Quick Answer

Yes, JBS USA hires people with felonies on a case-by-case basis in 2026. As one of the world's largest meat processing companies, JBS evaluates candidates individually based on conviction type, time passed, and job requirements. Production worker and processing positions are common entry points; pay depends on role and location, so check the posting.

Meat processing plants need workers constantly due to the physical nature of work and industry turnover. JBS values reliability and hard work over perfect backgrounds, making them an excellent option for people with various criminal backgrounds seeking stable employment with good pay and benefits in food production facilities.

Table of Contents

1. Quick Answer

2. About JBS USA

3. Does JBS USA Hire People with Felonies?

4. Available Jobs at JBS USA

5. Best entry point

6. Background Check Process

7. Application Tips

8. Frequently Asked Questions

9. Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

10. Final Thoughts

About JBS USA

JBS USA is one of the largest meat processing companies in the world, operating beef, pork, and poultry processing facilities across the United States. Its plants supply retail and foodservice customers nationwide. The company employs a large workforce in production, processing, maintenance, and operations roles.

For people with felonies, JBS presents exceptional opportunities. Meat processing plants need workers constantly—the work is physically demanding, facilities operate multiple shifts, and turnover creates ongoing openings. These are real jobs with decent pay ($16-$23/hour for production workers), health benefits, and opportunities for overtime that can significantly boost income.

JBS actively recruits workers through various channels including workforce development programs, community organizations, and partnerships specifically designed to help people with barriers to employment. The company understands that meat processing work is challenging and that finding reliable workers means looking past criminal backgrounds.

The nature of meat processing work—physical, repetitive, and often in cold environments—means the focus is on your ability to show up consistently, work safely, and meet production standards, not on your past. This works in your favor if you're willing to do hard work reliably.

Does JBS USA Hire People with Felonies?

JBS USA does not have a blanket policy against hiring people with felony convictions. They evaluate each applicant individually based on the nature of the offense, time since conviction, the position applied for, and overall qualifications. This case-by-case approach gives you real chances.

In practice, JBS hires people with criminal backgrounds for some production and processing positions, and records are reviewed case by case. Some locations are covered by state or local ban-the-box laws. The 2012 EEOC guidance is no longer current; applicable employment law remains separate. Your ability to do physically demanding work reliably matters, along with the offense, time passed, and the role.

The type of conviction matters, and how much depends on the role. Drug convictions may be less of a barrier for production work if you can pass a drug test now, but that is decided case by case. Many people in recovery find stable work in food processing, and showing current reliability helps.

Violent felonies are evaluated case-by-case but don't automatically disqualify you. Processing line work involves using knives and equipment, which requires safety consciousness, but it doesn't involve vulnerable populations or public interaction. If your violent conviction was several years ago and you've maintained clean records since, most JBS facilities will give you chances.

Theft convictions are less problematic at JBS than in retail environments. You're working with raw meat products and processing equipment rather than cash or finished consumer goods. Many people with theft backgrounds work successfully at JBS plants.

Sexual offenses are evaluated carefully. The work environment and USDA regulations create some considerations, but these convictions don't automatically disqualify you from all positions. Be honest and let the facility evaluate your specific situation.

Time since conviction matters. Convictions older than 7 years often don't appear on standard background checks in many states. Even if they appear, old convictions carry much less weight. Clean records for 3-5 years since your last conviction demonstrate positive change and significantly improve chances.

The position you apply for is important, though most entry positions are similar. Production workers, line workers, and processing operators have the most flexible hiring standards—focusing on physical ability, reliability, and willingness to work. Maintenance technician positions value trade skills. Sanitation crew positions are often very accessible. Quality control and administrative roles may face slightly more scrutiny but are still possible.

Location affects opportunities. JBS facilities in rural areas often have difficulty finding workers and may be particularly flexible about backgrounds. Plants in states with ban-the-box laws must follow fair chance hiring procedures. Some facilities actively recruit through reentry programs and workforce development organizations.

The bottom line is that JBS needs reliable workers more than perfect backgrounds. If you can show up consistently, work hard in physically demanding conditions, follow safety rules, and be dependable, you have strong chances regardless of criminal history.

