Quick Answer

Conditional. Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) does hire individuals with felony convictions, but employment—especially in safety-sensitive roles at refineries or terminals—is highly conditional and strictly regulated by federal security mandates including TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential) and CFATS (Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards). As the largest petroleum refiner in the United States with approximately 18,300 employees and 13 refineries processing 3 million barrels per calendar day, Marathon Petroleum operates high-security facilities across the nation. Employment decisions are conditional upon passing extensive background checks, hair follicle drug testing, and federal security clearances.

The law prohibits companies from having a blanket policy excluding all felons. Instead, Marathon Petroleum must conduct an individualized assessment of the conviction to determine if it is job-related and consistent with business necessity, applying the EEOC Green Factors: nature and gravity of the offense, time elapsed since conviction, and nature of the job sought.

The greatest barriers are created by felonies related to drug distribution or trafficking (TWIC disqualification and zero-tolerance policy), terrorism, espionage, or treason (permanent TWIC disqualification), and theft, fraud, or dishonesty (integrity concerns with high-value product handling). Recent offenses within the past 7 years face the highest scrutiny regardless of type due to TWIC interim disqualifying offense provisions.

The most realistic pathways for applicants with records are contractor labor positions through third-party staffing agencies that perform general site maintenance, scaffolding, or insulation work. Corporate office positions in Findlay, Ohio that do not require TWIC or refinery access present lower barriers. Candidates with older, non-violent, non-drug-related felonies who can pass mandatory drug screening and qualify for necessary security clearances have the best prospects.

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 to Marathon Petroleum, honestly assess whether you meet these baseline requirements. Due to the hazardous nature of refining and chemical manufacturing, applicants must clear critical regulatory hurdles:

• TWIC Card Eligibility: For positions requiring unescorted access to refineries, terminals, or MTSA-regulated facilities, you must NOT be disqualified from obtaining a Transportation Worker Identification Credential. Review TSA's list of permanent and interim disqualifying offenses before applying.

  
  

• Drug and Alcohol Clearance: Must successfully pass a pre-employment hair follicle drug screening and agree to mandatory random testing. Marathon Petroleum maintains a strict zero-tolerance policy for unauthorized drugs including THC. Failure is an automatic disqualifier.

  
  

• 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 of each applicant's criminal history.

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Refinery positions require ability to work outdoors in varying weather conditions, climb ladders and scaffolding, lift up to 50 pounds, wear personal protective equipment, and stand for extended periods.

• Honesty is Paramount: Must be completely honest about your criminal record when asked (after conditional offer). 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.

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in the petroleum refining industry is essential for Second Chance applicants. Marathon Petroleum operates 13 refineries across multiple states including Texas, Louisiana, California, Ohio, Michigan, North Dakota, Minnesota, Kentucky, Illinois, New Mexico, Alaska, and Washington. The company must comply with federal EEOC guidelines nationwide as well as the Maritime Transportation Security Act requirements.

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 as potentially discriminatory.

FCRA Requirements

If a third party conducts the background check and a job offer is denied based on the report, Marathon Petroleum 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 (typically 5 business days) to dispute inaccuracies;

(3) Provide final adverse action notice if decision stands after review.

State-Specific Considerations

Marathon Petroleum operates in states with varying fair chance protections. California (Los Angeles refinery) has strong Fair Chance Act protections requiring individualized assessments and limiting lookback periods. Ohio (corporate headquarters, Canton refinery) has a 7-year lookback for non-convictions. Washington (Anacortes refinery) has the Fair Chance Act prohibiting criminal history inquiries on applications. Texas (Galveston Bay, El Paso refineries) has limited state protections but federal EEOC guidelines still apply.

Oil Refining-Specific Considerations

The petroleum refining industry involves processing hazardous materials and operating critical infrastructure, creating specific regulatory barriers. TWIC (Transportation Worker Identification Credential): Required for unescorted access to MTSA-regulated maritime facilities, including many refineries and terminals. Permanent disqualifying offenses include espionage, sedition, treason, terrorism, and murder. Interim disqualifying offenses (7-year/5-year lookback) include drug distribution, arson, assault with intent to kill, robbery, extortion, and dishonesty/fraud. CFATS (Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards): Refineries handling chemicals of interest face additional DHS security requirements. OSHA PSM (Process Safety Management): High-hazard operations require extensive safety training and compliance.

