Does Sanderson Farms Hire Felons?
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Sanderson Farms — now part of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest U.S. poultry processor — regularly hires people with felony records for processing and plant jobs. Honesty on your application matters more than the record itself.
Sanderson Farms is now part of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, formed by the 2022 merger of Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms and owned by a Cargill and Continental Grain joint venture. It is the third-largest poultry processor in the United States, with more than 26,000 employees and 23 processing and prepared-foods complexes across Alabama, Arkansas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, North Carolina, and Texas. Poultry processing is one of the most second-chance-friendly industries, and current and former workers consistently report on Indeed that the company hires people with felonies. The most common reason applicants are turned down is lying on the application about a conviction — not the conviction itself. A background check and drug screen follow a conditional job offer, but non-violent and older records rarely disqualify plant-floor applicants. Processing, deboning, sanitation, and packaging roles are the easiest entry points and offer steady hours with full benefits.
Hiring by Position
| Position | Felon Friendly? | Background Check | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poultry Processing / Deboning Associate | Yes | Yes — after conditional offer | Line work: cutting, deboning, trimming. Highest-volume and easiest entry point. |
| Sanitation Worker | Yes | Yes — after conditional offer | Cleaning and sanitizing the plant, often overnight. Frequently accessible for people with records. |
| Packaging / Warehouse Associate | Yes | Yes | Packing product, palletizing, and cold storage. Steady hours. |
| Forklift Operator | Case-by-case | Yes — may review MVR | Certification helps. Some sites check driving record for equipment roles. |
| Maintenance / Refrigeration Technician | Case-by-case | Yes | Skilled mechanical and refrigeration upkeep with fuller screening. |
Sanderson Farms Hiring Practices
Sanderson Farms operates today as part of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, the third-largest poultry processor in the country, with more than 26,000 workers across seven Southern states. Poultry processing is one of the most second-chance-friendly industries there is: the labor is demanding, turnover is high, and complexes must staff processing lines every day. Current and former workers report on Indeed that the company hires people with felonies, and that the main reason someone gets turned down is lying on the application about a conviction rather than the conviction itself. A background check and drug screen follow a conditional job offer, but the company evaluates records individually, so older and non-violent convictions rarely disqualify plant-floor applicants. Processing, deboning, sanitation, and packaging are the most accessible roles.
Tips for Getting Hired at Sanderson Farms
Apply through the Wayne-Sanderson Farms careers site and target processing, deboning, sanitation, or packaging roles at the complex nearest you — these fill fastest and screen most leniently. Above all, be honest on the application: workers repeatedly note that disclosing a conviction is fine, but lying about one is the fastest way to get rejected. Emphasize reliability, physical stamina, teamwork, and willingness to work varied or overnight shifts, since complexes run multiple shifts. If you have a felony, apply to plant-floor jobs before pursuing driving roles, which carry stricter screening. Applying to more than one nearby facility and following up on your application both improve your odds.
Application Tips for People with Records
- 1.Apply at waynesandersonfarms.com/careers and target processing, sanitation, or packaging roles.
- 2.Be completely honest about your record — disclosing a conviction is fine; lying is the fastest rejection.
- 3.Emphasize reliability, physical stamina, and willingness to work varied or overnight shifts.
- 4.Apply to plant-floor jobs before driving roles, which carry stricter screening.
- 5.Apply at more than one nearby facility to improve your odds.
- 6.Follow up on your application to show you are serious and available.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does Sanderson Farms hire felons?
- Yes. Sanderson Farms, now part of Wayne-Sanderson Farms, regularly hires people with felony records for processing, sanitation, and packaging jobs. Workers report the main reason applicants get rejected is lying on the application, not the conviction itself.
- Does Sanderson Farms do background checks?
- Yes. A criminal background check and drug screen follow a conditional job offer, but the company evaluates records individually rather than applying a blanket ban.
- Does Sanderson Farms drug test?
- Yes. A pre-employment drug screen is typically part of the hiring process after a conditional offer.
- Is Sanderson Farms now Wayne-Sanderson Farms?
- Yes. Sanderson Farms and Wayne Farms merged in 2022 to form Wayne-Sanderson Farms, owned by a Cargill and Continental Grain joint venture. Jobs are posted under the Wayne-Sanderson Farms brand.
- What jobs are easiest to get at Sanderson Farms with a record?
- Poultry processing, deboning, sanitation, and packaging roles are the highest-volume, easiest entry points and screen most leniently for people with records.
Take Action — Direct Links
- Wayne-Sanderson Farms Careers
Search and apply for processing, plant, and driving jobs by location.
- National HIRE Network
Free resources for people with criminal records seeking employment.
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