Quick Answer

Conditional, Hilcorp Alaska does hire individuals with felony convictions for certain positions, but employment is highly conditional and governed by strict federal and industry-specific security regulations. As the largest privately held oil and gas exploration and production company in the United States with approximately 3,400 employees worldwide (1,500 in Alaska), Hilcorp Alaska operates extensive oil and gas production facilities on the North Slope, Kenai Peninsula, and Cook Inlet.

Employment decisions are conditional upon passing a comprehensive background check and are subject to EEOC guidelines and industry-specific regulations.

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 TWIC card disqualifying offenses (espionage, terrorism, drug distribution), safety-related crimes (criminal negligence, environmental violations), and dishonesty/fraud offenses (identity fraud, theft). Convictions within the past 7 years face heightened scrutiny, with release from incarceration within 5 years facing the highest barriers for TWIC-required positions.

Best entry points include Anchorage-based administrative and office support positions that do not require site access, or field positions through contractor companies like ASRC Energy Services or NANA Management Services. Candidates with older, non-violent offenses unrelated to safety, drugs, or fraud have the best opportunities, particularly those who can obtain TWIC card clearance.

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.

  
  

• TWIC Card Eligibility: For most field, maintenance, and operations positions, must not be disqualified from obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Permanent disqualifying offenses include espionage, treason, terrorism, and improper transportation of hazardous materials.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be physically able to work in remote Arctic conditions, climb stairs/ladders, lift moderate loads, and work long rotational shifts (typically 12-hour days for two weeks on, two weeks off).

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass mandatory pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Hilcorp maintains a strict drug-free workplace policy. Random testing may occur, with pipeline roles requiring 50% random testing per DOT regulations.

  
  

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked. Lying is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later.

  
  

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

  
  

• Safety Training: Must complete NSTC (North Slope Training Cooperative) Unescorted certification for North Slope positions. Additional OSHA, HAZWOPER, and H2S training may be required depending on role.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal and regulatory landscape for criminal records in oil and gas employment is essential for Second Chance applicants. Hilcorp Alaska operates under multiple layers of federal, state, and industry-specific regulations that create unique barriers compared to other industries. Alaska has no ban-the-box legislation for private employers, meaning criminal history inquiries can occur at any point in the hiring process.

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, Hilcorp 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 has limited Fair Chance protections compared to other states. There is no ban-the-box legislation for private employers, meaning employers can ask about criminal history on initial applications. Public employers must conduct individualized "nexus" reviews to determine if offenses are incompatible with job duties. Alaska follows the federal seven-year lookback period under FCRA for most criminal records, though there are no state-specific lookback limitations beyond federal requirements.

Oil and Gas Industry-Specific Considerations

The oil and gas industry involves critical infrastructure protection and hazardous operations, creating specific regulatory barriers:

TWIC Card Requirements: Most North Slope, Kenai Peninsula, and maritime facility positions require a Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC) issued by TSA. Permanent disqualifying felonies include espionage, sedition, treason, federal terrorism crimes, transportation security incidents, and improper transportation of hazardous materials—regardless of when they occurred.

Interim Disqualifying Offenses (7-Year Lookback): Convictions within 7 years or release from incarceration within 5 years disqualify for: unlawful firearms possession/distribution, explosives offenses, arson, robbery, extortion, distribution of controlled substances, assault with intent to kill, kidnapping/hostage-taking, rape/sexual abuse, and dishonesty/fraud/misrepresentation (excluding welfare fraud and bad checks).

TWIC Waiver Process: TSA offers waivers for interim disqualifying offenses. Applicants must demonstrate: circumstances of the offense, rehabilitation evidence (treatment programs, certificates), court records, and factors indicating no security threat. Legal assistance is recommended.

DOT Regulations: Pipeline and transportation positions fall under Department of Transportation regulations requiring drug and alcohol testing programs with random testing at 50% of covered employees annually.

Company Overview

Hilcorp Energy Company is the largest privately held oil and natural gas exploration and production company in the United States. Founded in 1989 by Jeffery Hildebrand and headquartered in Houston, Texas, Hilcorp operates across nine states including significant operations in Alaska. The company's strategy focuses on acquiring declining oil and gas facilities and extending their productive life through innovative technology and operational efficiency.

