Quick Answer

Yes, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and its sister company OBI Seafoods are considered highly accessible second-chance employers, particularly for seasonal Seafood Processor roles in remote Alaskan canneries. As one of the largest seafood companies in North America with approximately 3,000 employees across operations in Alaska and Washington state, the companies require applicants to pass a criminal background check and mandatory pre-employment drug screening.

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 theft and property crimes (valuable seafood inventory and cash handling), violence and assault (close-quarters communal living in remote locations), and drug-related offenses (zero-tolerance drug policy with mandatory testing). The most critical disqualifier is often the inability to pass the drug screening.

The intense demand for seasonal labor in isolated Alaska locations and the physically demanding nature of the work creates strong accessibility for individuals with criminal records. Best entry points include Seafood Processor, Packer, and Sanitation positions at Alaskan facilities, or year-round processing roles at Washington state locations in Monroe and Renton.

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.

  
  

• Job-Related Assessment: Must be prepared for the company to evaluate whether your felony is related to the job duties using the Green Factors (nature of crime, time elapsed, nature of job).

  
  

• Physical Requirements: Must be able to stand for entire shifts (up to 16 hours during peak season), lift 50 pounds repeatedly, and work in cold, wet environments. Processing areas require stamina and physical endurance.

  
  

• Drug Screen: Must pass a mandatory pre-employment drug test. Ocean Beauty and OBI Seafoods maintain zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies, especially critical in remote Alaskan facilities.

  
  

• 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. E-Verify is used for all applicants.

  
  

• Seasonal Commitment: For Alaska positions, must be willing to work and live in confined quarters in a multi-cultural environment for the entire seasonal contract (typically 2-4 months).

Critical Regulatory Information

Understanding the legal landscape for criminal records in employment is essential for second chance applicants. Ocean Beauty Seafoods operates primarily in Washington state while sister company OBI Seafoods operates facilities across Alaska. Washington has strong Fair Chance protections for private employers, while Alaska relies primarily on federal EEOC guidelines.

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, Ocean Beauty/OBI Seafoods 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

Washington State has strong Fair Chance protections under the Washington Fair Chance Act (RCW 49.94). Employers cannot ask about criminal history until determining the applicant is otherwise qualified. Starting July 1, 2026, employers with 15+ employees must wait until after a conditional offer to conduct background checks. Seattle has additional protections requiring legitimate business reason for denials. Alaska does not have Ban the Box legislation for private employers, but employers must still comply with federal EEOC guidelines requiring individualized assessment and cannot maintain blanket exclusion policies.

Seafood Industry-Specific Considerations

The seafood processing industry involves unique working conditions that create both opportunities and considerations for applicants with records. Remote Alaskan facilities require employees to live in company-provided housing in close quarters with coworkers, making violence-related convictions particularly scrutinized. The industry is regulated by HACCP food safety requirements and FDA seafood processing standards, requiring attention to sanitation and food handling protocols. The high seasonal labor demand and challenging conditions create strong accessibility for individuals willing to work hard and commit to the full season.

Company Overview

Ocean Beauty Seafoods is one of the largest and most established seafood companies in North America, founded in 1910 as the Washington Fish & Oyster Company in Seattle. After over a century of growth, the company operates seven distribution locations across the Western United States and two smoking and processing plants in Washington state (Monroe and Renton). The company employs approximately 3,000 workers with annual revenue estimated at $750-810 million.

In June 2020, Ocean Beauty Seafoods merged with Icicle Seafoods to form OBI Seafoods, creating one of the largest Alaska seafood processors with over 100 years of combined processing history. OBI Seafoods operates 10 shoreside processing facilities across Alaska: Petersburg, Excursion Inlet, Cordova, Seward, Kodiak, Larsen Bay, Alitak, Egegik, Wood River (Dillingham), and Naknek. The company is partially owned by Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation (BBEDC), a non-profit promoting fishery-related economic development for Alaskan communities. In March 2025, Silver Bay Seafoods announced acquisition of OBI Seafoods' operations.

Company Fast Facts

• Founded: 1910 (Seattle, Washington)

• Headquarters: 1100 W Ewing Street, Seattle, WA 98119

• Employees: Approximately 3,000 (seasonal peaks higher)

• Industry: Seafood Processing and Distribution

• Operations: 7 distribution centers (Western US), 2 WA processing plants, 10 Alaska facilities via OBI Seafoods

• Ownership: Private; Bristol Bay Economic Development Corporation (BBEDC) majority stakeholder

• Brands: Echo Falls (smoked seafood), Icy Point, Ocean Beauty

• Revenue: $750-810 million annually

Hiring Policy Analysis

Ocean Beauty Seafoods and OBI Seafoods focus hiring on obtaining a large, reliable workforce for peak processing seasons, primarily in remote Alaska locations. This high demand for seasonal labor is what drives their willingness to offer second-chance employment opportunities. The company conducts criminal background checks and drug screenings for all positions but evaluates convictions on a case-by-case basis consistent with EEOC guidelines. As an equal opportunity employer, the company provides for recruitment and hiring of diverse individuals including veterans, disabled persons, and members of all ethnic minority groups.