Available Jobs at JBS USA

JBS offers numerous production and processing positions suitable for people with felony convictions:

Production Worker/Line Worker

($16-$21/hour)

You'll work on processing lines cutting, trimming, packaging meat products, operating equipment, and maintaining production flow. Physical work in cold environments requiring standing for long periods, repetitive motions, and using knives or equipment. This is the most common entry position and very accessible for people with felonies. Plants need reliable workers constantly. Overtime is often available, significantly increasing earnings.

Meat Trimmer/Cutter

($16-$22/hour)

You'll cut and trim meat products according to specifications, remove fat and bones, and maintain quality standards. Physical work requiring knife skills (which you learn on the job) and stamina. Very accessible for people with criminal backgrounds because the work focuses on production skill and reliability.

Packager

($16-$20/hour)

You'll package meat products, operate packaging equipment, label items, and maintain packaging standards. Repetitive physical work requiring attention to detail. Good entry position for people with backgrounds who can work efficiently.

Sanitation Worker

($17-$23/hour)

You'll clean processing equipment, sanitize facilities, and ensure food safety standards. Physical work using cleaning chemicals and equipment, often on night shifts after production. These positions have particularly high acceptance rates for people with felonies because they're essential but hard to fill. Night shift premiums increase pay.

Material Handler/Warehouse Worker

($16-$21/hour)

You'll move products, operate forklifts, organize inventory, and load trucks. Physical work requiring forklift certification (often provided). These positions are very accessible for people with records—straightforward work where reliability matters most.

Maintenance Worker

($20-$28/hour)

You'll repair processing equipment, perform preventive maintenance, troubleshoot issues, and ensure plant operations. Requires some mechanical/technical skills or willingness to learn. If you have handyman skills or trade experience, criminal backgrounds rarely matter because skilled workers are in high demand.

Quality Assurance Technician

($17-$23/hour)

You'll inspect products, conduct tests, ensure USDA standards, and document quality. Requires attention to detail. Slightly more competitive than line worker positions but still accessible with right work history and attitude.

Utility Worker

($16-$20/hour)

You'll support various departments, move materials, assist where needed, and perform general tasks. Entry-level position providing exposure to different plant areas. Very accessible for people with backgrounds.

Best entry point

Production Worker/Line Worker positions offer the quickest path to employment. They constantly need workers, and JBS prioritizes filling these positions. The work is physically demanding but straightforward—if you can show up reliably and work hard in cold conditions, you have strong chances. Once you prove yourself, moving to better positions or getting consistent overtime becomes realistic.

Background Check Process

Understanding JBS's background check process helps you prepare and navigate hiring successfully.

JBS conducts background checks after making conditional job offers. This means they interview you (often very brief interviews focused on availability and work history), decide they want to hire you, and then run background checks. This approach allows you to demonstrate your willingness to work before criminal records are reviewed.

How far back a background check can report depends on the type of record and state law. JBS uses a third-party background check company, and checks can cover criminal records at various levels. Employment history may also be verified, though willingness to work and reliability count for a lot in production hiring.

The process typically takes 3-7 business days. During this waiting period, you'll complete drug screens. JBS requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions. Meat processing involves knives, moving equipment, and safety hazards, making drug testing standard. Some facilities also conduct random testing after hire.

If something appears on background checks that concerns JBS, federal law requires them to send pre-adverse action notices before making final decisions. You have 5-10 days to review reports, provide context, or dispute errors. This is your opportunity to explain circumstances or correct inaccuracies. However, JBS facilities often have such high hiring needs that they may be more flexible than other employers.

Geographic variations matter. In ban-the-box states, JBS cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Some jurisdictions have stricter regulations. JBS follows all local laws regarding fair chance hiring.

USDA regulations govern meat processing facilities. However, these primarily affect food safety protocols rather than employment eligibility based on criminal backgrounds. Your criminal record is evaluated more for workplace safety and reliability than for USDA compliance issues.

Many JBS facilities work with staffing agencies, especially for initial hires. Background check processes through staffing agencies may vary slightly, but the general approach remains similar—case-by-case evaluation rather than blanket bans.

