Quick Answer

Yes, Dakota Provisions hires individuals with felony convictions. As a large-scale food processing and meat packing facility in Huron, South Dakota, Dakota Provisions employs 600-1,000 workers in turkey processing, packaging, quality control, shipping, and administrative roles. Company operates under EEOC individualized assessment requirements, meaning conviction alone cannot automatically disqualify must consider nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance.

CRITICAL BARRIERS: Mandatory 5-panel drug testing required for all positions; USDA-inspected facility requires strict food safety compliance; Physical demands of meat processing work. Founded in 2003 with operations beginning 2006 at $120 million state-of-the-art facility backed by 500 years combined meat processing experience, Dakota Provisions specializes in turkey and other protein products for food service and retail markets.

Best entry points: Production Worker ($14-$18/hr), Packaging Line ($14-$17/hr), Sanitation ($14-$17/hr) where reliability and food safety compliance valued over background. High-volume hiring in food processing creates ongoing opportunities. South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers, but EEOC protections still apply.

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

13. Conclusion

14. Disclaimer

Felon-Friendly Scorecard

Eligibility Checklist

Before applying to Dakota Provisions, assess these critical requirements:

1. Pass Mandatory Drug Testing: Dakota Provisions requires 5-panel drug screen for all positions. Testing typically covers marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP. Food processing environment with industrial equipment requires complete sobriety. Failed drug test is disqualification. If currently using any substances, do not apply until completely clean.

   
   

2. Assess Conviction Type Against Food Processing Work: EEOC individualized assessment considers: How serious was the crime (nature and gravity)? How long since conviction/sentence completion (recency matters)? How does crime relate to job duties, risks, and responsibilities? Violence, theft, and drug offenses receive scrutiny but are not automatic bars.

   
   

3. Physical Capability Required: Meat processing is physically demanding work. Must be able to stand for extended periods, perform repetitive motions, work in cold/refrigerated environments, lift moderate weights. Physical demands may preclude some applicants regardless of criminal history.

   
   

4. Food Safety Commitment: USDA-inspected facility requires strict food safety compliance. All employees must follow sanitation procedures, HACCP standards, and food safety regulations. Ability to follow detailed procedures essential.

   
   

5. Understand South Dakota Has No Ban-the-Box: South Dakota does not prohibit private employers from asking about criminal history on applications. Dakota Provisions may inquire about criminal history early in process. However, EEOC individualized assessment still required before adverse action.

   
   

6. Prepare Mitigation Documentation: If conviction found and concerning, be ready to submit rehabilitation documentation during FCRA adverse action period: stable employment history, treatment completion, character references, explanation of circumstances and changes.

Critical Regulatory Information

IMPORTANT: Dakota Provisions operates under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and USDA food safety regulations. Understanding these requirements helps Second Chance applicants navigate the hiring process.

Mandatory Drug Testing - 5-Panel Screen

Dakota Provisions explicitly requires 5-panel drug screen for all applicants as mandatory, non-negotiable step in hiring process. Standard 5-panel tests for: marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates (heroin, morphine, codeine), amphetamines (methamphetamine, MDMA), PCP. Food processing environment involves industrial machinery, sharp implements, and team-based production where impairment creates safety risks. Failed drug test results in disqualification. Company maintains drug-free workplace policy. If currently using any substances, wait until completely clean before applying.

EEOC Individualized Assessment Requirement

Dakota Provisions operates under Title VII of Civil Rights Act, which restricts use of criminal history in hiring decisions when such use creates disparate impact on protected groups. EEOC requires individualized assessment using Green Factors before taking adverse action based on criminal conviction:

(1) Nature and gravity of offense—how serious was the crime;

(2) Time elapsed—how long since conviction and/or sentence completion (recency matters);

(3) Nature of job sought—how directly does crime relate to duties, risks, and responsibilities of position. Company cannot automatically disqualify based on conviction alone—must conduct individualized analysis.

FCRA Adverse Action Process

Company must comply with Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA). If background check reveals conviction leading to potential adverse action, company must:

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

(2) Allow minimum 5 business days for applicant to review report, dispute inaccuracies, and submit mitigating documentation;

(3) Issue final adverse action notice if ultimately denying employment. This process creates opportunity to address concerns before final decision.