Hilcorp Alaska LLC operates approximately 1,800+ employees and full-time contractors in Alaska, with more than 75% being Alaska residents. The company became Alaska's largest oil and gas operator after completing its $5.6 billion acquisition of BP's Alaska assets in 2020, including the operator position at Prudhoe Bay. Hilcorp also owns the largest share (49%) of the Trans-Alaska Pipeline System. The company is known for its strong employee-ownership culture, having distributed $100,000 bonuses to all employees in 2015 and $75,000 bonuses (plus $25,000 for charity) in 2021 for meeting company-wide goals.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1989 (Houston, Texas)

• Headquarters: Houston, Texas (Alaska offices in Anchorage)

• Employees: 3,400 worldwide; 1,500+ in Alaska (1,800+ including contractors)

• Industry Position: Largest privately held E&P company in U.S.; Largest operator in Alaska

• Major Alaska Operations: Prudhoe Bay, Milne Point, Kenai Peninsula, Cook Inlet

• Ownership: Privately held (founder Jeffery Hildebrand)

• CEO: Greg Lalicker (since 2018)

• Core Values: Integrity, Ownership, Urgency, Alignment, Innovation

Hiring Policy Analysis

Hilcorp Alaska conducts individualized assessments as required by EEOC guidelines but operates under significantly higher security requirements than most employers due to critical infrastructure protection regulations. While Alaska has no ban-the-box legislation for private employers, the company must still conduct nexus reviews evaluating whether convictions are incompatible with specific job duties. Background checks occur throughout the hiring process, with TWIC screening for field positions being a federal requirement that creates hard barriers for certain offenses. Many entry-level and field positions are filled through contractor companies like ASRC Energy Services and NANA Management Services, which may offer more accessible pathways for some applicants.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by TWIC requirements, safety-sensitive duties, access to critical infrastructure, and regulatory compliance requirements.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company sources. Alaska oil field positions typically pay premium wages due to remote conditions and rotational schedules.

Career Path Examples

Hilcorp emphasizes employee ownership and promotes from within. The company's open-book management philosophy and performance-based bonuses (30-60% of base salary) reward career advancement.

Administrative Track: Office Services Coordinator ($24-$35/hr) → Administrative Specialist ($28-$40/hr) → Office Manager ($60K-$80K/yr) → Department Administrator ($80K-$110K/yr). Advancement requires demonstrated reliability and organizational skills.

Field Operations Track: Roustabout ($24-$31/hr) → Roughneck ($28-$38/hr) → Driller ($38-$50/hr) → Tool Pusher ($90K-$150K/yr). Requires clean TWIC, safety certifications, and progressive experience. Timeline: 6 months to 5+ years per level.

Maintenance Track: Camp Maintenance Technician ($26-$38/hr) → Lead Technician ($32-$45/hr) → Maintenance Supervisor ($80K-$120K/yr) → Facilities Manager ($100K-$140K/yr). Trade certifications and safety record are critical for advancement.

Background Check Process

Understanding Hilcorp Alaska's background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically. The company conducts comprehensive screening that varies by position, with field roles requiring federal security clearances through the TWIC program.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; TSA Security Threat Assessment for TWIC-required positions; driving record (MVR) for positions requiring vehicle operation; drug and alcohol screening (pre-employment and random); employment history verification; education and certification verification; safety training records.

Lookback Period: Standard 7-year criminal lookback under federal FCRA. TWIC permanent disqualifying offenses have no time limit. TWIC interim disqualifying offenses: 7 years from conviction OR 5 years from release from incarceration, whichever is later. Employment verification typically extends 5-10 years.

Timeline: Administrative positions: 2-4 weeks from application to hire. Field positions requiring TWIC: 4-8 weeks or longer depending on TSA processing. TWIC card processing alone averages 45+ days during high-demand periods.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview(s) conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check authorization signed → Drug test completed → TWIC enrollment (if required) → Background check results reviewed → Individualized assessment if issues found → Final hiring decision → NSTC training (for North Slope) → Start date.

Disqualifying Factors

Permanent Disqualifiers (TWIC): Espionage or conspiracy to commit espionage; sedition or treason; federal terrorism crimes; crimes involving transportation security incidents; improper transportation of hazardous materials; murder (under certain RICO violations).

High Risk (7-Year TWIC Disqualifiers): Felony firearms/weapons offenses; explosives offenses; arson; distribution of controlled substances; robbery; extortion; assault with intent to kill; kidnapping; rape or sexual abuse; dishonesty, fraud, or misrepresentation (excluding welfare fraud and bad checks).

Company-Specific Concerns: Safety violations or criminal negligence; environmental crimes; theft or embezzlement; cybersecurity offenses; recent drug offenses (especially in safety-sensitive positions); DUI/DWI for driving positions. All subject to individualized assessment with waiver possibilities for some offenses.

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. You have reasonable time to respond.

