Quick Answer

Hunt Refining Company doesn't publish a policy on hiring people with criminal records, so expect each application to be reviewed individually. Refinery work is safety-sensitive, so the type of offense, how long ago it happened and the specific job all matter. Apply through Hunt's own careers page. Hunt Refining is not part of HF Sinclair.

Table of Contents

Quick Answer

About Hunt Refining Company

Does Hunt Refining Hire People with Felonies?

Jobs to Look For

Background Check and Drug Testing

How to Apply

Frequently Asked Questions

Similar Employers

Final Thoughts

About Hunt Refining Company

Hunt Refining Company is a privately held petroleum refiner headquartered in Tuscaloosa, Alabama. It is part of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., the Dallas-based Hunt family of companies. It operates the Tuscaloosa Refinery, founded in 1946 and the oldest continually operated refinery in Alabama, and markets asphalt, transportation fuels and light oils mainly in the southeastern United States.

Hunt Refining is not affiliated with HF Sinclair, which is a separate refining company with its own careers site. Apply to Hunt Refining through Hunt's careers page.

Does Hunt Refining Hire People with Felonies?

Hunt's careers site doesn't say how it handles criminal records. Expect a case-by-case review that looks at the offense, how long ago it happened, what you've done since and how it relates to the job.

Because refineries handle flammable materials and high-pressure equipment, offenses that raise safety or security concerns, such as arson, sabotage, violence or terrorism-related offenses, are likely to get the closest review. Older, non-violent convictions and a steady work record since then generally carry less weight.

Alabama has no statewide ban-the-box law for private employers, so you may be asked about your record on the application. Answer truthfully.

Jobs to Look For

Refineries hire for operations (process operators and operator trainees), maintenance and skilled trades (mechanics, welders, instrument and electrical technicians), laboratory, warehouse and environmental roles. If you don't have refinery experience, entry-level and trainee roles are the usual starting points.

Pay depends on the role and your experience. Check each posting on Hunt's careers portal for current pay and requirements.

Refinery work often means 12-hour rotating shifts, heat, heights and confined spaces, plus long hours during planned maintenance shutdowns (turnarounds).

Background Check and Drug Testing

Expect a background check and a pre-employment drug test, because refineries are safety-sensitive workplaces. Hunt doesn't publish its screening details, so ask the recruiter what applies to the job you're offered.

How far back a check can report depends on the type of record and state law. Under the federal Fair Credit Reporting Act, the 7-year limit applies to arrests and other non-conviction records, not to convictions.

Some refinery jobs require a TWIC card from the TSA for access to maritime-regulated areas. TSA permanently disqualifies certain offenses, such as terrorism, espionage, treason and murder, and disqualifies others for 7 years after conviction or 5 years after release from prison. Waivers are available.

If a background report could lead to a rejection, the employer must first give you a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You can dispute errors with the background check company.

How to Apply

Apply online through Hunt's careers page at huntrefining.com/careers.aspx, which links to the company's current openings. Hunt says it does not ask job applicants for money, so treat any request for payment as a scam.

Answer background questions truthfully and prepare a short explanation of your record that focuses on what has changed. Highlight any industrial, mechanical, military or safety experience, and say you can work rotating shifts. Refinery jobs are competitive, so apply to other refiners and chemical plants in the region too.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Hunt Refining hire people with felonies?

Hunt Refining doesn't publish a policy on criminal records, so expect a case-by-case review. The offense, how long ago it happened and how it relates to the job all matter. Apply through Hunt's own careers page.

Is Hunt Refining part of HF Sinclair?

No. Hunt Refining Company is part of Hunt Consolidated, Inc., the Dallas-based Hunt family of companies. HF Sinclair is a separate refining company with its own careers site.

What jobs are the best starting points?

Entry-level and trainee roles in operations, maintenance helper and warehouse jobs are the usual starting points without refinery experience. Check Hunt's current openings for what is available.

Can I work at a refinery with an arson conviction?

It is difficult. Arson raises serious safety concerns where flammable materials are handled, so expect a very close review. If you're turned down, consider industries without that hazard.

How far back does Hunt Refining's background check go?

It depends on the type of record and state law. The federal 7-year reporting limit applies to arrests and other non-conviction records, not to convictions. Jobs that need a TWIC card also follow TSA's disqualifying-offense rules.

Does Hunt Refining automatically reject people with felonies?

Hunt hasn't published a blanket ban, so expect your record to be reviewed along with the job's duties and safety requirements.

Can I work at Hunt Refining while on probation or parole?

Possibly. Make sure the job fits your supervision terms, since refinery work often means rotating 12-hour shifts, and keep your probation or parole officer informed.

Does Hunt Refining drug test?

Expect a pre-employment drug test, because refinery work is safety-sensitive. Ask the recruiter what testing applies to your job.

Can I advance at Hunt Refining with a felony record?

Refinery careers commonly move from trainee to operator and supervisor based on performance and safety record. Supervisory roles may involve an additional review.

How do I apply to Hunt Refining?

Go to Hunt's careers page at huntrefining.com and follow the link to current openings. Hunt says it does not ask job applicants for money.

Similar Employers

Other refiners and chemical manufacturers with plants in the Gulf South and Southeast include Marathon Petroleum, Valero, Phillips 66, Chevron, ExxonMobil, Shell, Dow and BASF. Hiring practices vary by company and site, so check each employer's careers page.

Final Thoughts

Hunt Refining offers skilled industrial work in Tuscaloosa, and a criminal record is not automatically a barrier, but refinery jobs get a careful, safety-focused review. Apply through Hunt's own careers page, be honest about your record, and widen your search to other refiners and chemical plants.