Application Tips

1. Apply online at jbssa.com/careers or through local staffing agencies that work with JBS. Many facilities hire through agencies initially, which can sometimes provide faster pathways to employment.

   
   

2. Visit JBS facilities in person and ask about hiring. Many plants have HR departments or hiring offices at guardhouses. Showing up demonstrates willingness to work and lets you express strong interest directly.

   
   

3. Be ready to start soon. JBS plants hire throughout the year, and hiring can move quickly. If you can start within days, say so.

   
   

4. Target production worker positions. These are the main entry positions with the most flexible hiring standards and constant openings.

   
   

5. Don't mention your felony on applications in ban-the-box jurisdictions. Answer questions honestly if asked, but don't volunteer unnecessary information upfront.

   
   

6. Be completely honest about backgrounds when asked. Prepare brief explanations that take responsibility and focus on your commitment to reliable work. Meat processing managers have typically seen everything and care more about your willingness to work than your past.

   
   

7. Emphasize any physical labor, factory, or food industry experience. Even informal work like construction, farming, or other physical jobs demonstrates relevant capability.

   
   

8. Highlight your reliability and attendance record. JBS production lines operate on schedules that require consistent staffing. Give specific examples of your dependability from any context.

   
   

9. Be flexible with shift work. Most JBS plants run multiple shifts including nights and weekends. Willingness to work any shift dramatically increases hiring chances. Night shifts often pay premiums.

   
   

10. Understand the work is physically demanding. Be prepared to stand for long periods, work in cold temperatures (around 40°F), perform repetitive motions, and potentially use knives. Show you understand these demands and are ready for them.

    
    

11. Check if your local workforce development program or reentry organization has relationships with JBS. Some facilities actively recruit through these programs.

    
    

12. Dress appropriately when visiting facilities. Clean, presentable appearance shows you're serious. You don't need business attire, but neat clothes make good impressions.

    
    

13. Bring identification documents and be prepared for quick hiring processes. JBS can move fast when they need workers. Having paperwork ready (ID, Social Security card, etc.) helps.

    
    

14. Ask about overtime opportunities. Showing interest in working extra hours demonstrates reliability and willingness to earn, which managers appreciate.

Frequently Asked Questions

Will my drug conviction prevent me from working at JBS?

Drug convictions, including felonies, are very common among JBS employees and rarely prevent hiring. However, you must be able to pass drug tests now. JBS tests pre-employment for all positions due to safety requirements in meat processing. If your conviction was for distribution rather than possession, be prepared to discuss it honestly, but many facilities will still hire you if you can pass current drug tests. Time since conviction helps—if you've been clean for 1-2 years, most hiring managers view this positively. Focus on your current sobriety and willingness to work hard. Production positions are particularly accessible even with recent drug felony histories.

Does JBS do drug testing?

Yes, JBS requires pre-employment drug testing for all positions without exception. Meat processing involves knives, moving equipment, and safety hazards, making drug testing standard. You'll be tested after receiving conditional job offers. Tests typically screen for marijuana, cocaine, opiates, amphetamines, and PCP. Some facilities also conduct random drug testing after hire. If you're in recovery and taking prescribed medications, bring proper documentation to testing facilities. Be prepared to pass drug screens—this is non-negotiable.

How long should I wait after my conviction before applying to JBS?

There's no set waiting period you must meet before applying to JBS after a conviction. Reliability matters a lot in production hiring, but recent convictions are still reviewed, and chances generally improve with time. If your conviction is very recent, expect more questions about it. As time passes with a clean record, hiring usually gets easier. If you need work now, it's reasonable to apply; records are reviewed case by case, and the role, the offense, and local law all matter.

Can I work at JBS while on probation or parole?

Possibly. People on probation or parole can apply, and having a job often helps satisfy supervision requirements. Be upfront about restrictions like check-ins or curfews, and ask whether the shift schedule can work around them. Check with your probation or parole officer too, since some jobs need their approval. Whether you're hired depends on the role, the offense, time passed, and local law.

Will violent felonies disqualify me from JBS?

