Does Cargill do background checks?

Yes, Cargill conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check covers 7 years of criminal history. CDL driver positions require additional DOT-mandated screening. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — the company uses individualized assessment.

What disqualifies you from working at Cargill?

Cargill does not publish a specific list of disqualifying offenses. For plant positions, recent violent felonies and sex offenses receive the most scrutiny. Non-violent drug offenses and property crimes that are a few years old are less likely to be disqualifying. For corporate roles, financial crimes and fraud are particularly problematic. Active warrants or pending charges may delay hiring.

Does Cargill drug test?

Yes. Cargill requires pre-employment drug screening for most positions. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing including random testing. Production workers are typically tested at hire and may be subject to post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing.

Does Cargill hire people on probation or parole?

Yes, many Cargill plant employees are on probation or parole. The company does not have a blanket policy against hiring people under supervision. Having stable employment at a company like Cargill can help meet probation and parole requirements. Let your probation or parole officer know you are applying.

How far back does Cargill's background check go?

Cargill's standard background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with laws limiting lookback periods (California, New York, etc.), the check complies with those limits. Older convictions may appear in some states but are given less weight in the assessment process.

Is Cargill a good company to work for with a record?

Cargill plant positions offer solid pay, full benefits, and career advancement opportunities. The work is physically demanding but the company provides stable, full-time employment. Many people with records have built long careers at Cargill. The main drawback is that plants are often in rural locations, so transportation can be a challenge.

Does Cargill Hire Felons?

Last updated: 2026-03-24

Sometimes

Cargill considers applicants with criminal records on a case-by-case basis, particularly for plant and production roles where labor demand is high.

Cargill hires people with felony records for many positions, especially production and plant roles, but it depends on the nature of the offense and the position. As one of the largest privately held companies in the world with over 75,000 US employees across food processing, agriculture, and industrial operations, Cargill has significant demand for production workers. The company conducts background checks but uses an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, how much time has passed, and relevance to the job. Cargill operates meat processing plants, grain elevators, feed mills, and food manufacturing facilities — many in rural areas where labor is scarce. Production and warehouse roles at these facilities tend to be the most accessible for people with records. Corporate, management, and safety-sensitive positions have stricter standards. Cargill does not publicly brand itself as a second-chance employer, but the practical reality in its plants is that many workers have criminal records.

Hiring by Position

Position	Felon Friendly?	Background Check	Notes
Production Worker / Line Operator	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Most accessible role; high turnover in meat processing and food production creates constant openings
Warehouse / Grain Elevator Operator	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Physical labor roles at grain and feed facilities; felony records generally not a barrier for non-violent offenses
Sanitation Worker	Yes	Yes — standard background check	Cleaning and sanitizing production equipment; often overnight shifts; accessible entry point
Maintenance Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	Technical skills highly valued; felony record is less of a barrier if you have certifications and experience
CDL Truck Driver	Case-by-case	Yes — DOT background check plus company check	Must meet DOT requirements; clean driving record needed; DUI is scrutinized closely
Quality Assurance / Lab Technician	Case-by-case	Yes — standard background check	USDA-regulated food safety roles may have additional requirements; drug felonies receive more scrutiny
Corporate / Office Positions	Rarely	Yes — comprehensive background check	Corporate roles at Cargill headquarters have stricter hiring standards; financial crimes are especially scrutinized

Cargill's Hiring Approach for People with Records

Cargill is one of the largest employers in food processing, agriculture, and animal nutrition in the United States. The company operates hundreds of facilities including beef and poultry processing plants, grain elevators, oilseed crushing facilities, and food ingredient manufacturing plants. Like most large food processing companies, Cargill faces persistent labor shortages at its production facilities. This labor market reality means the company is generally willing to consider applicants with criminal records for plant-level positions. Cargill follows fair chance hiring practices and conducts background checks after a conditional offer of employment. The company uses an individualized assessment process that evaluates the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. While Cargill does not market itself as a second-chance employer the way some companies do, its hiring practices at the plant level are practical and inclusive.

Background Check Process

Cargill conducts background checks on all new hires through a third-party screening provider. The standard check includes a criminal history search covering 7 years, a Social Security number trace, and verification of employment eligibility. For CDL driver positions, an additional DOT-mandated background check is required, including driving history and drug/alcohol testing. The background check process begins after a conditional offer of employment has been made. Cargill follows Ban the Box practices in jurisdictions that require it and generally does not ask about criminal history on the initial application. If the background check reveals criminal history, Cargill's HR team reviews it using an individualized assessment. You will receive a pre-adverse action notice under the FCRA if the company is considering rescinding the offer, giving you an opportunity to provide context or dispute inaccuracies.

Plant Positions vs. Corporate Roles

There is a significant difference in how Cargill evaluates criminal records for plant-level positions versus corporate or office roles. Production workers, warehouse staff, sanitation crews, and general laborers at Cargill processing plants are hired with much more flexibility regarding criminal history. These roles are physically demanding, have high turnover, and are often in locations where the labor pool is limited. Plant hiring managers are experienced at working with people who have records and are primarily looking for reliable workers who will show up and work hard. Corporate positions at Cargill's headquarters in Minneapolis or regional offices have stricter hiring standards. Financial crimes, fraud, and embezzlement convictions are particularly problematic for office and finance roles. Management positions also receive enhanced background scrutiny. If you have a felony record, focusing your applications on plant-level production and operations roles will give you the best chance of success.