USDA Food Safety Compliance

Dakota Provisions operates USDA-inspected meat processing facility subject to federal Food Safety and Inspection Service (FSIS) oversight. Activities include meat identification, poultry identification, meat processing, poultry processing, poultry slaughter, and export certification. All employees must comply with food safety regulations including HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Points), sanitation requirements, and quality control procedures. Food safety culture emphasizes following procedures, maintaining cleanliness, and reporting concerns—qualities that support rather than conflict with Second Chance hiring.

South Dakota Employment Law

South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers—Dakota Provisions can ask about criminal history on applications or at any point in hiring process. South Dakota allows expungement of certain criminal records under limited circumstances. FCRA limits apply to consumer reporting agency reports. Federal EEOC protections apply regardless of state law limitations.

Company Overview

Dakota Provisions is a large-scale meat processing company headquartered in Huron, South Dakota, specializing in premium turkey, beef, and other protein products for food service, retail, and industrial markets across the United States and internationally. Founded in 2003 with core focus on supporting family farms and bringing quality protein products to market, the company began full operations in 2006 at its $120 million state-of-the-art processing facility purpose-built with advanced food safety systems and cutting-edge technology. Dakota Provisions leadership team brings over 500 years of combined meat processing experience to operations, establishing the company as one of the most experienced and knowledgeable processors in the protein industry. Company slogan "Meat the Best" reflects commitment to quality throughout production process.

The Huron facility employs 600-1,000 workers (with plans to reach over 1,000 employees) across production, processing, packaging, quality control, shipping, warehouse, maintenance, and administrative functions. State-of-the-art processing operations handle turkey meat, ham, chicken, and customized meat products serving diverse customer base including food service establishments (restaurants, cafeterias, institutions), retail grocery customers, and industrial food manufacturers requiring protein ingredients. Products distributed across United States and to international markets through USDA export certification. Company brands include Wyshbone Market retail products available through Dakota44.com, Wyshbonemarket.com, and local South Dakota retailers. Diverse product portfolio includes whole muscle cuts, ground products, and value-added prepared items meeting various customer specifications.

Food safety leadership is Dakota Provisions stated number one objective. State-of-the-art facility designed with advanced food safety systems and cutting-edge technology from ground up. USDA inspection ensures compliance with federal meat and poultry regulations. Company commitment to quality reflected in tagline "Meat the Best" and dedication to building world-class processing facility. Ranked among best companies to work for in Huron, South Dakota area.

Company Fast Facts

• Location: 20827 403rd Ave, Huron, SD 57350;

• Employees: 600-1,000; Founded: 2003 (operations began 2006);

• Facility Investment: $120 million state-of-the-art plant;

• Products: Turkey, ham, chicken, customized meat products;

• Markets: Food service, retail, industrial, export;

• Experience: 500+ years combined meat processing expertise;

• Regulatory: USDA FSIS inspected; Brands: Dakota Provisions, Wyshbone Market, Dakota44.

Hiring Policy Analysis

Dakota Provisions hiring shaped by high-volume food processing needs and EEOC individualized assessment requirements. Meat processing industry typically experiences significant turnover, creating ongoing hiring opportunities. Company focuses on reliability, attendance, food safety compliance, and ability to perform physical production work. Criminal history evaluated individually considering offense nature, time elapsed, and job relevance—not automatic disqualification.

Food processing employers like Dakota Provisions often provide accessible entry points for Second Chance candidates due to industry hiring dynamics. Production line work requires training provided by employer—previous meat processing experience helpful but not required, making ability to learn, follow procedures, and work reliably more important than background. High-volume hiring needs mean employers experience continuous turnover and cannot afford to categorically exclude all applicants with criminal records while maintaining adequate staffing for continuous production schedules.

EEOC individualized assessment requirements prevent automatic disqualification. Interview process reported as easy and favorable with quick turnaround (day or two from interview to decision), reflecting production staffing focus rather than lengthy screening. Company rated 3.9 out of 5 stars on Indeed with employees noting advancement opportunities and stable employment in food processing industry.

Position-Specific Barriers

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data from 2024-2025 job postings, Glassdoor, ZipRecruiter for Dakota Provisions and South Dakota meat processing industry. Average employee pay approximately $29,916/year per company data.

Career Path Examples

Production Track: Production Worker ($14-$18/hr entry level, processing line operations with training provided) → Experienced Production Worker ($16-$20/hr after 1-2 years demonstrating reliability, skill development, and consistent attendance) → Lead Worker/Trainer ($18-$22/hr, 3-4 years, mentoring new employees, line leadership responsibilities) → Production Supervisor ($45K-$60K annually, shift or line management, team oversight, quality and safety responsibility) → Production Manager (department management, multiple lines or shifts).

