Felon Friendly Jobs in North Dakota

North Dakota offers solid second-chance opportunities with a statewide ban-the-box law covering both public AND private employers with 4+ employees, record sealing available after 3-5 years, and a job market driven by energy, agriculture, and healthcare industries. The state's low unemployment rate creates strong hiring demand, though the $7.25 minimum wage (federal minimum) means entry-level jobs typically start at $10-16/hour with market pressures pushing wages higher. Major cities like Fargo (pop. 133,000, metro 250,000+), Bismarck (pop. 75,000), Grand Forks (pop. 58,000), and Minot (pop. 49,000) offer the most opportunities, while oil industry growth in the Williston area provides high-paying but demanding work at $18-28/hour entry-level with overtime pushing earnings to $50,000-70,000+. Comprehensive ban-the-box protections and tight labor market make North Dakota favorable for justice-impacted individuals ready to rebuild careers.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in North Dakota

2. Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in North Dakota

3. Top 20 North Dakota Employers Hiring Felons

4. Felon-Friendly Jobs by North Dakota City

5. Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in North Dakota

6. North Dakota Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

7. Additional North Dakota Resources

8. Staffing Agencies in North Dakota That Work With Felons

9. Frequently Asked Questions

10. Next Steps: Your North Dakota Job Search Action Plan

11. DISCLAIMER

Introduction: Second-Chance Employment in North Dakota

Economic Overview

North Dakota's economy is shaped by energy production (Bakken oil fields), agriculture (wheat, soybeans, cattle), and healthcare, creating diverse employment opportunities for justice-impacted individuals. With major population centers including Fargo (133,000, metro 250,000+), Bismarck (75,000), Grand Forks (58,000), Minot (49,000), and the booming oil region around Williston (30,000), the state provides accessible employment pathways from retail and healthcare to high-wage energy sector positions.

The state's tight labor market and pro-business environment result in strong hiring demand across industries, with unemployment consistently below national average. North Dakota's energy boom in the Williston Basin, agricultural heritage, and growing healthcare infrastructure create opportunities ranging from $10-16/hour entry-level positions to $50,000-75,000+/year careers in trucking and skilled trades.

Record Clearing System

North Dakota allows sealing of most misdemeanors and felonies (NDCC Chapter 12-60.1) after 3-5 years, though sealed records remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing boards. True expungement is limited to marijuana possession (under 1 ounce), juvenile offenses, and human trafficking victim cases. Offenses involving weapons, intimidation, crimes against children, and sex crimes cannot be sealed. To petition for record sealing, individuals must complete all sentence terms, pay fines and restitution, maintain clean record during waiting period (3 years for misdemeanors, 5 years for felonies), and demonstrate rehabilitation.

Process involves filing petition with district court, prosecutor review, hearing (optional), and judge decision. Cost varies by county (typically $100-300 in filing fees). Timeline: 3-6 months typically. Sealed records won't appear on most employment background checks but remain accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing bodies.

Ban-the-Box and Background Check Laws

North Dakota enacted a comprehensive ban-the-box law in 2019 (NDCC § 12.1-33-05.1) that applies to BOTH public and private employers with four or more employees, prohibiting criminal history questions on initial job applications. This makes North Dakota one of the stronger states for second-chance employment protections. Employers can only inquire about criminal records after selecting candidates for interviews or extending conditional offers. This means justice-impacted individuals get a fair chance to demonstrate qualifications before criminal history is considered.

North Dakota follows federal FCRA rules—non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, while criminal convictions can be reported indefinitely. This makes record sealing especially valuable for employment purposes. The federal Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC) provides North Dakota employers up to $2,400 per qualified hire with felony convictions.

Entry-Level Jobs for Felons in North Dakota

North Dakota minimum wage: $7.25/hour (federal minimum), but market pressures and labor shortages mean most entry-level positions start at $10-16/hour.

Healthcare & Support Services

Trinity Health (Multiple Locations) - One of North Dakota's largest healthcare employers with locations in Minot and across the state.

Environmental services (housekeeping), food service, materials management, patient transport.

Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case review after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses.

Sanford Health (Fargo, Bismarck) - Major regional health system with extensive North Dakota presence.

Environmental services, food service, laundry worker positions.

Pay: $12-16/hour. Reviews records case-by-case, time since conviction matters.