Company Overview

Marathon Petroleum Corporation (MPC) is the largest petroleum refiner in the United States, operating the nation's most extensive refining system. The company traces its roots to 1887 when several small oil companies in Ohio banded together to form The Ohio Oil Company in Lima, Ohio. After being acquired by Standard Oil Trust in 1889, the company became independent again following the 1911 Supreme Court antitrust decision. Following decades of growth through mergers and acquisitions—including the landmark 2018 acquisition of Andeavor—Marathon Petroleum became a standalone company through a corporate spin-off from Marathon Oil in 2011.

Today, Marathon Petroleum operates 13 refineries capable of processing approximately 3 million barrels of crude oil per calendar day. The company's marketing system includes Marathon and ARCO branded fuel stations at over 7,000 locations across the United States and Northern Mexico. MPC also owns the general partner and majority limited partner interest in MPLX LP, a midstream company managing gathering, processing, fractionation assets, and approximately 20,000 miles of pipelines.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1887 (as Ohio Oil Company), spin-off from Marathon Oil in 2011

• Headquarters: Findlay, Ohio

• Employees: Approximately 18,300 (2024)

• Industry Position: Largest petroleum refiner in the United States

• Refining Capacity: ~3 million barrels per calendar day across 13 refineries

• Stock Exchange: NYSE: MPC

• CEO: Maryann T. Mannen (since August 2024)

• Revenue: ~$138.5 billion (2024)

Hiring Policy Analysis

Marathon Petroleum maintains a comprehensive Compliance and Ethics Program with strict Drug and Alcohol Policy enforcement across all operations, including contractors. The company is expected to follow EEOC guidelines, utilizing the Green Factors to conduct individualized assessments before denying employment based on conviction history. Background checks are conducted after conditional offers are extended, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is considered.

The company's hiring process typically involves online application, phone screening, in-person interviews, assessment tests, background check, hair follicle drug test, and physical examination for certain roles. Any felony that compromises safety in a high-hazard refinery environment (such as drug convictions for operators) or compromises security and asset integrity (theft, fraud) will be viewed as having a strong nexus to the job. Employees charged with or convicted of drug-related or alcohol-related criminal offenses must report this information to supervisors or HR immediately under company policy.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by TWIC requirements, security clearance needs, access to high-value products, and safety-sensitivity of the role.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and ZipRecruiter for 2024-2025. Actual compensation varies by location, shift differentials, experience, and union agreements. Marathon Petroleum offers competitive industry compensation with significant overtime potential.

Career Path Examples

Marathon Petroleum emphasizes internal advancement and offers comprehensive training programs. The company provides education reimbursement for approved degree programs and certifications. Many leadership positions are filled through internal promotion.

Operations Track: Refinery Operator Trainee ($28-33/hr) → Refinery Operator ($33-48/hr) → Senior Operator ($45-54/hr) → Unit Supervisor ($85K-110K/yr). Requires demonstrated safety record and completion of operator training programs.

Maintenance Track: Maintenance Helper ($18-22/hr) → Maintenance Technician ($22-28/hr) → Skilled Tradesman ($28-38/hr) → Maintenance Supervisor ($75K-95K/yr). Apprenticeship and journeyman certifications support advancement.

Administrative Track: Administrative Assistant ($18-24/hr) → Senior Administrative ($22-28/hr) → Office Coordinator ($28-35/hr) → Department Manager ($65K-85K/yr). Lower security barriers than operations tracks.

Background Check Process

Understanding Marathon Petroleum's background check process helps you prepare for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer, which means you'll have the opportunity to demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed. The process is extensive due to federal security requirements at refinery facilities.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; employment history verification (7-10 years); education verification for positions requiring degrees; TWIC eligibility check for refinery positions; hair follicle drug screening (mandatory); motor vehicle record for driving positions.

