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Felon Friendly Jobs in Nebraska

2026 Updated List

Last Updated: January 2026

Nebraska offers strong second-chance employment opportunities through diverse industries including agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, food processing, and insurance. The state's two major metropolitan areas—Omaha (population 1,001,010 metro) and Lincoln (350,626 metro)—host Fortune 500 headquarters including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, and Mutual of Omaha, along with major distribution hubs, agricultural processing facilities, and comprehensive healthcare systems. The I-80 corridor connecting Omaha to Lincoln creates a logistics superhighway with massive warehouse and distribution employment. Nebraska's $13.50/hour minimum wage (effective January 1, 2025, increasing to $15.00 in 2026) exceeds the federal rate, while most major employers pay $16-22/hour for entry-level positions due to competitive labor markets.


Table of Contents

  1. Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Nebraska

  2. Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Nebraska

  3. Top 20 Nebraska Employers Hiring Felons

  4. Felon-Friendly Jobs by Nebraska City

  5. Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Nebraska

  6. Nebraska Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

  7. Staffing Agencies in Nebraska That Work With Felons

  8. Frequently Asked Questions

  9. Next Steps: Your Nebraska Job Search Action Plan

  10. DISCLAIMER

Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in Nebraska

Nebraska's diverse economy and central location create exceptional opportunities for justice-impacted job seekers across agriculture, manufacturing, healthcare, logistics, insurance, food processing, and technology. The state's economy is anchored by Fortune 500 companies including Berkshire Hathaway, Union Pacific Railroad, Mutual of Omaha, and Kiewit Corporation, along with major employers like Werner Enterprises, CHI Health, Nebraska Medicine, and Bryan Health.


Nebraska's petition-based record relief system allows eligible individuals to seek set-asides for convictions after completing sentences. Under Nebraska Revised Statute § 29-2264, individuals who complete probation or pay fines may petition for set-aside orders that nullify convictions and restore certain civil rights. While Nebraska does not offer true expungement of convictions, dismissed charges can be sealed, and pardoned convictions may also be sealed.


Nebraska's 2014 ban-the-box law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-202) applies only to public employers and state contractors, prohibiting criminal history inquiries on initial applications until minimum qualifications are determined. Private employers in Nebraska are not covered by ban-the-box legislation and may ask about criminal history at any point in the hiring process. However, EEOC guidelines require individualized assessment of criminal history.


Nebraska's geographic position creates distinct employment regions. The Omaha metro (1,001,010 population) offers logistics, manufacturing, healthcare, insurance, finance, and technology employment. Lincoln (350,626 population) hosts state government, university employment, insurance, and manufacturing. The I-80 corridor connecting these metros creates massive warehouse and distribution opportunities. Grand Island anchors central Nebraska with food processing and agriculture.


The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides Nebraska employers up to $2,400 per qualified individual with a felony conviction, creating financial incentives for second-chance employment. The Federal Bonding Program offers free fidelity bonds to employers, reducing hiring risk for individuals with criminal records.


Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in Nebraska

Nebraska's minimum wage stands at $13.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025, with a scheduled increase to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026. This progressive wage structure exceeds the federal minimum and reflects voter-approved increases. Most major employers pay $16-22/hour for entry-level positions due to competitive labor markets.


Warehouse & Distribution

Amazon Fulfillment Centers - Major facilities in Omaha area. Fulfillment associates, sortation, warehouse workers, package handlers. Pay: $17-22/hour. Benefits from day one including healthcare. Individualized background review. amazon.jobs.

Walmart Distribution Centers - Multiple Nebraska facilities. Warehouse associates, order fillers, forklift operators, freight handlers. Pay: $18-24/hour. 7-year criminal history lookback. walmart.com/careers.

Target Distribution Centers - Omaha area facilities. Warehouse associates, material handlers, inventory specialists. Pay: $17-21/hour. Individualized review. target.com/careers.

Werner Enterprises - Omaha headquarters with extensive warehousing. Warehouse workers, dock workers, logistics coordinators. Pay: $16-20/hour. Background checks with case-by-case consideration. werner.com/careers.