Altru Health System (Grand Forks) - Regional medical center serving northeastern North Dakota.

Housekeeping, dietary aide, patient transport positions.

Pay: $12-16/hour. Individualized review, no violent/sexual offenses in healthcare.

CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck) - Major Bismarck-area healthcare provider.

Support services, environmental services, dietary, patient transport.

Pay: $12-16/hour. Case-by-case for support positions.

Warehouse & Logistics

Amazon (Fargo) - Fulfillment center serving regional distribution.

Warehouse associates, sorters, packers, material handlers.

Pay: $15-18/hour. 7-year lookback, case-by-case evaluation.

FedEx Ground (Fargo, Bismarck) - Package handling and distribution.

Package handlers, sorters, loaders, warehouse workers.

Pay: $14-17/hour. Individual assessment.

UPS (Bismarck, Fargo, Minot) - Union logistics positions with Teamsters.

Package handlers, warehouse workers, loaders.

Pay: $15-21/hour with excellent benefits. Path to driver positions.

Retail & Grocery

Walmart (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston) - 13+ locations across North Dakota, Fair Chance Pledge member.

Stocker, cashier, cart attendant, maintenance positions.

Pay: $12-15/hour. Reviews records after 7 years, considers offense type.

Cash Wise Foods (Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck) - Regional grocery chain with strong North Dakota presence.

Grocery stocker, deli worker, cashier, bagger positions.

Pay: $11-14/hour. Local ownership, case-by-case hiring.

Target (Fargo, Bismarck) - Retail chain with Fair Chance policies.

Store associates, warehouse, fulfillment, overnight stocking.

Pay: $13-16/hour. Fair-chance employer.

Hugo's Family Marketplace (Grand Forks, Fargo) - North Dakota grocery chain.

Stockers, cashiers, deli, bakery, produce departments.

Pay: $11-14/hour. Regional employer, flexible hiring.

Home Depot (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks) - Home improvement retail.

Lot associates, freight team, garden, receiving, customer service.

Pay: $13-17/hour. 7-year lookback policy.

Manufacturing & Production

Bobcat Company (Bismarck) - Major manufacturing facility producing construction equipment.

Assembly line workers, welders, machine operators, material handlers.

Pay: $15-22/hour with excellent benefits. Union shop. Case-by-case hiring after 5+ years.

Cloverdale Foods (Fargo) - Meat processing and food production.

Production workers, packaging, sanitation, quality control.

Pay: $13-17/hour. Case-by-case review.

Case IH (Fargo) - Agricultural equipment manufacturing.

Assembly workers, welders, machine operators.

Pay: $15-20/hour. Individual assessment.

Energy Sector (Williston Basin)

Oil Field Service Companies (Williston area) - Various Bakken oil field employers.

Roustabouts, floorhands, equipment operators, truck drivers, service hands.

Pay: $18-28/hour with significant overtime potential ($50,000-70,000+ annually). Physically demanding work. Many companies hire case-by-case due to severe labor shortages.

Hospitality & Food Service

Hotels & Motels (Williston, Fargo, Bismarck) - Hospitality industry especially in oil region.

Housekeeping, front desk, maintenance, breakfast attendant.

Pay: $12-16/hour (higher in Williston oil area).

McDonald's (Franchise locations) - Fast food franchises vary by owner but many hire with records.

Crew members, cooks, cashiers, maintenance.

Pay: $11-14/hour.

Taco John's (Multiple locations) - Regional fast food chain, franchise-dependent policies.

Crew positions, shift leaders.

Pay: $10-13/hour.

Construction & Trades

Local Construction Contractors (Statewide) - Various small/medium firms hiring laborers, especially in oil region.

General laborers, demolition, site cleanup, equipment operators.

Pay: $14-20/hour (seasonal work, higher in Williston area).

Top 20 North Dakota Employers Hiring Felons

These North Dakota companies demonstrate commitment to second-chance employment through documented hiring practices or favorable policies.

1. Amazon (Fargo) - Fulfillment center serving regional distribution.

   Warehouse Associates: $15-18/hour Shift Managers: $50,000-70,000 Operations Managers: $70,000-100,000 7-year lookback, case-by-case evaluation.

   Learn More

   
   

2. Walmart (Statewide - 13+ locations) - Fair Chance Pledge member with extensive North Dakota presence.

   Store Associates: $12-15/hour Distribution Workers: $15-20/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Reviews records after 7 years, considers offense type. 