Timeline: 4-7 years for full progression depending on performance, openings, and demonstrated capabilities. Food processing industry rewards reliability, attendance, and following procedures—consistent performers advance regardless of how they entered the company.

Technical Track: Production Worker (entry understanding production operations) → Maintenance Helper (assisting technicians, learning equipment systems, developing mechanical aptitude) → Maintenance Technician ($18-$28/hr, equipment repair and troubleshooting, preventive maintenance, 3-5 years experience) → Senior Maintenance Technician/Specialist ($25-$35/hr, specialized systems, advanced troubleshooting, training others) → Maintenance Supervisor (department management, team leadership, maintenance planning).

Timeline: 5-8 years for technical career progression. Requires developing mechanical, electrical, refrigeration, and PLC skills through combination of on-the-job training and technical education. Company may support certifications and training for advancement. Technical positions command premium pay in food processing due to critical role in maintaining continuous operations.

Background Check Process

Dakota Provisions Screening Process: Application submission (South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law—criminal history questions permitted on application or early in process); Interview (reported as easy and straightforward with quick turnaround, often just a day or two, reflecting production staffing needs); Conditional job offer extended; Drug testing (5-panel screen mandatory, completed promptly after conditional offer—tests for marijuana/THC, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP); Background check conducted through third-party consumer reporting agency (criminal history review with standard 7-year lookback typical, employment verification). If criminal history identified, EEOC individualized assessment conducted considering nature of offense, time elapsed since conviction/sentence completion, and relationship to specific job duties. FCRA adverse action process applies if potential denial based on background check—pre-adverse action notice with report copy, minimum 5 business days to dispute inaccuracies or submit mitigating documentation, then final adverse action notice if denying employment.

Timeline: Quick process for production positions given high-volume hiring needs—qualified candidates may start within days of application for production roles.

Disqualifying Factors

• Automatic Disqualification: Failed 5-panel drug test; Dishonesty during application process.

  
  

• High Risk (individualized review): Recent violent crimes—team environment concerns; Theft from food production/warehouse—inventory concerns; Drug trafficking—drug-free workplace; Recent convictions with patterns suggesting unreliability.

  
  

• Evaluated Favorably: Old convictions (7+ years) with clean record; Non-violent offenses unrelated to food production; Drug possession (not trafficking) with demonstrated sobriety; Single incidents with strong rehabilitation evidence; Stable employment history since conviction.

Your Rights as Applicant

1. EEOC: Individualized assessment required; Cannot deny solely on conviction without considering Green Factors (nature, time elapsed, job relevance).

   
   

2. FCRA: Written consent before background check; Pre-adverse action notice with report copy; Minimum 5 business days to dispute or provide mitigating information; Final adverse action notice if denied.

   
   

3. South Dakota: No ban-the-box for private employers; Limited expungement available; Federal protections still apply.

   
   

4. Mitigation Right: If you receive pre-adverse action notice, submit rehabilitation documentation before final decision.

Application Strategy

1. Be Completely Drug-Free: 5-panel drug screen is mandatory and non-negotiable. If currently using any substances, wait until completely clean before applying. Failed test eliminates opportunity.

   
   

2. Focus on Food Safety and Reliability: In interview, emphasize commitment to safety, sanitation, following procedures, punctuality, and reliable attendance. Food processing culture values consistency and rule-following.

   
   

3. Be Truthful But Strategic: South Dakota allows criminal history questions. If asked, be honest and concise. Dishonesty discovered is worse than conviction. Prepare brief explanation emphasizing what changed.

   
   

4. Utilize Mitigation Period: If you receive pre-adverse action notice, immediately submit documentation: rehabilitation evidence, stable employment history, character references, treatment completion certificates, written explanation.

   
   

5. Target Entry-Level Production: Production Worker and Packaging positions most accessible with training provided. High-volume hiring needs create opportunities. Prove reliability then advance internally.

   
   

6. Emphasize Physical Capability: Meat processing is demanding work. Demonstrate willingness and ability to perform physical tasks, work in cold environments, and maintain pace.

   
   

7. Highlight Any Food/Manufacturing Experience: Previous food service, manufacturing, warehouse, or production experience demonstrates relevant skills even if not meat processing specific.

   
   

8. Consider Transportation: Huron is rural South Dakota community. Ensure reliable transportation to facility before applying.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Drug Test is the Primary Barrier: For production positions, failed drug test disqualifies more applicants than criminal history. Pass the drug test and you overcome the biggest hurdle.