Pay and Benefits

Cargill offers competitive compensation for the food processing and agriculture industry. Production workers at meat processing plants typically start at $17-$23 per hour depending on location and shift, with shift differentials for evening and overnight work. Maintenance technicians earn $23-$34 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$80,000 per year. Overtime is frequently available at most Cargill facilities. Full-time employees receive a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision insurance, a 401(k) plan with company match, paid time off, life insurance, and short-term disability coverage. Cargill also offers tuition assistance for employees pursuing further education. For someone coming out of incarceration, Cargill plant positions offer real career-track jobs with full benefits — not just temporary labor.

How to Apply

Cargill posts all positions on their careers website at cargill.com/careers. You can search by location, job category, and keyword. The online application is the primary way to apply. Many Cargill plants also participate in local job fairs and work with workforce development agencies and reentry organizations to fill positions. If there is a Cargill facility in your area, check with local employment services or reentry programs — they may have a direct connection to the plant's HR department. Staffing agencies are also commonly used by Cargill to fill production positions, and some agencies specialize in placing people with criminal records. When applying, focus on your work history, reliability, and willingness to work flexible hours. If you have experience in food processing, manufacturing, agriculture, or physical labor, highlight it.

Application Tips for People with Records

1.Focus on production, sanitation, and warehouse positions at Cargill processing plants — these are the most accessible for people with records
2.Search for Cargill facilities in your area — the company operates in rural and mid-size communities across the country where competition for jobs may be lower
3.Be willing to work night shifts and weekends — these shifts are harder to fill and Cargill may be more flexible on background requirements
4.Contact local workforce development agencies or reentry programs that may have partnerships with Cargill plants in your area
5.If you have any food processing, manufacturing, or agricultural experience, emphasize it on your application
6.Be honest about your record when asked — Cargill plant managers are practical and value honesty and reliability above all
7.Consider applying through staffing agencies that work with Cargill — temp-to-hire arrangements let you prove yourself before the permanent background check

Frequently Asked Questions

Does Cargill hire felons?: Cargill does hire people with felony convictions, particularly for production, warehouse, and sanitation roles at its processing plants. The company uses an individualized assessment that considers the nature of the offense, time elapsed, and job relevance. Plant-level positions are significantly more accessible than corporate roles for people with records.
Does Cargill do background checks?: Yes, Cargill conducts background checks on all new hires after a conditional offer of employment. The standard check covers 7 years of criminal history. CDL driver positions require additional DOT-mandated screening. A criminal record does not automatically disqualify you — the company uses individualized assessment.
What disqualifies you from working at Cargill?: Cargill does not publish a specific list of disqualifying offenses. For plant positions, recent violent felonies and sex offenses receive the most scrutiny. Non-violent drug offenses and property crimes that are a few years old are less likely to be disqualifying. For corporate roles, financial crimes and fraud are particularly problematic. Active warrants or pending charges may delay hiring.
Does Cargill drug test?: Yes. Cargill requires pre-employment drug screening for most positions. CDL drivers are subject to DOT-mandated drug and alcohol testing including random testing. Production workers are typically tested at hire and may be subject to post-accident or reasonable suspicion testing.
How much does Cargill pay?: Production workers at Cargill processing plants typically start at $17-$23 per hour depending on location and shift. Maintenance technicians earn $23-$34 per hour. CDL drivers earn $55,000-$80,000 per year. Full-time employees receive health insurance, 401(k) with match, paid time off, and tuition assistance.
Does Cargill hire people on probation or parole?: Yes, many Cargill plant employees are on probation or parole. The company does not have a blanket policy against hiring people under supervision. Having stable employment at a company like Cargill can help meet probation and parole requirements. Let your probation or parole officer know you are applying.
How far back does Cargill's background check go?: Cargill's standard background check typically covers 7 years of criminal history. In states with laws limiting lookback periods (California, New York, etc.), the check complies with those limits. Older convictions may appear in some states but are given less weight in the assessment process.
Is Cargill a good company to work for with a record?: Cargill plant positions offer solid pay, full benefits, and career advancement opportunities. The work is physically demanding but the company provides stable, full-time employment. Many people with records have built long careers at Cargill. The main drawback is that plants are often in rural locations, so transportation can be a challenge.

Take Action — Direct Links

Cargill Careers
Official job search portal — search openings by location and job category
National HIRE Network
Resources for people with criminal records seeking employment, including legal rights information
EEOC — Background Checks and Your Rights
Federal guidance on your rights when an employer uses background checks in hiring decisions
CareerOneStop — Find Local Job Centers
Find workforce development centers near you that can help with job placement, including at companies like Cargill

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Disclaimer: This is informational only, not legal advice. Company hiring policies change frequently and may vary by location, franchise, or position. Always confirm the current policy with the hiring manager or HR representative. A background check does not automatically disqualify you — you have rights under the EEOC guidelines and the Fair Credit Reporting Act (FCRA).