Union Pacific Railroad - Omaha headquarters. Warehouse operations, freight handling, materials management. Pay: $18-23/hour. Railroad union benefits. Most non-violent felonies after 5-7 years. up.com/careers.


Retail & Grocery

Walmart - Supercenters and Neighborhood Markets throughout Nebraska. Stockers, cashiers, cart attendants, maintenance, online order fulfillment. Pay: $14-18/hour. Background policies with case-by-case review. walmart.com/careers.

Target - Stores throughout Omaha and Lincoln metros. Store associates, fulfillment specialists, customer service. Pay: $15-19/hour. Non-violent felonies after 5 years typically acceptable. target.com/careers.

Home Depot - Multiple Nebraska locations. Lot associates, freight team, garden associates, customer service. Pay: $15-19/hour. Individualized background review. careers.homedepot.com.

Lowe's - Home improvement stores in major metros. Sales associates, loaders, stock handlers. Pay: $15-19/hour. Similar policies to Home Depot. lowes.com/careers.

Nebraska Furniture Mart - Omaha headquarters (largest furniture store in North America). Sales, warehouse, delivery, customer service. Pay: $14-20/hour. Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary. nfm.com/careers.

Hy-Vee - Grocery chain with extensive Nebraska presence. Stockers, cashiers, bakery, deli, produce, customer service. Pay: $13-17/hour. Employee-owned company. hy-vee.com/careers.


Manufacturing & Production

Valmont Industries - Omaha headquarters. Production technicians, welders, fabricators, quality control. Pay: $17-24/hour. Infrastructure and irrigation manufacturing. valmont.com/careers.

Kawasaki Motors Manufacturing - Lincoln facility. Production workers, assemblers, quality inspectors. Pay: $18-23/hour. Motorcycle and ATV manufacturing. Most non-violent felonies after 5-7 years. kawasaki.com/careers.

Kiewit Corporation - Omaha headquarters (Fortune 500 construction/engineering). Shop workers, equipment operators, laborers. Pay: $18-26/hour. Employee-owned. Individualized background review. kiewit.com/careers.

Goodyear Tire - Nebraska operations. Production workers, machine operators, quality technicians. Pay: $17-22/hour. Union benefits. Background checks standard. goodyear.com/careers.

Food Processing Plants - Hormel Foods, Smithfield Foods locations. Production workers, packaging, sanitation, warehouse. Pay: $15-20/hour. High turnover creates opportunities. Most offenses after 3-5 years. Company websites.


Healthcare Support

Nebraska Medicine - Omaha-based major research hospital. Environmental services, dietary aides, patient transport, materials management, facilities maintenance. Pay: $14-19/hour. Healthcare background checks required. nebraskamed.com/careers.

CHI Health - Omaha headquarters with hospitals statewide. Housekeeping, food service, patient transport, facilities. Pay: $14-19/hour. Non-clinical positions more accessible. chihealth.com/careers.

Bryan Health - Lincoln-based healthcare system. Environmental services, nutrition services, patient transport. Pay: $13-18/hour. Support positions available. bryanhealth.com/careers.

Methodist Health System - Omaha area facilities. Housekeeping, dietary, transport, materials management. Pay: $14-18/hour. Background standards typical for healthcare. bestcare.org/careers.

Nursing Homes & Assisted Living - Numerous facilities statewide. Dietary aides, housekeeping, laundry, maintenance. Pay: $13-17/hour. Often more flexible with background checks. Apply directly to facilities.


Food Service & Hospitality

McDonald's - Franchises throughout Nebraska. Crew members, cooks, cashiers, shift managers. Pay: $12-16/hour crew; $15-20/hour management. Franchisee-dependent policies. mcdonalds.com/careers.

Chipotle - Multiple Nebraska locations. Line cooks, prep cooks, service crew. Pay: $14-18/hour. Known for second-chance hiring. Most non-violent felonies acceptable. chipotle.com/careers.

Panera Bread - Nebraska locations. Line cooks, cashiers, bakers, dishwashers. Pay: $13-17/hour. Second-chance employer. panerabread.com/careers.