   
   

2. High-Volume Hiring Advantage: Food processing turnover creates constant hiring needs. Employers cannot afford to exclude all applicants with records and maintain adequate staffing.

   
   

3. Quick Hiring Process: Interview to decision reported as day or two for production. Fast process reduces waiting uncertainty and allows quick employment start.

   
   

4. Advancement Opportunity: Starting position is not ending position. Reliable workers advance to better-paying roles including supervisory positions where record already known.

   
   

5. Rural Community Consideration: Huron population approximately 14,000. Smaller labor pool may mean employer more willing to consider all qualified applicants including those with records.

Benefits Overview

• Compensation: $14-$28/hour depending on position; Average employee approximately $29,916/year; Shift differentials may apply; Overtime opportunities during peak production.

  
  

• Health Insurance: Medical, dental, vision coverage for eligible employees; Coverage varies by full-time status and tenure.

  
  

• Retirement: 401(k) or retirement savings options typically offered by employers of this size.

  
  

• Paid Time Off: Vacation, sick leave, paid holidays; Accrual based on tenure.

  
  

• Training: On-the-job training provided; Food safety training (HACCP); Equipment operation training; Skills development for advancement.

  
  

• Other: Employee assistance programs; Potential for advancement; Stable food industry employment.

  
  

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Stable food industry employment; Training provided; Quick hiring process; Advancement opportunities; Ranked among best employers in Huron area; State-of-the-art facility; Family farm support mission.

Cons: Physically demanding work; Cold working environment (refrigerated); Repetitive tasks; Lower pay compared to some competitors; Shift work including nights/weekends; Rural location requires transportation.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Dakota Provisions hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Dakota Provisions hires individuals with felony convictions. Company operates under EEOC individualized assessment requirements—cannot automatically disqualify based on conviction alone. Must consider nature of offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. High-volume food processing creates ongoing hiring needs. Primary barrier is mandatory 5-panel drug testing. Old convictions with rehabilitation evidence evaluated favorably.

   
   

2. What is the background check process?

   Process includes: 5-panel drug screen (mandatory); Criminal background check through third-party agency; Employment verification. South Dakota allows criminal history questions on application. EEOC individualized assessment conducted if conviction identified. FCRA adverse action process applies if potential denial based on background—pre-adverse action notice, 5 days to respond, final notice. Quick turnaround—often days for production positions.

   
   

3. How far back does the background check go?

   Typically 7 years for criminal history review under standard FCRA guidelines. EEOC individualized assessment considers time elapsed as positive factor—older convictions evaluated more favorably than recent ones. Clean record since conviction demonstrates rehabilitation. Focus on recent history and patterns rather than ancient offenses.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring difficult?

   Higher scrutiny: Violence (team environment); Theft from production/warehouse (inventory concerns); Drug trafficking (drug-free workplace). Individual review: Old convictions with rehabilitation; Non-violent offenses unrelated to food production; Drug possession with sobriety. Automatic bar: Failed drug test. Food safety violations if applicable to food industry.

   
   

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

   Production Worker ($14-$18/hr) most accessible—processing line work with training provided. Packaging Line Worker ($14-$17/hr) product packaging. Sanitation Worker ($14-$17/hr) facility cleaning, often night shift. All entry positions have high-volume hiring creating opportunities. Prove reliability then advance internally.

   
   

6. Does Dakota Provisions drug test?

   Yes, mandatory 5-panel drug screen for all positions. Tests for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, PCP. Food processing with industrial equipment requires drug-free workplace. Failed test = automatic disqualification. Must be completely clean before applying. No exceptions or delayed testing.

   
   

7. How long does the hiring process take?

   Quick process for production positions—interview to decision reported as day or two. High-volume hiring needs drive fast turnaround. Drug test and background check completed promptly. Production positions may start within week of application for qualified candidates passing all requirements.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to supervisor with a felony?

   Yes, internal advancement possible. Path: Production Worker → Lead Worker → Supervisor. Key factors: proven reliability, attendance record, skill development, leadership qualities. Criminal history already known from initial hiring—positive employment record since then supports advancement. Many supervisors started in entry-level positions.

   
   

9. What is the work environment like?

   State-of-the-art $120 million processing facility. Work involves cold/refrigerated environments (meat processing requires temperature control). Physical demands: standing, repetitive motions, moderate lifting. Shift work including days, nights, weekends based on production schedules. Team-based environment requiring collaboration. USDA-inspected with strict food safety protocols.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve chances?