Lookback Period: TWIC requires 7-year lookback for interim disqualifying offenses or 5 years from incarceration release (whichever is later). Permanent disqualifying offenses have no lookback limitation. State-specific limitations may apply for non-TWIC positions.

Drug Testing Details: Marathon Petroleum uses hair follicle testing for pre-employment screening, which detects drug use up to 90 days back. Random urine testing continues throughout employment. Zero tolerance for THC and all unauthorized substances applies even in states with legal recreational marijuana.

Timeline: The hiring process averages 2-4 weeks from application to offer.

Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks after conditional offer. TWIC processing may add 2-8 weeks for initial applications.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Terrorism, espionage, sedition, or treason convictions (permanent TWIC bar); Drug distribution or trafficking within 7 years (interim TWIC bar); Arson within 7 years; Assault with intent to kill within 7 years; Robbery or extortion within 7 years; Dishonesty, fraud, or identity crimes; Recent drug-related convictions of any kind (zero tolerance policy); Theft or embezzlement (product security concerns).

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent property crimes older than 7 years; Simple drug possession (not distribution) older than 7 years; DUI without commercial driving duties (unless seeking CDL position); Non-fraud financial crimes older than 7 years. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence, time elapsed, and relevance to job duties.

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 adverse decision, you must receive notice with a copy of the report and a summary of your rights. You have reasonable time (typically 5 business days) 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 TWIC, you can appeal if TSA made an error, or request a waiver demonstrating you pose no security threat. TSA provides 60 days to respond to preliminary ineligibility determinations.

  
  

• State Protections: In California, Washington, and other states with Fair Chance Acts, employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications and must conduct individualized assessments.

Application Strategy

1. Check TWIC Eligibility First: Before applying to any refinery position requiring unescorted site access, review TSA's list of permanent and interim disqualifying offenses. If you have a potential disqualifier, determine whether you're outside the lookback window or may qualify for a waiver.

   
   

2. Target Contractor or Corporate Roles: The most realistic entry point is through third-party contractors performing scaffolding, insulation, general labor, or maintenance support. Corporate positions at Findlay headquarters or other offices that don't require TWIC present lower barriers.

   
   

3. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through marathonpetroleum.com/Jobs or the Workday portal at mpc.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com. Check the careers page regularly as positions are posted frequently. Be wary of scam job offers requesting money or personal information.

   
   

4. Prioritize Drug and Alcohol Compliance: If you have any substance issues, address them completely before applying. The hair follicle test detects drug use for up to 90 days. Abstain well in advance of applying.

   
   

5. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination even after hire if discovered. Wait until asked or until the appropriate stage (after conditional offer) to disclose.

   
   

6. Prepare Your Narrative: Have a brief, honest explanation ready: acknowledge the offense without making excuses, describe what you learned, and explain how you've changed. Focus on rehabilitation, personal growth, and stability. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

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

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up with HR if you don't hear back within 2-3 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation. Persistence and professionalism demonstrate the qualities employers value.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Understand TWIC Waiver Options: Even if you have an interim disqualifying offense, TSA may grant a waiver if you demonstrate you don't pose a security threat. Gather documentation showing rehabilitation, stable employment, community involvement, and references. The waiver process involves submitting evidence and can take several months.

   
   

2. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Many successful refinery careers begin in contractor positions or support roles. Prove reliability through attendance, safety compliance, and positive attitude. Training and development programs provide pathways to higher-paying operator and skilled trade positions.

   
   

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. Verify your record is accurate across all jurisdictions where you've lived.

   
   

4. Obtain OSHA and Industry Certifications: Having current certifications demonstrates commitment to safety and job readiness. OSHA 10-Hour or 30-Hour General Industry certification is valuable. Consider HAZWOPER training for hazardous waste operations. These credentials show proactive initiative.

   
   

5. Emphasize Safety Consciousness: In all applications and interviews, use language that prioritizes safety, compliance, and adherence to procedures. This directly addresses the industry's greatest concern. Demonstrate understanding of why strict protocols matter in refinery environments.