   Learn More

   
   

3. Bobcat Company (Bismarck) - Major construction equipment manufacturing facility.

   Assembly Workers: $15-22/hour Welders: $18-25/hour Machine Operators: $16-22/hour Union shop, case-by-case hiring after 5+ years. 

   Learn More

   
   

4. Trinity Health (Multiple Locations) - One of North Dakota's largest healthcare employers.

   Environmental Services: $13-17/hour Food Service: $13-16/hour Materials Management: $14-17/hour Case-by-case review after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. 

   Learn More

   
   

5. Sanford Health (Fargo, Bismarck) - Major regional health system.

   Environmental Services: $12-16/hour Food Service: $12-15/hour Laundry Workers: $12-15/hour Reviews case-by-case, time since conviction matters. 

   Learn More

   
   

6. UPS (Bismarck, Fargo, Minot) - Union logistics with Teamsters benefits.

   Package Handlers: $15-21/hour Drivers: $60,000-80,000 Supervisors: $50,000-70,000 Path to high-paying driver positions. 

   Learn More

   
   

7. Target (Fargo, Bismarck) - Retail chain with Fair Chance policies.

   Store Team Members: $13-16/hour Warehouse Workers: $15-19/hour Team Leaders: $40,000-60,000 Fair-chance employer. 

   Learn More

   
   

8. FedEx Ground (Fargo, Bismarck) - Package handling and distribution.

   Package Handlers: $14-17/hour Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Operations Managers: $55,000-75,000 Individual assessment. 

   Learn More

   
   

9. Altru Health System (Grand Forks) - Regional medical center.

   Housekeeping: $12-16/hour Dietary Aides: $12-15/hour Patient Transport: $13-16/hour Individualized review. 

   Learn More

   
   

10. Home Depot (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks) - Home improvement retail.

    Lot Associates: $13-17/hour Freight Team: $14-18/hour Department Supervisors: $35,000-50,000 7-year lookback policy. 

    Learn More

    
    

11. Oil Field Service Companies (Williston area) - Various Bakken oil field employers.

    Roustabouts: $18-28/hour Floorhands: $20-30/hour Equipment Operators: $22-32/hour Labor shortages create flexible hiring, physically demanding. 

    Learn More

    
    

12. Cash Wise Foods (Fargo, Grand Forks, Bismarck) - Regional grocery chain.

    Stockers: $11-14/hour Cashiers: $11-13/hour Department Managers: $30,000-45,000 Local ownership, case-by-case hiring.  

    Learn More

    
    

13. Cloverdale Foods (Fargo) - Meat processing and food production.

    Production Workers: $13-17/hour Packaging: $13-16/hour Quality Control: $15-19/hour Case-by-case review.  

    Learn More

    
    

14. Case IH (Fargo) - Agricultural equipment manufacturing.

    Assembly Workers: $15-20/hour Welders: $18-24/hour Machine Operators: $16-21/hour Individual assessment.  

    Learn More

    
    

15. Lowe's (Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks) - Home improvement retail.

    Store Associates: $13-17/hour Warehouse Workers: $14-18/hour Department Managers: $35,000-50,000 Fair-chance evaluation. 

    Learn More

    
    

16. Hugo's Family Marketplace (Grand Forks, Fargo) - North Dakota grocery chain.

    Stockers: $11-14/hour Cashiers: $11-13/hour Department Leads: $28,000-42,000 Regional employer, flexible hiring. 

    Learn More

    
    

17. CHI St. Alexius Health (Bismarck) - Major Bismarck-area healthcare.

    Support Services: $12-16/hour Environmental Services: $12-15/hour Dietary: $12-15/hour Case-by-case for support positions. 

    Learn More

    
    

18. Schneider National (North Dakota routes) - Trucking company with CDL training.

    Truck Drivers: $50,000-70,000 Regional Drivers: $55,000-75,000 Trainers: $65,000-85,000 Second-chance program, CDL training available.  

    Learn More

    
    

19. Werner Enterprises (North Dakota routes) - Trucking with second-chance policies.

    Truck Drivers: $45,000-65,000 Team Drivers: $60,000-80,000 Dedicated Drivers: $55,000-75,000 Explicit second-chance program. 