  
  

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

  
  

• TWIC Appeal Rights: If denied a TWIC card, you receive a Preliminary Determination of Ineligibility and can appeal errors or apply for a waiver of interim disqualifying offenses.

  
  

• Dispute Rights: You can dispute inaccurate information on background reports with the reporting agency. Check your own records beforehand.

Application Strategy

1. Check TWIC Eligibility First: Review the Permanent and Interim Disqualifying Offenses at tsa.gov/disqualifying-offenses-factors. If your offense is a permanent bar, field positions requiring site access are not possible without a successful waiver appeal. Focus on Anchorage-based administrative roles that don't require TWIC.

   
   

2. Target Appropriate Positions: If TWIC-eligible, apply for entry-level field roles. If TWIC is uncertain, target Anchorage-based administrative, accounting, or technical support positions. Consider contractor routes through ASRC Energy Services or NANA Management Services, which handle their own hiring processes.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through Hilcorp's careers page at hilcorp.com/careers or through contractor company websites. Positions are also posted on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor.

   
   

4. Obtain Safety Certifications: Proactively obtain OSHA 10/30, HAZWOPER, or other relevant certifications before applying. For North Slope positions, understand that NSTC Unescorted training (approximately $143.50, 4.5 hours) will be required—completing it in advance shows commitment.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. The oil and gas industry conducts extensive background checks, and dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier that can result in termination even after hire if discovered.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Nexus Defense: Be prepared to clearly articulate why your past conviction has no connection or link ("nexus") to the essential duties of the role. Focus on time elapsed, demonstrated rehabilitation, stable work history since conviction, and completed treatment or training programs.

   
   

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

   
   

8. Apply for TWIC Waiver if Needed: If you have an interim disqualifying offense outside the lookback period, enroll for TWIC anyway. If denied, you can apply for a waiver demonstrating rehabilitation. TSA considers: circumstances of the offense, rehabilitation evidence, court records, and factors indicating you don't pose a security threat.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Oil and Gas Has Constant Hiring Needs: The industry experiences turnover, especially in entry-level field positions. Hilcorp Alaska operates 24/7 across multiple facilities. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to different positions and contractor companies.

   
   

2. Contractor Companies May Be More Accessible: Major Alaska Native Corporations like ASRC Energy Services and NANA Management Services supply significant labor to Hilcorp operations. These contractors have their own hiring processes and may offer pathways to employment that direct corporate hire does not.

   
   

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. Understand Arctic Work Culture: North Slope work involves rotational schedules (typically 2 weeks on/2 weeks off), living in remote camps, extreme weather, and strict safety protocols. Demonstrate you understand and can handle these conditions.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test—Zero Tolerance: If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. The oil and gas industry has mandatory pre-employment and random drug testing. Field positions under DOT regulations require 50% random testing. There is no flexibility on this requirement.

   
   

6. Highlight Stability and Reliability: The oil and gas industry values long-term stability and reliability. Emphasize stable housing, reliable transportation, and any consistent work history—even informal work shows you can be counted on.

   
   

7. Network Through Industry Contacts: Current Hilcorp and contractor employees can provide referrals. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration. Network through LinkedIn or Alaska workforce development programs to connect with industry professionals.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Location and Schedule: Willingness to work remote locations (North Slope, Kenai Peninsula, offshore platforms) and rotational schedules significantly increases your chances. Many positions offer premium pay for these conditions.

Benefits Overview

Hilcorp offers an exceptional benefits package reflecting its employee-ownership culture. The company has been consistently named to Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list.

Compensation: Competitive base salaries benchmarked against industry peers, reviewed annually. Alaska positions typically pay premium rates due to remote location and challenging conditions.

Bonus Program: Annual performance bonus with 30% target (60% stretch) of base salary. All employees receive the same bonus percentage when company goals are met. Historical bonuses include $100,000 (2015) and $75,000 plus $25,000 charity contribution (2021).

Buy-In Plan: Unique long-term incentive allowing employees to invest in Hilcorp projects. Grant Award Program provides annual grant dollars. Employees receive 50% of monthly cash flow immediately, with remaining 50% vesting after 5 years.

401(k) and Retirement: 401(k) Savings Plan with company match. Company-paid retirement benefit.

Health Benefits: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance. Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA). Short-term and long-term disability. Life insurance.

Additional Benefits: Paid time off and holidays. Tuition reimbursement. Employee Giving Program seeded with $2,500 plus company match up to $2,000. Hilcorp Scholarship Program for dependents. Transportation cost assistance up to $3,000. Employee discounts.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Exceptional bonuses and compensation; strong ownership culture; career advancement opportunities; transparency through open-book management; great benefits.

