Does John Deere Drug Test?

Drug Testing by Position

John Deere's Drug-Free Workplace Policy

Deere & Company, known worldwide as John Deere, is the largest manufacturer of agricultural equipment in the world and a major producer of construction and forestry equipment. The company employs over 80,000 people worldwide, with tens of thousands working in U.S. manufacturing plants across Iowa, Illinois, Kansas, Georgia, and other states. John Deere maintains a drug-free workplace policy that requires pre-employment drug testing for production and manufacturing roles. The policy reflects the serious safety hazards present in facilities that produce massive agricultural and construction machines.

UAW-Deere Agreement and Drug Testing

Many John Deere production workers are represented by the United Auto Workers (UAW) union. The UAW-Deere collective bargaining agreement includes drug-free workplace provisions that allow pre-employment testing, post-accident testing, and reasonable-suspicion testing. The 2023 UAW-Deere contract maintained these provisions. The union supports drug testing as a workplace safety measure while ensuring access to employee assistance programs (EAPs) for members who need help with substance abuse. Employees who voluntarily seek help before testing positive may be offered treatment support.

What to Expect When Applying

After receiving a conditional job offer from John Deere, you will be directed to a third-party collection site for a urine drug test. The test must be completed within the specified timeframe, usually 24-48 hours. The standard panel tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP. A positive result will result in withdrawal of the job offer. John Deere also conducts background checks and physical assessments for production roles. The hiring process from application to start date typically takes 2-4 weeks.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does John Deere drug test factory workers?

Yes. John Deere drug tests all factory and production workers as part of the hiring process. This includes assembly line workers, skilled trades (welders, machinists), and warehouse/parts workers. The drug test is a urine screen that includes marijuana (THC).

What type of drug test does John Deere use?

John Deere primarily uses urine drug tests. The test is conducted at a third-party collection site after a conditional job offer. The standard panel tests for marijuana (THC), cocaine, opioids, amphetamines, and PCP.

Does John Deere test for marijuana?

Yes. John Deere includes marijuana (THC) in its drug testing panels for manufacturing positions. The company tests for THC regardless of state marijuana laws due to workplace safety concerns in heavy manufacturing environments.

Does John Deere drug test engineers?

Yes, at most locations. John Deere typically conducts pre-employment drug testing for engineering and professional positions, especially those based at or near manufacturing facilities. The specific requirements may vary by location and role.

Does John Deere do random drug tests?

John Deere does not typically conduct random drug tests for production workers. However, all employees are subject to post-accident and reasonable-suspicion testing. DOT-regulated positions may be subject to random testing per federal requirements.