    Learn More

    
    

20. Goodwill Industries North Dakota - Mission-driven organization.

    Retail: $10-13/hour Production: $11-14/hour Managers: $30,000-45,000 Explicit second-chance employer with training. 

    Learn More

Felon-Friendly Jobs by North Dakota City

Fargo (Pop. 133,000, metro 250,000+)

Largest city with most diverse job market. Retail, healthcare, technology, logistics, manufacturing sectors.

• Amazon Fargo - $15-18/hour

• Sanford Health - $12-16/hour

• Bobcat Company - $15-22/hour (in nearby Bismarck, accessible from Fargo)

• Walmart/Target - $12-16/hour

• Cash Wise Foods - $11-14/hour

Bismarck (Pop. 75,000)

State capital with government, healthcare, retail, energy sectors. Moderate cost of living.

• Bobcat Company - $15-22/hour

• Trinity Health - $13-17/hour

• CHI St. Alexius Health - $12-16/hour

• Walmart/Lowe's - $12-17/hour

• State Government Support - varies

Grand Forks (Pop. 58,000)

University town with education (UND), Air Force base, healthcare. Lower cost of living.

• Altru Health System - $12-16/hour

• Hugo's Family Marketplace - $11-14/hour

• Walmart/Lowe's - $12-17/hour

• Air Force Base Contractors - $14-22/hour

• University Support Services - $12-18/hour

Minot (Pop. 49,000)

Air Force base, healthcare, retail, energy proximity. Stable economy.

• Trinity Health - $13-17/hour

• Walmart - $12-15/hour

• Minot Air Force Base Contractors - $14-22/hour

• Retail Chains - $11-15/hour

• Oil Field Proximity - $16-24/hour

Williston (Pop. 30,000)

Bakken oil field hub. Highest wages but demanding work and expensive housing.

• Oil Field Service Companies - $18-28/hour

• Hotels & Hospitality - $13-18/hour

• Walmart - $13-16/hour

• Trucking & Logistics - $20-30/hour

• Construction - $16-24/hour

Highest-Paying Jobs for Felons in North Dakota

While entry-level provides immediate income, these careers offer pathways to financial stability and long-term growth in North Dakota.

Commercial Truck Driving (CDL-A)

North Dakota's oil boom and agricultural economy create strong CDL demand.

Long-Haul / Regional Carriers - Schneider National, Werner Enterprises: $50,000-75,000 annually. Many carriers hire after 5-7 years for non-violent offenses. Some offenses permanently disqualifying (DUI, violent crimes affecting DOT clearance).

Oil Field Trucking - Hauling equipment, water, materials in Williston Basin: $60,000-85,000. Premium pay due to demanding conditions and long hours.

Local Delivery / Agricultural Hauling - Home daily or seasonal work: $45,000-65,000. Grain hauling during harvest season creates high demand.

UPS Package Delivery - Start as package handler ($15-21/hour), progress to driver. Top-rate drivers: $60,000-80,000 annually with full Teamsters benefits.

Oil Field Workers

Roustabout / Floorhand - Entry-level oil field positions: $45,000-70,000/year with overtime. Physically demanding work in Williston Basin. Severe labor shortages mean flexible hiring for most offenses. Housing expensive but overtime opportunities significant.

Equipment Operators - Operating drilling rigs, heavy equipment: $55,000-80,000. Experience required but on-the-job training common.

Truck Drivers (Oil Field) - Specialized oil field hauling: $60,000-90,000. Combines CDL with oil field experience.

Skilled Trades

Welder - Industrial, construction, agricultural equipment repair: $45,000-70,000. Pipeline welding in oil fields: $70,000-95,000. Community college programs at Bismarck State College, North Dakota State College of Science.

Electrician - Limited union presence but strong demand. Commercial/industrial electricians: $50,000-75,000. Apprenticeship programs available.

HVAC Technician - Extreme North Dakota climate creates year-round demand. Entry: $16-22/hour. Experienced: $45,000-65,000. EPA certification required.

Heavy Equipment Operator - Construction, oil field, agriculture: $45,000-70,000. Strong demand especially in energy sector.

Manufacturing

Bobcat Company Production Workers - Start $15-22/hour ($31,000-46,000 annually). Union shop with excellent benefits, overtime opportunities. Experienced workers with specialized skills (welding, machining): $55,000-75,000.

