with sobriety. Automatic bar: Failed drug test.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles for applicants with records?

   Customer Service Representative ($17-$22/hr) most accessible—office-based, no field access required, customer support via phone/computer. Administrative Assistant/Support ($18-$24/hr) office roles across departments. These positions avoid safety-sensitive field requirements while building positive employment record for potential internal advancement.

   
   

6. Does Black Hills Corporation drug test?

   Yes, mandatory drug and alcohol testing for all positions. Pre-employment testing required before start. Utility industry safety requirements demand drug-free workplace. DOT drug testing applies to CDL/commercial driving positions with additional requirements. Random testing programs likely for safety-sensitive roles. Failed test = automatic disqualification.

   
   

7. Can someone advance to field positions with a felony?

   Potentially, depending on conviction type and age. Start with office-based position to build positive employment record. After demonstrating reliability (1-3 years), old non-violent convictions unrelated to safety may receive favorable consideration for field advancement. Recent violence, theft, or drug offenses create significant barriers for positions involving customer property access or critical infrastructure.

   
   

8. What locations does Black Hills Corporation serve?

   Eight states: South Dakota (headquarters Rapid City), Montana, Wyoming (including Cheyenne), Colorado (Denver area), Nebraska (Papillion office, Lincoln service), Iowa, Kansas, Arkansas (Fayetteville office). Different positions available across service territory. Corporate functions concentrated in Rapid City; field operations throughout 800+ communities.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring process take?

   Interview process approximately 2 weeks including attention-to-detail testing, phone interview, and video/in-person interview. Background verification additional 1-2 weeks. Drug testing completed promptly after conditional offer. Total timeline typically 3-5 weeks from application to start. Process may be faster for urgent hiring needs.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve chances?

    Be completely drug/alcohol-free before applying; Target office positions initially if recent conviction; Be completely honest on application; Document rehabilitation (employment stability, sobriety, education, references); Emphasize safety consciousness and integrity; Consider multiple locations across 8-state territory; Prepare for attention-to-detail testing; Understand CDL requirements for field positions.

Alternative Second Chance Employers in Black Hills Region and Service Territory

Conclusion

Black Hills Corporation offers legitimate Second Chance opportunity in the utility industry, particularly for office-based positions. As a diversified energy company serving 1.3 million customers across eight states with over 135 years of history, Black Hills provides stable employment, comprehensive benefits, and career advancement potential. Company EEOC compliance requires individualized assessment of criminal history rather than blanket exclusions, creating opportunity for qualified candidates who can meet essential requirements.

Critical first step: Be completely drug and alcohol-free before applying. Utility industry safety requirements demand drug-free workplace with mandatory pre-employment testing for all positions without exception. Working with high-voltage electrical systems, natural gas infrastructure (explosion and fire risks), heavy equipment, and commercial vehicles creates genuine safety hazards where impairment endangers employees, customers, and communities. Failed drug test is automatic disqualification regardless of qualifications, experience, or criminal history status. If currently using any substances, wait until completely clean before applying—testing cannot be delayed or rescheduled once conditional offer made. Department of Transportation (DOT) drug testing requirements apply to CDL positions with additional ongoing testing requirements.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Customer Service Representative ($17-$22/hr starting) or Administrative Support positions offer most accessible entry points without safety-sensitive field access requirements. Customer service positions handle customer inquiries, billing questions, service orders, and emergency contacts through call center environment—requiring computer skills, communication abilities, and customer service orientation. Administrative positions support various departments with documentation, data entry, scheduling, and office management tasks. These office-based roles build positive employment record within company, demonstrate reliability and professionalism, and create foundation for internal advancement opportunities. Old convictions (7-10+ years) with clean record generally evaluated favorably. Recent violence, theft, or drug offenses face higher barriers especially for positions involving customer property access, billing system access, or critical infrastructure—but office entry points provide pathway for demonstrating rehabilitation.

Key success factors: Pass mandatory drug testing; Be completely honest on application and during screening; Target office-based positions initially if recent or integrity-related conviction; Document rehabilitation (stable employment, sobriety, education, character references); Emphasize safety consciousness and procedural compliance; Consider multiple locations across 8-state service territory; Understand CDL requirements for field positions.

Understanding the opportunity: Black Hills Corporation explicit commitment to diverse workforce—stating "Our diverse culture fuels unique perspectives, opening doors to new insights and possibilities"—combined with EEOC individualized assessment requirements creates genuine pathway for Second Chance employment. Company mission "Improving Life with Energy" extends beyond customer service to community engagement and employee development. Regional utility serving 800+ communities across eight states creates ongoing employment needs across range of positions from entry-level customer service through skilled trades and professional roles. Office positions provide accessible entry for Second Chance candidates; proven performers demonstrating reliability, safety consciousness, and company commitment can potentially advance to field roles as criminal history ages and positive employment record accumulates. Strong benefits package including 401(k) with generous company contribution, comprehensive health coverage, tuition reimbursement, and job stability provides foundation for rebuilding career and life. Regional utility stability offers secure employment foundation in communities across the northern Great Plains, Rocky Mountain region, and Midwest.

Apply Now at blackhillsenergy.com/careers or blackhillscorp.com/careers

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Black Hills Corporation specific policies may vary by position, location, and business unit. Drug-free workplace policies strictly enforced. Federal contractor requirements may impose additional restrictions. Collective bargaining agreements apply to certain positions. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by location, position, union contract, and experience. CDL and DOT requirements apply to specific positions. Individual outcomes depend on criminal history specifics, drug test results, qualifications, position requirements. Black Hills Corporation name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.