Hotels - Marriott, Hilton, Hyatt properties in Omaha and Lincoln. Housekeeping, laundry, breakfast attendants, maintenance. Pay: $12-17/hour. Housekeeping most accessible. Company websites.

Omaha Steaks - Omaha headquarters. Production, packaging, warehouse, customer service. Pay: $14-18/hour. Food processing and mail order. omahasteaks.com/careers.


Transportation & Delivery

Werner Enterprises - Omaha headquarters (major trucking company). CDL training programs, warehouse to driver pathways. Pay: $50,000-$70,000/year CDL drivers. Background review; clean driving record required. werner.com/careers.

Crete Carrier - Lincoln-based trucking company. CDL drivers, terminal operations. Pay: $55,000-$75,000/year drivers. Training programs available. cretecarrier.com/careers.

Amazon Delivery Service Partners - Independent contractors delivering Amazon packages. Delivery drivers, warehouse support. Pay: $17-21/hour. Most traffic violations acceptable after 3 years. amazon.com/dsp.

Food Delivery Services - DoorDash, Uber Eats, Grubhub. Independent contractor delivery. Pay: Varies with tips, $15-25/hour. Background checks; most non-violent acceptable. Company apps.

Union Pacific Railroad - Omaha headquarters. Train crew positions, mechanical roles. Pay: $60,000-$90,000/year. Railroad union. Thorough background checks. up.com/careers.

Top 20 Nebraska Employers Hiring Felons

Nebraska's major employers span logistics, agriculture, healthcare, manufacturing, insurance, and technology. These 20 companies represent the most accessible hiring options for justice-impacted individuals based on hiring volume, documented second-chance policies, and industry standards.


  1. Amazon Facilities: Omaha area fulfillment centers. Pay: $17-22/hour Individualized background review

    Learn More


  2. Walmart Distribution centers and stores statewide. Pay: $14-24/hour 7-year lookback

    Learn More


  3. Werner Enterprises Omaha HQ. Trucking/logistics. Pay: $16-20/hour Warehouse: $50K+/year drivers

    Learn More


  4. Union Pacific Railroad Omaha HQ. Rail operations. Pay: $18-23/hour Entry: $60K-$90K/year train crew

    Learn More


  5. Nebraska Medicine Omaha research hospital. Support roles: $14-19/hour Most non-violent after 7 years

    Learn More


  6. CHI Health- Statewide hospitals. Support positions: $14-19/hour Healthcare background standards

    Learn More


  7. Bryan Health Lincoln healthcare system. Support roles: $13-18/hour. Non-clinical positions accessible

    Learn More


  8. Target Distribution and retail. Pay: $15-21/hour Non-violent felonies after 5 years

    Learn More


  9. Valmont Industries Omaha HQ. Manufacturing. Pay: $17-24/hour Individualized review

    Learn More


  10. Home Depot Statewide locations. Pay: $15-19/hour Case-by-case review

    Learn More


  11. Kiewit Corporation Omaha HQ. Construction/engineering. Pay: $18-26/hour Employee-owned

    Learn More


  12. Lowe's Nebraska stores. Pay: $15-19/hour Similar to Home Depot policies

    Learn More


  13. Chipotle Multiple locations. Pay: $14-18/hour Known second-chance employer

    Learn More


  14. Nebraska Furniture Mart Omaha HQ. Retail/warehouse. Pay: $14-20/hour Berkshire Hathaway subsidiary

    Learn More


  15. Hy-Vee Grocery chain statewide Pay: $13-17/hour Employee-owned

    Learn More


  16. Kawasaki Motors Lincoln manufacturing. Pay: $18-23/hour Most offenses after 5-7 years

    Learn More


  17. Panera Bread Nebraska locations. Pay: $13-17/hour Second-chance policies

    Learn More


  18. Crete Carrier Lincoln trucking company. CDL drivers: $55K-$75K/year Training available

    Learn More


  19. Hormel Foods Nebraska facilities. Food processing: $15-20/hour Most offenses after 3-5 years

    Learn More


  20. Omaha Steaks Omaha HQ. Production/warehouse: $14-18/hour

    Learn More

Felon-Friendly Jobs by Nebraska City

Nebraska's employment concentrates in distinct metros. Each offers unique opportunities based on dominant industries.