Violent felonies don't automatically disqualify you. JBS evaluates circumstances, time passed, and records since then. Processing work involves knives and equipment, which requires safety consciousness, but facilities hire many people with violent pasts who can work safely. If your violent conviction was 3-5+ years ago and you've maintained clean records since, most JBS facilities will give you chances. Be honest about what happened and emphasize your commitment to workplace safety. Many people with violent felonies work successfully at JBS plants.

What if I have theft convictions?

Theft convictions are less problematic at JBS than in retail settings. You're working with raw meat products and processing equipment rather than money or finished goods. Many people with theft backgrounds work at JBS facilities. Be honest about your conviction if asked. Time since conviction helps—5+ year old theft convictions are viewed minimally. If you've worked steadily since without problems, emphasize this. Production positions remain very accessible even with theft in your background.

Can I work in meat processing with a felony?

Yes, many people with various felonies work in JBS meat processing facilities. These plants need reliable workers constantly and evaluate candidates individually. The physical nature of processing work means the focus is on whether you can handle the demands and show up reliably. Be prepared for challenging work—standing for 8+ hours, cold temperatures, repetitive motions, using knives or equipment. Various felony types (drug, violent, theft, etc.) are commonly represented among processing workers. If you can handle the physical demands and show up consistently, you have strong chances.

Are certain JBS facilities better for hiring people with felonies?

All JBS facilities hire people with felonies regularly due to industry hiring needs. Rural facilities often have more difficulty finding workers and may be particularly flexible. Facilities working with staffing agencies sometimes have faster hiring processes. Plants in areas with active reentry programs or workforce development partnerships may have structured pathways. However, the most important factor is simply current staffing needs—facilities that need workers urgently are most flexible. Apply to any JBS facility within reasonable distance.

What should I do if my background check shows incorrect information?

Act immediately if background checks contain errors. Federal law requires JBS to send pre-adverse action notices before rejecting based on background checks. You typically have 5-10 days to dispute inaccuracies. Contact both JBS HR and the background screening company to file disputes. Gather documentation proving errors—court records or documents showing dismissed/expunged charges. Follow up every few days. Don't miss the deadline. That said, JBS facilities often have such high hiring needs that they may be more forgiving than other employers even if issues appear.

Does JBS offer advancement for people with felonies?

Yes, JBS offers advancement opportunities regardless of backgrounds. Once hired and proving reliability, criminal records become less relevant. Production workers can move to lead positions, quality control, or maintenance roles based on performance. Many facilities provide training for specialized positions. The company values workers who show up consistently and work hard. Your track record with JBS matters more than criminal history for internal advancement. Many people with felonies have built stable long-term employment at JBS, sometimes moving into supervisory or skilled positions over time.

Similar Felon-Friendly Companies

If JBS doesn't work out or you want to explore similar opportunities in food production, consider these companies:

Tyson Foods: Major competitor in meat processing. It also hires for production positions; ask about its background check process when you apply.

Cargill: Large food production company with meat processing facilities. They hire people with criminal backgrounds regularly for production work.

Smithfield Foods: Pork processing company with plants across the country. It hires for production positions; records are reviewed case by case.

Perdue Farms: Poultry processing company primarily in the Southeast. They hire people with felonies regularly for processing work.

Pilgrim's Pride: Poultry processing company that hires people with criminal backgrounds for production positions at facilities nationwide.

Final Thoughts

JBS USA offers excellent opportunities for people with felony convictions seeking stable employment. Their meat processing facilities need reliable workers constantly, and the company evaluates candidates pragmatically rather than using blanket bans on criminal backgrounds. The work is physically demanding, but the combination of decent pay ($16-$23/hour), benefits, and abundant overtime opportunities makes JBS a solid option for building financial stability.

Take action today by applying at jbssa.com/careers or visiting facilities in person to inquire about hiring. Your local workforce center can also help with applications. Be ready to start quickly, since hiring timelines can move fast.

Be honest about your background, emphasize your reliability and willingness to work hard, and show you understand the physical demands. Many people with criminal backgrounds have found stable work in food processing—with the right approach, you can too.