    Be completely drug-free before applying (5-panel test mandatory); Be truthful about criminal history; Emphasize reliability, attendance, food safety commitment; Highlight physical capability for demanding work; Have reliable transportation to Huron facility; Utilize FCRA mitigation period if pre-adverse action received; Consider any food/manufacturing experience; Focus on entry-level production positions initially.

Alternative Second

Conclusion

Dakota Provisions offers legitimate Second Chance opportunity in food processing with accessible entry-level positions, training provided, and advancement potential. As a large-scale turkey processing facility in Huron, South Dakota employing 600-1,000 workers, the company operates under EEOC individualized assessment requirements that prevent automatic disqualification based on criminal history alone. High-volume food processing hiring creates ongoing opportunities for qualified candidates.

Critical first step: Pass mandatory 5-panel drug test. Drug testing is absolutely non-negotiable in food processing environment where workers operate industrial equipment including cutting machinery, conveyors, packaging equipment, and material handling systems. Impairment creates serious safety risks to the employee, coworkers, and potentially food safety. Failed drug test disqualifies significantly more applicants for production positions than criminal history given individualized assessment requirements for convictions. Standard 5-panel tests for marijuana/THC (even if legal in some states), cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Be completely clean before applying—no exceptions, no delayed testing, no rescheduling. If currently using any substances, wait until completely clean before applying to avoid wasting the opportunity.

Best path for Second Chance applicants: Production Worker ($14-$18/hr starting) offers most accessible entry point with comprehensive on-the-job training provided. Processing line work involves handling turkey and other meat products through various production stages including cutting, deboning, portioning, and preparing products for packaging. Packaging Line Worker ($14-$17/hr) positions focus on product packaging, labeling, and preparation for shipping. Sanitation Worker ($14-$17/hr) positions involve facility cleaning and sanitization critical to food safety—often night shift after production ends. All entry positions have high-volume hiring creating ongoing opportunities for qualified candidates who pass drug screening. Quick hiring process (interview to decision in days) reflects production staffing needs. Prove reliability, attendance, and food safety commitment then advance internally to higher-paying positions including supervisory roles where criminal history already known and positive employment record established.

Key success factors: Pass drug test (5-panel screen mandatory—this is the primary barrier for production positions); Be truthful about criminal history if asked (South Dakota allows questions, dishonesty discovered worse than conviction); Emphasize reliability, consistent attendance, and food safety commitment throughout application; Demonstrate physical capability for demanding meat processing work in refrigerated environment; Have reliable transportation to Huron facility (rural location requires planning); Utilize FCRA adverse action period if pre-adverse action notice received by submitting rehabilitation documentation, stable employment history, character references, and written explanation; Focus on entry-level Production Worker, Packaging, or Sanitation positions initially to build positive employment record; Advance internally where criminal history already known and demonstrated reliability supports promotion consideration.

Understanding the opportunity: Food processing industry provides accessible Second Chance employment pathway due to combination of factors working in candidates favor. High-volume hiring needs mean employers cannot categorically exclude all applicants with criminal records while maintaining adequate staffing for continuous production operations. Entry-level positions with training provided mean previous experience matters less than reliability and ability to follow procedures. EEOC individualized assessment requirements prevent automatic disqualification based on criminal history alone. Dakota Provisions state-of-the-art facility, commitment to food safety leadership, family farm support mission, and ranking among best employers in Huron, South Dakota reflects quality workplace opportunity.

Rural South Dakota location (Huron population approximately 14,000) may mean smaller applicant pool and greater employer willingness to consider all qualified candidates who can meet essential job requirements. Old convictions with clean record since and demonstrated reliability receive favorable consideration under individualized assessment. Industry stability provides foundation for rebuilding career and life.

Apply Now at dakotaprovisions.com or in-person at 20827 403rd Ave, Huron, SD 57350

Disclaimer

This guide provides general information and should not be considered legal advice. Dakota Provisions specific policies may vary. Drug testing policies strictly enforced with 5-panel screen mandatory. South Dakota does not have ban-the-box law for private employers. Salary data from 2024-2025 job postings may vary by position, shift, and experience. Physical demands of meat processing may preclude some applicants. Individual outcomes depend on criminal history specifics, drug test results, qualifications, position availability. Dakota Provisions name used for informational purposes. FelonFriendlyJobsNow.com makes no warranties about employment outcomes.