🏙️ Omaha – Metro Area (1,001,010 population)


🏛️ Lincoln – State Capital (350,626 population)


🌾 Grand Island


✈️ Bellevue / Offutt AFB Area

  • Offutt Air Force Base - Civilian contractor positions. $15-25/hour. Security clearance may limit some roles. usajobs.gov.

  • PayPal - Operations center. Customer service, operations. $15-20/hour. paypal.com/careers.

  • Bellevue Public Schools - Support services, maintenance, food service. $13-17/hour. bellevuepublicschools.org.

  • Retail & Service - Walmart, Target, restaurants. $12-17/hour. Company websites.

  • Healthcare - CHI Health Midlands. Support roles $13-18/hour. chihealth.com/careers.

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in Nebraska

Nebraska offers middle-class earning potential through skilled trades, CDL trucking, manufacturing, railroad operations, and specialized positions.


CDL Truck Driving - $55,000-$75,000/year. Companies like Werner Enterprises, Crete Carrier, Union Pacific hire after 3-7 years depending on offense. Training 3-6 weeks. Most non-violent felonies acceptable. werner.com/careers, cretecarrier.com/careers.

Union Pacific Railroad Crew - $60,000-$90,000/year. Train conductor and engineer positions. Start in mechanical or yard operations. Union benefits. Thorough background checks; most non-violent after 7-10 years. up.com/careers.

Manufacturing Skilled Trades - Skilled roles at Valmont, Kawasaki, Kiewit. $50,000-$70,000/year. Maintenance technicians, welders, CNC operators, quality engineers. Apprenticeships and internal training. Company websites.

UPS Driver Progression - Start warehouse $17-22/hour. Advance to driver $80,000-$95,000/year. Union benefits. Long wait for driver positions. Most eligible offenses after 7-10 years. upsjobs.com.

Skilled Trades - Electricians, plumbers, HVAC, welders. $45,000-$75,000/year. Apprenticeships through unions or community colleges. Training 3-5 years. Licensing may require background review.

Industrial Equipment Operators - Crane operators, heavy equipment, forklift certification. $40,000-$60,000/year. Certification training 2 weeks to 6 months. Construction and manufacturing sectors need operators.

Aircraft Maintenance - Duncan Aviation positions. $45,000-$65,000/year. A&P license required. Training programs available. FAA background requirements. duncanaviation.aero/careers.

Manufacturing Supervisory - Production supervisors, quality managers at major plants. $45,000-$65,000/year. Advance from production floor 2-4 years. Demonstrated reliability essential.

Healthcare - LPN - $43,000-$52,000/year. Programs at Southeast Community College, Metro Community College. 12-18 months training. Background checks required but accessible after 7+ years.

Wind Turbine Technician - $45,000-$60,000/year. Nebraska's wind energy sector growing. Training programs at community colleges. Climbing and mechanical skills. Most non-violent felonies acceptable.


Nebraska Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

Nebraska provides workforce development, legal assistance, and employer connections through state and nonprofit programs.


Nebraska Workforce Development Centers

💡 Visit in person whenever possible — walk-ins get same-day support. Nebraska operates 15+ American Job Centers statewide providing free employment services including job search assistance, resume writing, skills assessments, training referrals, and employer connections. Services available to all Nebraskans including justice-impacted individuals.

• Website: neworks.nebraska.gov

• Phone: 402-471-2600 (main state line)

• Locations: Omaha, Lincoln, Grand Island, Bellevue, Norfolk, Scottsbluff, and other cities

• Services: Job search, resume assistance, interview prep, skills training, employer connections


Record Relief & Legal Aid

Nebraska's set-aside system allows eligible individuals to petition for relief after completing sentences. While Nebraska does not offer automatic expungement of convictions, set-asides nullify convictions and restore civil rights.


Visit the Nebraska Judiciary website (https://supremecourt.nebraska.gov) for official set-aside forms and information on criminal record rehabilitation.