   
   

6. Network Through Industry Contacts: Connect with current Marathon Petroleum employees on LinkedIn or through workforce development programs. Employee referrals often receive priority consideration. Join industry associations and attend job fairs where MPC recruits.

   
   

7. Be Flexible on Location and Schedule: Willingness to work at any of MPC's 13 refinery locations increases your chances. Refineries operate 24/7 with rotating 12-hour shifts. Flexibility on nights, weekends, and holidays is highly valued.

   
   

8. Check Expungement Eligibility: Research whether your offense qualifies for sealing or expungement in the jurisdiction where it occurred. Note that TWIC looks at federal databases, so state-level expungement may not fully resolve TWIC eligibility issues. Consult with a criminal defense attorney for guidance.

Benefits Overview

Marathon Petroleum offers a comprehensive benefits package designed to support employees' overall well-being and financial security. Benefits begin on the first day of employment for eligible employees.

Compensation: Competitive salaries with industry-leading pay rates. Refinery operators can earn $33-54/hr base with significant overtime potential. Performance bonuses and annual incentives available.

401(k) and Retirement: Industry-leading 7% company match on 6% employee contribution (116% match). Company-funded pension plan contributing 7-11% of eligible pay based on age plus years of service. Employees are immediately 100% vested.

Health Benefits: Medical plans with maximum out-of-pocket from $3,500-$10,000. Dental and vision coverage. HSA with company contribution ($500 employee/$1,000 family). Mental health benefits and Employee Assistance Program included.

Time Off: Three to six weeks paid vacation based on tenure. Seven days paid sick leave. Paid holidays. Parental leave (10-12 weeks birthing parent, 4 weeks non-birthing).

Additional Benefits: Basic life and accident insurance provided at no cost. Short-term and long-term disability. Education reimbursement for approved degree programs. Scholars Program for employees' children. Relocation assistance. Employee discount programs.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Excellent retirement benefits with pension plus 401k match; competitive pay especially for operators; good work-life balance for corporate positions; strong safety culture; opportunities for advancement.

Cons: Demanding shift work for refinery positions; 12-hour rotating schedules; high-pressure safety environment; limited positions in some geographic areas; extensive background check process.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Marathon Petroleum hire people with felonies?

   Yes, but conditionally. Marathon Petroleum is not permitted to have blanket policies excluding all felons and must conduct individualized assessments per EEOC guidelines. However, many refinery positions require TWIC credentials, which have specific disqualifying offenses. Applicants with older, non-violent felonies that aren't TWIC disqualifiers have better prospects, especially for contractor or corporate positions. Drug distribution convictions within 7 years and certain violent crimes create significant barriers due to federal security requirements.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Marathon Petroleum?

   Marathon Petroleum conducts extensive background checks after extending conditional job offers. The process includes criminal history searches at county, state, and federal levels; employment verification; education verification; and SSN trace. For refinery positions, TWIC eligibility is verified through TSA. All positions require a hair follicle drug test. The company follows FCRA procedures, providing pre-adverse action notice and opportunity to dispute before final decisions.

   
   

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

   For TWIC-required positions, interim disqualifying offenses (drug distribution, arson, robbery, assault, fraud) are disqualifying if convicted within 7 years or released from incarceration within 5 years. Permanent disqualifying offenses (terrorism, treason, espionage) have no lookback limitation. Some state laws limit criminal history reporting to 7 years for positions below certain salary thresholds. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Marathon Petroleum?

   The most problematic convictions are those that are TWIC disqualifying: terrorism-related offenses (permanently disqualifying); drug distribution or trafficking; arson; assault with intent to kill; robbery or extortion; and dishonesty/fraud crimes. Additionally, any drug-related conviction creates problems due to the company's zero-tolerance policy. Theft and embezzlement convictions raise concerns given high-value petroleum products handled. Recent convictions of any type face higher scrutiny than older offenses.

   
   

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

   The most accessible positions are contractor labor roles through third-party staffing agencies ($20-30/hr) performing general maintenance, scaffolding, or insulation work. Corporate office positions in Findlay, Ohio or other administrative locations ($18-24/hr) don't require TWIC. Warehouse and fleet services positions may offer pathways without full refinery access requirements. These entry points allow you to establish a track record before pursuing higher-security positions.