Position-Specific Barriers

Barrier levels are determined by the nature of the position, access to valuable inventory, interaction with cash and financial systems, supervisory responsibilities, and the isolated communal living environment at Alaskan facilities.

Available Positions and Pay

Pay data compiled from Glassdoor, Indeed, PayScale, and company job postings. Alaska positions typically include free room, board, and transportation, significantly increasing total compensation value. Extensive overtime is frequently available during peak seasons.

Career Path Examples

Ocean Beauty and OBI Seafoods emphasize internal development and advancement. Many supervisory and management positions are filled through internal promotion. Proving yourself in an entry-level processor role during the first season can lead to year-round or higher-skilled roles in subsequent seasons.

Processing Track: Seafood Processor ($17-20/hr) → Lead Processor ($20-24/hr) → Line Supervisor ($22-28/hr) → Production Manager ($50K-70K/yr). Advancement requires consistent performance, attendance, and willingness to take on additional responsibilities.

Quality Control Track: Packer ($16-19/hr) → QC Technician ($19-25/hr) → QC Supervisor ($25-30/hr) → Quality Manager ($55K-75K/yr). HACCP certification and food safety knowledge are essential for advancement.

Skilled Trades Track: General Labor ($17-20/hr) → Maintenance Assistant ($20-26/hr) → Maintenance Mechanic ($27-36/hr) → Chief Engineer ($60K-90K/yr). Technical certifications and licenses increase opportunities.

Background Check Process

Understanding Ocean Beauty/OBI Seafoods' background check process helps you prepare mentally and practically for what to expect. The company conducts background checks after extending conditional offers of employment, giving applicants the opportunity to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is reviewed.

What They Check: Criminal history (felonies and misdemeanors) at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification through SSN trace and address history; E-Verify for work authorization; employment verification; drug screening (mandatory for all positions).

Lookback Period: Washington state limits most criminal lookbacks to 7 years for non-conviction records. Alaska has no statutory limit but individualized assessment applies. Serious violent felonies may be considered beyond standard lookback periods.

Timeline: The interview process averages 1-2 days based on employee reports. For seasonal Alaska positions, recruiters often conduct phone interviews followed by rapid hiring decisions. Background checks typically complete within 1-2 weeks.

Process Flow: Application submitted → Phone screening → Interview conducted → Conditional offer extended → Background check and drug test authorization signed → Background check conducted → Results reviewed using individualized assessment → Final hiring decision made → Pre-adverse or adverse action notice if applicable → Start date confirmed → Orientation/training.

Disqualifying Factors

High Risk for Disqualification: Violent felonies (assault, battery, weapons offenses) are heavily scrutinized due to communal living environments. Theft, burglary, and property crimes create concern for valuable inventory access. Drug-related felonies combined with failed drug screening. Sexual offenses. Recent convictions within 1-2 years.

Lower Risk (Case-by-Case): Non-violent drug possession (especially if drug-free and can pass screening), DUI/traffic offenses (unless driving required), older convictions (5+ years ago), offenses unrelated to job duties. All subject to individualized assessment considering rehabilitation evidence.

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. Reasonable time to respond.

  
  

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

  
  

• Washington Fair Chance Act: For Washington positions, employers cannot inquire about criminal history until determining you are otherwise qualified for the position.

  
  

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

Application Strategy

1. Target Seasonal Processor Roles: Focus on Seafood Processor, Packer, or Sanitation positions for Alaska summer season. These have the highest labor demand, minimal prior experience requirements, and the greatest accessibility for applicants with records.

   
   

2. Apply Through Official Channels: Submit applications through oceanbeauty.com/careers for Washington positions or obiseafoods.com for Alaska seasonal work. The companies post positions on Indeed, LinkedIn, and Glassdoor. Attend OBI Seafoods recruiting events in various cities.

   
   

3. Ensure Drug-Free Status: This is non-negotiable. Pass the pre-employment screening and be ready to adhere to the zero-tolerance policy. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying.

   
   

4. Be Completely Honest: Never lie about your criminal history. Dishonesty is an automatic disqualifier and can result in termination if discovered later. Wait until asked to discuss your record.

   
   

5. 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 and commitment to hard work. Keep it concise (30-60 seconds).