Agricultural Equipment Manufacturing - Case IH and other manufacturers: $35,000-60,000. Assembly, welding, machining positions.

North Dakota Resources for Felons Seeking Employment

North Dakota offers record sealing options and comprehensive employment support for justice-impacted individuals.

Record Sealing in North Dakota

North Dakota allows sealing of most misdemeanors and felonies (NDCC Chapter 12-60.1) after waiting periods.

Eligibility and Waiting Periods:

Misdemeanors: 3 years after completing sentence Felonies: 5 years after completing sentence Must complete all sentence terms, pay fines and restitution Maintain clean record during waiting period Demonstrate rehabilitation

Cannot Be Sealed: Offenses involving weapons, intimidation, crimes against children, sex crimes.

True Expungement Available For: Marijuana possession (under 1 ounce), juvenile offenses, human trafficking victim cases.

Process: File petition with district court, prosecutor review, hearing (optional), judge decision. Cost varies by county (typically $100-300 in filing fees). Timeline: 3-6 months typically.

Effect: Sealed records won't appear on most employment background checks but remain accessible to law enforcement, courts, and certain licensing bodies.

Ban-the-Box Protections

Coverage (NDCC § 12.1-33-05.1): Both public AND private employers with 4+ employees.

What It Means: Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications. Can only inquire after selecting candidates for interviews or extending conditional offers.

This is Strong Protection: North Dakota is one of the better states for ban-the-box coverage.

Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC)

Federal WOTC provides North Dakota employers up to $2,400 tax credit per qualified hire with felony convictions. Mention this to potential employers.

State Workforce Development

Job Service North Dakota - Statewide network of career centers providing free job search assistance, resume help, interview prep, training referrals, and employer connections.

Contact: 1-866-611-3555 | jobsnd.com

Locations: Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, and throughout state.

Reentry Organizations

ND Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation - Transition Services - Pre-release and post-release employment assistance, job placement programs.

Contact: (701) 328-6390 | docr.nd.gov

Goodwill Industries of North Dakota - Employment services, job training, placement assistance.

Contact: (701) 237-5208 (Fargo) | goodwillnd.org

Salvation Army (Fargo, Bismarck) - Emergency services, job assistance, case management.

Contact: (701) 235-4645 (Fargo) / (701) 255-1911 (Bismarck)

Additional North Dakota Resources

Training & Education

Bismarck State College - Workforce training, energy programs, CDL training, skilled trades with financial aid.

North Dakota State College of Science (Wahpeton) - Technical training, welding, HVAC, electrical, CDL programs.

Lake Region State College (Devils Lake) - Manufacturing, construction, healthcare training.

North Dakota Job Training Partnership - Workforce development programs statewide.

Housing Assistance

ND Housing Finance Agency - Rental assistance programs for low-income individuals.

Contact: 1-800-292-8621 | ndhfa.org

Salvation Army - Emergency and transitional housing in Fargo and Bismarck.

City Mission (Fargo) - Emergency shelter and transitional programs.

Legal Aid

Legal Services of North Dakota - FREE civil legal services including record sealing assistance for low-income North Dakotans.

Contact: 1-800-634-5263 | legalassist.org

State's Attorney Offices - Each county's prosecutor office can provide information on record sealing process.

Transportation Support

MATBUS (Fargo) - Public transit with reduced fare programs.

Bis-Man Transit (Bismarck-Mandan) - Reduced fare options for low-income riders.

Cities Area Transit (Grand Forks) - Affordable public transportation.

Staffing Agencies in North Dakota That Work With Felons

North Dakota staffing agencies provide immediate employment and temp-to-perm opportunities especially in manufacturing, warehouse, and oil field sectors.

Express Employment Professionals - Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, skilled trades, oil field positions. Pay: $13-25/hour. Fair-chance hiring.

Manpower - Major presence in Fargo, Bismarck. Manufacturing, logistics, industrial positions. Pay: $12-20/hour. Temp-to-perm common.

Kelly Services - Fargo and Bismarck locations. Manufacturing, warehouse, administrative, industrial. Pay: $13-19/hour. Benefits for temps.

Adecco - Fargo metro area. Manufacturing, logistics, office positions. Pay: $13-21/hour. Fair-chance evaluation.