Set-Asides (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-2264):• Eligibility: Completed probation or paid fines• Effect: Nullifies conviction, restores civil rights• Process: Petition sentencing court• Timeline: Can petition immediately after completing sentence• Note: Conviction remains on record but shows set-aside order


Record Sealing (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 29-3523):• Dismissed charges - can be sealed• Acquittals - can be sealed• Pardoned convictions - can be sealed after pardon• Juvenile records - automatically sealed at age 17 (for offenses after July 15, 2010)


Pardons:• Misdemeanors: 3 years after sentence completion• Felonies: 10 years after sentence completion• Board of Pardons reviews applications• Restores additional rights including firearms (may be limited by federal law)• Once pardoned, record eligible for sealing



Legal Aid & Record Relief Assistance:

  • Legal Aid of Nebraska - Free civil legal services including record relief. legalaidofnebraska.org, 402-348-1069

  • Nebraska State Bar Association - Lawyer referrals. nebar.com, 402-475-7091

  • Nebraska Judicial Branch - Self-help resources and forms. supremecourt.nebraska.gov

  • Community colleges - Paralegal programs offer low-cost legal clinics


Additional Resources

  • WOTC Tax Credit - Up to $2,400 per qualified individual with felony conviction. Administered through Workforce Development Centers. dol.gov/wotc.

  • Federal Bonding Program - Free fidelity bonds for employers. Reduces hiring risk. bonds4jobs.com.

  • Nebraska Department of Correctional Services - Pre-release employment prep, reentry programs. corrections.nebraska.gov.

  • Community Colleges - Affordable workforce training. Southeast Community College, Metropolitan Community College, Northeast Community College, Central Community College, Western Nebraska Community College. Financial aid available.

  • One-Stop Career Centers - Co-located services including unemployment, training, job search. Find locations at neworks.nebraska.gov.

Staffing Agencies in Nebraska That Work With Felons

Staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm conversions. Many specialize in placing justice-impacted individuals.


1. PeopleReadyStatewide locations. Daily labor, construction, warehouse. $12-20/hour. Daily pay available. peopleready.com.

2. ManpowerOmaha, Lincoln, Grand Island. Industrial, warehouse, clerical. $13-22/hour. manpower.com.

3. Express Employment ProfessionalsOmaha, Lincoln, Grand Island. Industrial, trades, office. $12-24/hour. expresspros.com.

4. Kelly ServicesMultiple Nebraska locations. Industrial, office, technical. $13-23/hour. kellyservices.com.

5. AerotekOmaha, Lincoln. Skilled trades, industrial, technical. $15-26/hour. aerotek.com.

6. AdeccoStatewide presence. Administrative, industrial, light industrial. $13-21/hour. adeccousa.com.

7. Labor Ready/TrueBlueMultiple locations. Daily assignments, construction, warehouse. $12-19/hour. trueblue.com.

8. RandstadOmaha, Lincoln. Industrial, logistics, manufacturing. $14-24/hour. randstadusa.com.

9. SpherionNebraska offices. Professional, administrative, light industrial. $14-23/hour. spherion.com.

10. Specialized StaffingOmaha area. Healthcare, administrative, industrial. $13-22/hour. specializedstaffingsolutions.com.


Frequently Asked Questions


Q1: Does Nebraska have a ban-the-box law?

A: Yes, but only for public employers and state contractors. Nebraska's 2014 ban-the-box law (Neb. Rev. Stat. § 48-202) prohibits state agencies and contractors from asking about criminal history on initial applications until minimum qualifications are determined. However, this law does NOT apply to private employers. Private companies in Nebraska can ask about criminal history at any point in their hiring process. The EEOC requires individualized assessment of criminal records.


Q2: What is Nebraska's minimum wage in 2025?

A: Nebraska's minimum wage is $13.50 per hour as of January 1, 2025, with a scheduled increase to $15.00 per hour on January 1, 2026. This voter-approved increase exceeds federal minimum wage. Most major employers pay $16-22/hour for entry-level positions due to competitive labor markets. Tipped employees receive $2.13 per hour base wage plus tips that must total at least minimum wage.