   
   

6. Emphasize Physical Endurance: In your application/interview, highlight your physical strength, ability to work long hours (up to 16 hours daily, 7 days/week during peak season), and commitment to finishing the entire seasonal contract.

   
   

7. Document Rehabilitation: Gather evidence of positive changes since your conviction: completion of treatment programs, educational certificates, stable housing, employment history, and references from employers or community members.

   
   

8. Follow Up Professionally: After applying, follow up if you don't hear back within 1-2 weeks. If you receive a pre-adverse action notice, respond promptly with rehabilitation documentation.

Tips for Applicants with Records

1. Seafood Processing Has Constant Hiring Needs: The Alaska seafood industry provides jobs for more than 20,000 people annually. High physical demands and seasonal nature create consistent turnover. Don't be discouraged by individual rejections—keep applying to multiple facilities.

   
   

2. Understand the Remote Environment: Expressing understanding and acceptance of the isolated, close-quarters living environment shows maturity and reliability. Bring extra money, personal items, and snacks—items in Alaska are expensive.

   
   

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. Highlight Food Safety Knowledge: If you have any experience in food handling, sanitation, or safety protocols, emphasize it. HACCP compliance is a priority for the canneries. Consider obtaining ServSafe certification.

   
   

5. Pass the Drug Test: Zero tolerance is strictly enforced in remote facilities. If you have substance issues, address them completely before applying. Testing is typically urine screening.

   
   

6. Start Entry-Level, Advance Within: Proving yourself in an entry-level processor role during the first season can lead to year-round employment or higher-skilled positions (QC, maintenance, supervisory) in subsequent seasons.

   
   

7. Consider Washington Year-Round Positions: Echo Falls facilities in Monroe and Renton offer year-round processing positions without the isolation of Alaska. Washington's Fair Chance Act provides additional legal protections.

   
   

8. Be Flexible on Scheduling: Willingness to work extended hours, weekends, and holidays increases your chances significantly. Peak salmon season requires all-hands-on-deck commitment.

Benefits Overview

Ocean Beauty Seafoods offers competitive benefits for year-round employees, while Alaska seasonal workers receive comprehensive support through free housing, meals, and transportation that significantly increase total compensation value.

Compensation: Starting wages range from $16-20/hr for entry-level processing to $27-36/hr for skilled trades. Alaska positions include extensive overtime (time and a half for hours over 8/day or 40/week). Washington positions offer $500 hiring bonus after 60 days plus additional $500 after 90 days.

Alaska Benefits Package: Free employee-shared housing and utilities; meals provided; transportation to and from plant (typically from Seattle or Anchorage); protective gear and uniforms provided. These benefits add substantial value to compensation.

Washington Year-Round Benefits: Medical, dental, vision, life, and AD&D insurance; 401(k) with company contributions; PTO; paid holidays; wellness program; free parking; education reimbursement; seafood discounts.

Additional Perks: Employee referral bonuses ($500 for successful referrals after 90 days); opportunity to buy seafood at great prices; career advancement opportunities.

Employee Perspectives

Pros: Good pay with overtime opportunities; culturally diverse work environment; great adventure experience in Alaska; opportunity for growth and advancement; quality seafood discounts; 63% would recommend to a friend.

Cons: Long hours during peak season (up to 16 hours/day); physically demanding work; work varies based on fish availability; some report inconsistent management; challenging work-life balance during season.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Does Ocean Beauty Seafoods hire people with felonies?

   Yes, Ocean Beauty Seafoods and sister company OBI Seafoods are considered highly accessible second-chance employers, particularly for seasonal processor roles in Alaska. The high demand for labor in remote, physically demanding conditions drives strong willingness to consider applicants with criminal records. Best opportunities are in entry-level processing, packing, and sanitation positions. Convictions for violence, theft, and drug offenses face higher scrutiny, but individualized assessments are conducted consistent with EEOC guidelines.

   
   

2. What is the background check process at Ocean Beauty Seafoods?

   Background checks are conducted after conditional offers of employment. The process includes criminal history checks at county, state, and federal levels; identity verification; E-Verify for work authorization; and mandatory drug screening. Results are reviewed using individualized assessment. If adverse action is considered, applicants receive pre-adverse action notice with opportunity to respond before final decisions.

   
   

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

   Washington state limits reporting of most criminal records to 7 years. Alaska has no statutory lookback limit, but employers must conduct individualized assessments regardless of offense age. Serious violent felonies and sex offenses may be considered beyond standard lookback periods. Employment verification typically extends 7-10 years.

   
   

4. What types of convictions make hiring more difficult at Ocean Beauty Seafoods?

   Violent felonies (assault, battery, weapons offenses) face highest scrutiny due to communal living environments in Alaska. Theft, burglary, and property crimes create concern for inventory access. Drug-related offenses combined with failed drug screening are disqualifying. Sexual offenses face significant barriers. Recent convictions within 1-2 years receive more scrutiny than older offenses.