PeopleReady - Multiple North Dakota locations including Williston. Daily pay available. General labor, warehouse, construction, oil field. Pay: $12-22/hour (higher in Williston). Second-chance focus.

Quality Staffing (Regional) - North Dakota presence. Light industrial, manufacturing. Pay: $12-18/hour.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Does North Dakota have a ban-the-box law?

Yes! North Dakota has a COMPREHENSIVE ban-the-box law (NDCC § 12.1-33-05.1, enacted 2019) covering BOTH public AND private employers with 4+ employees. Employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial job applications—only after selecting candidates for interviews or extending conditional offers. This is stronger protection than many states.

Q2: Can I get my record sealed in North Dakota?

Yes. North Dakota allows sealing (not expungement) of most misdemeanors after 3 years and felonies after 5 years (NDCC Chapter 12-60.1). Must complete sentence, pay fines/restitution, maintain clean record. Sealed records won't appear on most employment checks but remain accessible to law enforcement and certain licensing boards. True expungement available only for marijuana possession under 1 ounce, juvenile offenses, and human trafficking victims. Cannot seal: weapons offenses, intimidation, crimes against children, sex crimes. Contact Legal Services of North Dakota (FREE): 1-800-634-5263.

Q3: What is North Dakota's minimum wage?

North Dakota minimum wage is $7.25/hour (federal minimum). However, market pressures and labor shortages mean most entry-level positions pay $10-16/hour. Oil field work in Williston starts at $18-28/hour.

Q4: How far back do background checks go in North Dakota?

North Dakota follows federal FCRA rules: non-conviction records can be reported for 7 years, convictions can be reported indefinitely. Sealed records should not appear on standard employment background checks. This makes record sealing valuable for employment.

Q5: What companies in North Dakota hire felons?

Major employers include Amazon, Walmart, Bobcat Company, Trinity Health, Sanford Health, UPS, Target, FedEx Ground, Home Depot, oil field service companies, and many others. See Top 20 list for details. North Dakota's comprehensive ban-the-box law means most employers with 4+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on applications.

Q6: Can Amazon hire me with a felony in North Dakota?

Yes. Amazon has a fulfillment center in Fargo. They conduct 7-year lookback checks and evaluate case-by-case. Starting pay: $15-18/hour with day-one benefits. Apply at amazon.jobs.

Q7: Can I become a truck driver with a felony in North Dakota?

Yes. Many North Dakota trucking companies hire CDL drivers with felonies, especially non-violent offenses over 5-7 years old. Clean driving record required (no DUI within 5-7 years typically). Earnings: $50,000-75,000. Schneider and Werner offer second-chance programs. Bismarck State College and ND State College of Science offer CDL training.

Q8: What are highest-paying jobs for felons in North Dakota?

Oil field workers ($50,000-70,000+ with overtime), truck drivers ($50,000-75,000), UPS drivers ($60,000-80,000), welders ($45,000-95,000 depending on specialization), Bobcat manufacturing ($45,000-75,000 experienced), HVAC techs ($45,000-65,000), heavy equipment operators ($45,000-70,000).

Q9: Should I disclose my felony on North Dakota job applications?

Thanks to North Dakota's ban-the-box law, employers with 4+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. If employer asks before interview or conditional offer, they're violating state law. Once lawfully asked (after interview/conditional offer), answer truthfully—lying can result in termination. Get your record sealed if eligible (3-5 years)—this removes it from most background checks.

Q10: Are there free job training programs in North Dakota for people with felonies?

Yes. Job Service North Dakota offers free training referrals. Community colleges (Bismarck State College, ND State College of Science, Lake Region State College) provide workforce programs with financial aid. Some employers (Bobcat, UPS, oil field companies) provide on-the-job training. ND Department of Corrections offers transition services and job training programs.

Next Steps: Your North Dakota Job Search Action Plan

Take immediate action with this 5-step plan designed specifically for North Dakota justice-impacted job seekers.

Step 1: Understand Your Rights and Pursue Record Sealing if Eligible

North Dakota's comprehensive ban-the-box law (NDCC § 12.1-33-05.1) covers BOTH public and private employers with 4+ employees—most employers cannot ask about criminal history on initial applications. Know your rights: they can only inquire after interview or conditional offer. Determine record sealing eligibility: misdemeanors after 3 years, felonies after 5 years (must complete sentence, pay fines, maintain clean record). Order official criminal history from Attorney General's office to see current record. If eligible, file sealing petition with district court (cost $100-300, timeline 3-6 months). Contact Legal Services of North Dakota for FREE assistance: 1-800-634-5263 or legalassist.org. Sealed records won't appear on most employment background checks, dramatically improving opportunities. Don't wait—start process immediately if eligible.