Q3: Can I get a job with a felony in Nebraska?

A: Yes. Nebraska employers across industries hire individuals with felonies. Amazon, Walmart, Werner Enterprises, Union Pacific, Nebraska Medicine, CHI Health, Valmont Industries, and Kiewit Corporation conduct individualized background reviews. Manufacturing, logistics, warehousing, food processing, healthcare support, and construction sectors actively hire justice-impacted individuals. Your success depends on offense type, time since completion, demonstrated rehabilitation, and job relatedness.


Q4: How far back do background checks go in Nebraska?

A: Nebraska follows the federal FCRA seven-year rule for third-party screening companies. Most convictions older than seven years don't appear on standard background checks for positions paying under $75,000/year. Employers can look back further for positions paying $75,000+/year. Public employers and positions requiring security clearances may access complete criminal histories. Nebraska's set-aside system can improve how your record appears to employers.


Q5: Can I get my record expunged in Nebraska?

A: Nebraska does not offer true expungement of convictions. However, you have three options: (1) Set-aside - Petition the sentencing court after completing probation or paying fines. Set-asides nullify convictions and restore civil rights. The conviction remains visible but shows the set-aside order. (2) Record sealing - Available for dismissed charges, acquittals, and pardoned convictions. (3) Pardons - Available 3 years after completing misdemeanor sentences or 10 years after felony sentences. Pardoned convictions can be sealed. Visit supremecourt.nebraska.gov for forms and information.


Q6: What jobs can I get with a felony in Nebraska?

A: Best opportunities include: (1) Warehouse/distribution (Amazon, Walmart, Target, Werner) - $16-22/hour. (2) Manufacturing (Valmont, Kawasaki, Kiewit, food processing) - $17-24/hour. (3) Healthcare support (environmental services, dietary, patient transport) - $13-19/hour. (4) Retail/grocery (Nebraska Furniture Mart, Hy-Vee, major chains) - $13-18/hour. (5) Food service (restaurants, Omaha Steaks) - $12-18/hour. (6) Transportation/CDL driving (Werner, Crete Carrier, Union Pacific) - $55K-$90K/year with experience. (7) Skilled trades through apprenticeships - $45K-$75K/year.


Q7: Should I disclose my criminal record on job applications?

A: Answer honestly based on what's asked. If the application asks 'Have you been convicted?' answer truthfully. Lying constitutes grounds for termination. If it asks about 'last seven years' and yours is older, you may answer 'no' for private employers. For public sector jobs, ban-the-box protections delay the question. If you have a set-aside, explain that the conviction was nullified by court order. Prepare a brief, honest explanation focusing on rehabilitation: 'I made a mistake [X] years ago, completed my sentence, and have maintained steady employment/training since then. I'm focused on building a stable career.'


Q8: What are the best entry-level jobs for felons in Nebraska?

A: Best opportunities: (1) Amazon fulfillment - $17-22/hour, same-day offers possible, healthcare from day one, individualized review. (2) Werner Enterprises warehouse - $16-20/hour, local Omaha employer, pathway to CDL driving. (3) Walmart distribution - $18-24/hour, union wages, consistent schedules. (4) Nebraska Furniture Mart - $14-20/hour, Berkshire Hathaway benefits, local employer. (5) Food processing (Hormel, JBS) - $15-19/hour, high turnover means frequent openings. (6) Staffing agencies (Manpower, PeopleReady) - $12-22/hour, immediate placement, temp-to-perm opportunities.


Q9: Are there programs to help felons get jobs in Nebraska?

A: Yes: (1) Nebraska Workforce Development Centers - 15+ locations statewide providing free employment services, training funding. neworks.nebraska.gov, 402-471-2600. (2) Work Opportunity Tax Credit - $2,400 for employers hiring qualified individuals. (3) Federal Bonding Program - Free fidelity bonds reduce employer risk. (4) Legal Aid of Nebraska - Free record relief assistance. legalaidofnebraska.org, 402-348-1069. (5) Community college workforce training programs with financial aid. (6) Nebraska Department of Correctional Services reentry programs.


