Does Perdue Farms Hire Felons?
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Perdue Farms has signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge and regularly hires people with records for poultry processing, packaging, and sanitation roles. A record is rarely an automatic disqualifier for plant-floor jobs.
Perdue Farms is a family-owned poultry and agriculture company founded in 1920, employing tens of thousands of people at processing plants, hatcheries, and distribution centers in Maryland, Delaware, Virginia, North Carolina, Georgia, Kentucky, Indiana, Iowa, and other states. Perdue has publicly signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge, committing to give people with criminal records a fair shot at employment, and it routinely fills high-volume poultry processing, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse jobs with second-chance hires. The company runs a background check and pre-employment drug screen after a conditional offer, but a record — especially an older or non-violent one — is rarely an automatic disqualifier for plant-floor roles. Processing and sanitation positions are the easiest entry points and often start above the local minimum wage with full benefits, on-site wellness centers, and 401(k) matching. CDL truck-driving jobs in Perdue's private fleet may apply stricter, DOT-regulated screening.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poultry Processing Associate | Yes | Yes — after conditional offer | Line work: cutting, deboning, trimming. Highest-volume and easiest entry point. |
| Packaging / Sanitation Worker | Yes | Yes — after conditional offer | Packing product and cleaning the plant. Often accessible for people with records. |
| Warehouse / Forklift Operator | Case-by-case | Yes | Distribution and cold storage. Certification helps; may review driving record. |
| Maintenance Technician | Case-by-case | Yes | Mechanical and refrigeration upkeep. Skilled role with fuller screening. |
| CDL Truck Driver (private fleet) | Case-by-case | Yes — plus MVR and DOT check | Stricter, federally regulated screening. Clean driving record and valid CDL required. |
Perdue Farms Hiring Practices
Perdue Farms has signed the federal Fair Chance Business Pledge, publicly committing to give people impacted by the criminal justice system a fair opportunity at employment. Poultry processing is one of the most second-chance-friendly industries in the country: the work is physically demanding, turnover is high, and plants need to staff processing lines every single day. Perdue conducts a background check and drug screen after extending a conditional job offer, but it uses individualized assessment rather than a blanket ban, so older and non-violent records rarely disqualify plant-floor applicants. Processing, packaging, and sanitation roles are the most accessible. As a family-owned company that markets itself on stability and career growth, Perdue offers full benefits, on-site wellness centers, tuition help, and 401(k) matching even at entry level.
Tips for Getting Hired at Perdue Farms
Apply online at perduecareers.com and target processing, packaging, or sanitation roles at the plant nearest you — these fill fastest and screen most leniently. Be honest about your record on the application; disclosing a conviction and being ready to explain your growth carries far more weight than trying to hide it. Emphasize reliability, teamwork, safety awareness, and willingness to work varied shifts, since plants run multiple shifts around the clock. If you have a felony, apply to plant-floor jobs before pursuing CDL driving roles, which face stricter DOT screening. Consider applying at more than one nearby facility, and follow up on your application to show you are serious.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply online at perduecareers.com and target processing, packaging, or sanitation roles.
- 2.Be honest about your record — disclosure plus a growth story beats hiding a conviction.
- 3.Emphasize reliability, teamwork, and safety awareness in your application and interview.
- 4.Be available for varied shifts; plants run multiple shifts around the clock.
- 5.Apply to plant-floor jobs before CDL driving roles, which face stricter DOT screening.
- 6.Apply at more than one nearby facility and follow up to show you are serious.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Perdue Farms hire felons?
- Yes. Perdue Farms has signed the Fair Chance Business Pledge and regularly hires people with felony records for poultry processing, packaging, sanitation, and warehouse jobs. A background check applies after a conditional offer, but a record is rarely an automatic disqualifier for plant-floor roles.
- Does Perdue Farms do background checks?
- Yes. Perdue runs a criminal background check and drug screen after extending a conditional job offer, and it uses individualized assessment rather than a blanket ban.
- Does Perdue Farms drug test?
- Yes. Perdue typically requires a pre-employment drug screen as part of the hiring process after a conditional offer.
- What jobs at Perdue Farms are easiest to get with a record?
- Poultry processing, packaging, and sanitation positions are the highest-volume, easiest entry points and screen most leniently for people with records.
- Has Perdue signed a second chance hiring pledge?
- Yes. Perdue Farms has taken the Fair Chance Business Pledge, a commitment to give people impacted by the criminal justice system a fair opportunity at employment.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Perdue Farms Careers
Search and apply for plant, warehouse, and driving jobs at Perdue Farms.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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