Cons: High expectations and fast-paced environment; remote work conditions challenging; union workers may be excluded from some bonus programs.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Hilcorp Alaska hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but with significant restrictions. Hilcorp conducts individualized assessments per EEOC guidelines. Most field positions require TWIC cards with federal disqualifying offenses. Candidates with older, non-violent felonies unrelated to safety, drugs, or fraud have best opportunities for Anchorage administrative positions. Contractor companies like ASRC Energy Services may offer additional pathways.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Hilcorp Alaska?

   Comprehensive checks include criminal history (county, state, federal), TSA Security Threat Assessment for TWIC positions, driving records, drug screening, employment verification, and safety certification verification. Background checks occur after conditional offer for administrative roles; TWIC screening required before field positions start.

   
   

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

   Standard 7-year FCRA lookback for criminal checks. TWIC permanent disqualifiers (terrorism, espionage, treason) have no time limit. TWIC interim offenses barred if conviction within 7 years OR release from incarceration within 5 years, whichever is later. Employment verification typically extends 5-10 years.

   
   

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

   Highest barriers: TWIC permanent disqualifiers (terrorism, espionage); felony drug distribution; weapons offenses; explosives; arson; robbery; sexual offenses; kidnapping. High barriers: theft, fraud, dishonesty; safety violations; recent DUI for driving positions. Lower barriers: older non-violent offenses unrelated to job duties.

   
   

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

   Without TWIC: Administrative Assistant ($22-$32/hr), Office Services Coordinator ($24-$35/hr), Accounting Clerk in Anchorage. With TWIC: Roustabout ($24-$31/hr), Camp Maintenance Technician ($26-$38/hr). Contractor companies (ASRC Energy Services, NANA Management Services) offer additional field entry pathways.

   
   

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

   Yes, mandatory pre-employment drug/alcohol testing for all positions (typically urine screening). Field positions under DOT regulations subject to 50% random testing throughout employment. Zero-tolerance policy regardless of state marijuana laws.

   
   

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

   Alaska has no ban-the-box for private employers, so criminal history questions can appear anytime during the hiring process. Formal background checks occur after conditional offer. TWIC screening requires separate TSA enrollment before field positions begin.

   
   

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

   Yes, advancement is possible with increased scrutiny. Hilcorp promotes from within and emphasizes employee ownership. Success requires maintaining clean record after hire, demonstrating reliability and safety consciousness, and building strong performance history over time.

   
   

9. How long does the hiring and background check process take?

   Administrative positions: approximately 2-4 weeks. Field positions requiring TWIC: 4-8 weeks or longer. TWIC card processing alone currently averages 45+ days during high-demand periods. TSA recommends applying for TWIC at least 60 days before needing access.

   
   

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

    Key strategies: Verify TWIC eligibility first; target appropriate positions for your clearance level; obtain safety certifications proactively; apply through contractor companies for additional pathways; run your own background check to dispute errors; prepare nexus defense; document rehabilitation evidence; be completely honest; demonstrate stability and reliability; be flexible on location and schedule.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Hilcorp Alaska doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in oil and gas, construction, and related industries in Alaska:

Conclusion

Hilcorp Alaska offers limited but genuine opportunities for individuals with criminal records, primarily in administrative roles not requiring TWIC clearance. As Alaska's largest oil and gas operator with exceptional employee-ownership culture and industry-leading benefits, the company provides pathways to stable, well-compensated employment for qualified candidates.

The work environment is demanding—remote Arctic locations, rotational schedules, strict safety protocols—but the compensation reflects these challenges. Base salaries are competitive, bonuses can reach 30-60% of pay, and the Buy-In program creates genuine wealth-building opportunities.

Key Success Factors: Verify TWIC eligibility before applying to field positions; target appropriate positions for your clearance level; consider contractor pathways through ASRC or NANA; obtain safety certifications proactively; demonstrate stability and commitment to safety; be completely honest throughout the process.

Biggest Barriers: TWIC permanent disqualifying offenses eliminate most field positions; interim disqualifying offenses within 7 years/5 years from release create significant barriers; Alaska's lack of ban-the-box laws means early disclosure; industry safety culture means drug and alcohol violations are zero-tolerance.

For candidates with older, non-violent offenses who can obtain TWIC clearance, Hilcorp Alaska represents an excellent opportunity to build a career with a company that values ownership and rewards performance. Your past doesn't have to define your future—prepare thoroughly, be honest, and demonstrate the reliability and safety-consciousness that the industry demands.

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), salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), and federal regulatory information (TSA, DOT), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Hilcorp Alaska.

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

Apply Now: https://www.hilcorp.com/careers/