Step 2: Register with Job Service North Dakota and Multiple Staffing Agencies

Register with Job Service North Dakota (1-866-611-3555) for free resume help, interview prep, job referrals, and training programs. Offices in Fargo, Bismarck, Grand Forks, Minot, Williston, and statewide. Sign up with 2-3 staffing agencies simultaneously: Express Employment (strong manufacturing/oil field connections in all major cities), PeopleReady (daily pay, immediate placement), Manpower (temp-to-perm focus), Kelly Services (industrial positions). These agencies place justice-impacted individuals in positions paying $12-25/hour with temp-to-perm potential at Bobcat, Case IH, oil field companies, and manufacturers statewide. Show up on time and work hard—conversion rates to permanent positions are good in North Dakota's tight labor market.

Step 3: Target High-Demand Sectors and Fair-Chance Employers

Apply to major fair-chance employers: Amazon Fargo ($15-18/hour), Walmart (13+ locations, $12-15/hour), Target ($13-16/hour), UPS ($15-21/hour with path to $60,000-80,000 driver positions). Manufacturing for stable employment: Bobcat Company Bismarck ($15-22/hour, union shop, case-by-case after 5+ years), Case IH Fargo ($15-20/hour), Cloverdale Foods ($13-17/hour). Healthcare support: Trinity Health, Sanford Health, Altru Health System ($12-17/hour for environmental services, food service). For highest wages, consider Williston oil field work ($18-28/hour entry-level, overtime to $50,000-70,000+ annually) despite expensive housing and demanding conditions. Apply to 10-15 positions weekly across multiple employers and sectors. Remember: ban-the-box means most employers can't ask until after interview.

Step 4: Leverage North Dakota's Strong Ban-the-Box Protections

Create resume highlighting skills, accomplishments, and work history without mentioning criminal record. Address employment gaps honestly in cover letter without overexplaining. Since employers with 4+ employees cannot ask about criminal history on applications, focus on qualifications and value you bring. Prepare brief (30-60 second) explanation of criminal record for when lawfully raised (after interview or conditional offer)—focus on rehabilitation, lessons learned, time passed, and commitment to stability. Develop 3-5 professional references who can speak to character and reliability. Practice until comfortable explaining record confidently. If employer asks on initial application, they may be violating state law—you can mention North Dakota's ban-the-box law. Emphasize record sealing status if petition approved—"my record has been sealed under North Dakota law."

Step 5: Pursue Training for High-Wage Careers

North Dakota offers pathways to $50,000-80,000+ careers. Consider CDL training at Bismarck State College or ND State College of Science—leads to $50,000-75,000 trucking careers. Schneider and Werner hire second-chance drivers. UPS package handler ($15-21/hour) is proven path to driver earning $60,000-80,000 with Teamsters. Welding certification through community colleges leads to $45,000-95,000 careers (pipeline welding highest paid). Bobcat Company hires entry-level ($15-22/hour) with path to experienced positions at $55,000-75,000. Consider Williston oil fields for immediate high wages despite challenges. Apply for workforce training programs through Job Service ND. Mention WOTC eligibility ($2,400 federal tax credit) to employers. Persist through rejections—North Dakota's tight labor market and comprehensive ban-the-box law create real opportunities for justice-impacted individuals ready to work.

DISCLAIMER

This guide is for informational purposes only and does not constitute legal advice. Hiring policies vary by company, position, and circumstances. While we strive for accuracy, employment information and company policies may change. Always verify current practices directly with employers. Company inclusion does not guarantee employment. Background check laws and record sealing procedures should be confirmed with legal professionals. Information about North Dakota's ban-the-box law (NDCC § 12.1-33-05.1) and record sealing laws (NDCC Chapter 12-60.1) is general in nature. Record sealing eligibility and processes can be complex—consult with North Dakota employment attorney or Legal Services of North Dakota (FREE: 1-800-634-5263) for specific legal advice about your situation.

© 2025 Second Chance Employment Resources. All rights reserved.