   
   

5. What are the best entry-level roles at Ocean Beauty Seafoods for applicants with a record?

   Seafood Processor positions ($17-20/hr) offer the highest volume hiring with lowest barriers. Packer roles ($16-19/hr) involve picking, packing, and sorting orders. Night Sanitation positions ($16-19/hr) are critical food safety roles with shift differentials. All entry-level positions have high turnover and consistent demand, creating the best opportunities for second-chance hiring.

   
   

6. Does Ocean Beauty Seafoods drug test, and what kind of test do they use?

   Yes, mandatory pre-employment drug screening is required for all positions. Testing is typically urine-based screening. The company maintains zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policies, which are strictly enforced especially at remote Alaska facilities. Failure to pass the drug test is a common disqualifier for otherwise qualified applicants.

   
   

7. When during the hiring process will Ocean Beauty Seafoods ask about criminal history?

   For Washington positions, criminal history inquiries occur after determining the applicant is otherwise qualified per the Washington Fair Chance Act. Background checks are conducted after conditional offers. Alaska positions follow EEOC guidelines with background checks typically after verbal or conditional offers. Initial applications generally do not ask about criminal history.

8. Can someone advance to management at Ocean Beauty Seafoods if they have a felony?

   Yes, advancement is possible. The company emphasizes internal development and many supervisory positions are filled through promotion. Proving yourself in entry-level roles demonstrates reliability and work ethic. Advancement to management faces increased scrutiny and more thorough background review, but individuals with older, non-violent convictions who have demonstrated rehabilitation have pathways to supervisory roles.

   
   

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

   The interview process is typically fast, averaging 1-2 days. For seasonal Alaska positions, phone interviews and hiring decisions can be completed within days. Background checks typically take 1-2 weeks after authorization. Overall process from application to start date averages 2-4 weeks for seasonal positions, potentially longer for year-round Washington positions.

   
   

10. What can applicants do to improve their chances of getting hired at Ocean Beauty Seafoods?

    Key strategies include:

    (1) Ensure complete drug-free status and pass screening;

    (2) Target entry-level processor, packer, or sanitation roles with highest demand; (3) Demonstrate willingness to work long hours and complete full seasonal contract;

    (4) Prepare honest, concise explanation of record focused on rehabilitation;

    (5) Highlight any food handling or sanitation experience;

    (6) Apply to multiple facilities to maximize opportunities;

    (7) Be flexible on scheduling and shift assignments;

    (8) Gather rehabilitation documentation and references.

Alternative Second Chance Employers

If Ocean Beauty/OBI Seafoods doesn't work out, consider these employers known for fair chance hiring practices in seafood processing and related industries:

Conclusion

Ocean Beauty Seafoods and OBI Seafoods offer strong opportunities for individuals with criminal records, particularly in seasonal Alaska processing positions. As one of the largest seafood operations in North America with intense labor demands, the companies provide realistic pathways to stable employment for those willing to work hard in challenging conditions. The remote, physically demanding nature of the work creates accessibility that may not exist in other industries.

The work is demanding—standing for up to 16 hours in cold, wet conditions, living in shared housing away from family for months at a time. However, the compensation is solid when factoring in overtime, free room and board, and provided transportation. Alaska seasonal workers can earn $15,000-25,000+ over a 3-4 month season with minimal expenses. Washington year-round positions offer stable employment with comprehensive benefits including medical, dental, 401(k), and hiring bonuses.

Key Success Factors: Pass the drug screening (most common disqualifier); demonstrate commitment to completing the full season; emphasize physical endurance and reliability; be honest about your record while focusing on rehabilitation; target entry-level processor, packer, or sanitation positions with highest demand.

Biggest Barriers: Failed drug screening; violent felonies in context of communal living; theft/property crimes with inventory access; recent convictions within 1-2 years; inability to commit to full seasonal contract.

For individuals seeking a fresh start, Alaska seafood processing offers a unique combination of high demand, accessible hiring, and the opportunity to prove yourself through hard work. Many successful careers have started with a single season on the processing line. Your past does not have to define your future.

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), and salary databases (PayScale, ZipRecruiter), employment information and company policies may change without notice. Note that OBI Seafoods was acquired by Silver Bay Seafoods in March 2025, which may affect future hiring practices. Always verify current practices directly with the company.

Inclusion in this guide does not guarantee employment. Background check laws, expungement procedures, and fair chance hiring requirements vary by state and should be confirmed with legal professionals. Washington's Fair Chance Act provides specific protections that may differ from Alaska practices. Consult with an employment attorney or legal aid organization for specific legal advice about your situation.

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