   
   

6. Does Marathon Petroleum drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, Marathon Petroleum maintains a strict zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Pre-employment testing uses hair follicle analysis, which can detect drug use up to 90 days back. Random testing throughout employment uses urine analysis. All unauthorized drugs are prohibited including THC, even in states where marijuana is legal. Testing is required for all employees and contractors. A failed drug test is an automatic disqualifier.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Marathon Petroleum ask about criminal history?

   In compliance with fair chance hiring laws, Marathon Petroleum conducts background checks after extending a conditional job offer. In states with Ban the Box laws (California, Washington, Ohio, and others where MPC operates), criminal history inquiries are prohibited on initial applications. You'll have the opportunity to interview and demonstrate your qualifications before your criminal history is reviewed. Be prepared to discuss your record honestly after the conditional offer.

   
   

8. Can someone advance to management at Marathon Petroleum if they have a felony?

   Yes, career advancement is possible but depends on the nature of the conviction and position requirements. Supervisor and management roles at refineries typically require TWIC, so TWIC-disqualifying convictions remain barriers. For corporate or non-TWIC positions, advancement paths are more accessible. The company promotes internal advancement and offers education reimbursement. Demonstrating consistent safety compliance, reliability, and professional growth can lead to promotion opportunities.

   
   

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

   The overall hiring process typically takes 2-4 weeks from application to conditional offer. Background checks generally complete within 1-2 weeks after you authorize them. Hair follicle drug testing results are usually available within 1 week. For positions requiring TWIC, initial credential applications can take 2-8 weeks depending on processing times and whether any redress is needed. Total time from application to start can range from 3-10 weeks.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Marathon Petroleum?

    To maximize your chances:

    (1) Verify TWIC eligibility before applying to refinery positions;

    (2) Obtain OSHA safety certifications demonstrating industry commitment;

    (3) Maintain complete sobriety for at least 90 days before applying (for hair follicle test);

    (4) Document rehabilitation thoroughly with certificates, references, and stable history;

    (5) Target contractor or corporate positions initially;

    (6) Be completely honest about your record;

    (7) Prepare a concise narrative acknowledging past mistakes and demonstrating growth;

    (8) Apply to multiple locations for flexibility;

    (9) Network with current employees for referrals;

    (10) Follow up professionally and persistently.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Marathon Petroleum doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring in the oil and gas, energy, and related industries:

Conclusion

Marathon Petroleum offers conditional opportunities for individuals with criminal records, with the most realistic pathways being contractor labor positions or corporate roles that don't require TWIC credentials. As the nation's largest petroleum refiner with 13 refineries and approximately 18,300 employees, the company provides competitive compensation including industry-leading 401(k) matching and pension benefits. However, the federal security requirements for refinery access create substantial barriers that cannot be overcome through company policy alone.

The work environment demands strict safety consciousness and adherence to zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies. Hair follicle testing and potential random testing throughout employment require sustained sobriety. The compensation—with refinery operators earning $33-54/hr plus extensive benefits—reflects the demanding nature of the work and regulatory environment.

Key Success Factors: Verify TWIC eligibility before pursuing refinery positions; target contractor or corporate roles initially; obtain OSHA safety certifications; maintain extended sobriety for drug testing; document rehabilitation thoroughly; be completely honest about your record.

Biggest Barriers: TWIC disqualifying offenses (drug distribution, terrorism, arson, assault, fraud within lookback periods); zero-tolerance drug policy with hair follicle testing; high-security requirements at all refinery facilities.

For applicants without TWIC-disqualifying convictions who can demonstrate rehabilitation and pass drug screening, Marathon Petroleum can provide a pathway to stable, well-compensated employment in the energy industry. Start with accessible positions, prove your reliability, and use internal advancement opportunities to build a career.

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 regulations, employment information and company policies may change without notice. Always verify current practices directly with Marathon Petroleum.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, TWIC eligibility requirements, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. For specific legal advice about your situation, consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization.

Apply Now: https://www.marathonpetroleum.com/Jobs/