Q10: What should I put on my resume if I have a felony?

A: Focus on skills and qualifications using a functional or combination format. Include training, education, certifications (including from incarceration). List substantial work experience including relevant work from incarceration if applicable. Use a strong professional summary highlighting skills and reliability. Address employment gaps with brief, honest explanations: 'Personal challenges' or 'Addressed legal matters.' Don't mention felony on resume unless required. Save discussion for interview where you can explain face-to-face. If you have a set-aside, mention 'conviction set aside by court order' in interview.

Next Steps: Your Nebraska Job Search Action Plan

These steps are designed to take you from record review to your first 90 days on the job. Successfully navigating Nebraska's job market with a criminal record requires strategic action and persistence.


Step 1: Verify Your Record and Set-Aside Eligibility (Days 1-7)

Obtain your Nebraska criminal history from Nebraska State Patrol (nsp.nebraska.gov, $15 fee) to know what appears on background checks. Check if your offenses qualify for set-aside (completed probation or paid fines). If convictions are 7+ years old and you're applying for positions under $75,000/year, they may not appear on standard background checks (FCRA 7-year rule). Consider petitioning for set-aside even if old - the court order demonstrates rehabilitation.


Step 2: Register with Nebraska Workforce Centers and Staffing Agencies (Days 7-14)

Visit nearest Nebraska American Job Center in person (neworks.nebraska.gov, 402-471-2600). Register for services, meet with counselors, ask about employers hiring justice-impacted individuals. Simultaneously register with staffing agencies: PeopleReady (daily pay), Manpower, Express Employment, Aerotek. These agencies can place you within days and many assignments convert to permanent positions.


Step 3: Build Resume and Application Strategy (Days 14-21)

Create skills-focused resume emphasizing capabilities over chronological gaps. Include training, certifications, substantial work experience including from incarceration. Professional summary highlights reliability and skills. Prepare your 30-second explanation: 'I made a mistake [X] years ago, completed my obligations, and have focused on [employment/training/family] since. I'm looking for a stable position where I can contribute long-term.' Practice with a friend or counselor until natural and confident.


Step 4: Apply Strategically and Persistently (Weeks 3-8)

Apply to 10-15 positions weekly focusing on known felon-friendly employers. Prioritize: Amazon fulfillment, Walmart distribution, Werner Enterprises warehouse, food processing (Hormel, JBS), Nebraska Furniture Mart, staffing agencies. Apply online but follow up in person when possible. For warehouse/manufacturing, visit facilities directly 9-11am (before lunch rush) asking if applications accepted. Dress professionally, bring resume, be respectful. Persistence matters - many get jobs on 20th+ application.


Step 5: Succeed, Stabilize, and Advance (Months 2-12)

Once employed, prioritize reliability: perfect attendance first 90 days, positive attitude, exceed expectations. Avoid probation violations. Build relationships with supervisors and coworkers. After 3-6 months strong performance, ask about advancement opportunities. Many warehouse workers advance to lead, trainer, or CDL positions. Manufacturing temp workers often convert to permanent with benefits. Document achievements for internal promotions.

DISCLAIMER

This guide provides general information about employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals in Nebraska and should not be considered legal advice. Employment eligibility varies based on individual circumstances, offense type, time since completion, industry regulations, and employer policies. Background check policies, hiring practices, and legal requirements change frequently. Always verify current information with employers, legal professionals, or official state agencies. Inclusion of any employer does not guarantee hiring. For legal questions about your specific situation, consult an attorney licensed in Nebraska. For official information about Nebraska's record relief system, visit supremecourt.nebraska.gov. While we strive for accuracy, we make no warranties about completeness or reliability. Use this information at your own discretion.

© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER

This guide provides general information about employment opportunities in Alabama. While we strive for accuracy, hiring policies change frequently. Always verify current hiring practices directly with employers. Individual results vary based on offense type, time since conviction, and specific job requirements. This is not legal advice. Consult an attorney for guidance on your specific situation.

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