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It can be extremely challenging to find a job, and even more so when you add in a criminal background. We know all about that as the staff here have criminal records too. That’s why we’ve created this resource that allows you to find jobs for felons in Bakersfield! We wanted to save you some valuable time by showing you your best options locally.
Our team has reached out to over 1,000 companies to ask about their hiring practices for former felons so we can give you good advice on how to get a job, and quick. Bakersfield has a population of just under 400,000 and around 26,000 businesses. With this many businesses in one city, you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a position you’re qualified for if you know where to look!
Jobs that hire felons in Bakersfield
The search feature below allows you to search the area for listing of jobs that hire felons in Bakersfield, California. Simply fill out the fields to narrow down your search using keywords such as distance from job, industry, or job type. This will help get you closer to your goal.
Top companies that hire felons in Bakersfield
When it comes to finding companies that hire felons in Bakersfield, you could always focus your search on oil, since it’s the industry most associated with the city. But, by doing this, you might miss out on some other great opportunities you’re qualified for and don’t even realize it. Check out temp agency jobs for felons in Bakersfield or other entry-level jobs in warehousing or trucking that require little or no experience. Entry-level jobs are the easiest way for a former felon to get their foot back in the door of the workplace because there are fewer barriers to getting hired.
Below we’ve organized the top companies that hire felons in Bakersfield for your convenience. These companies have either made a public statement about their hiring practices for former offenders or are often in need of new employees. You can jump to any company on the list here:
It’s always a good idea to have a current resume on hand. You never know when you’ll need one. If it’s been a while since you’ve even thought of your resume, we have some good news. You can find a resume guide designed specifically for former felons here that will help you put your best foot forward.
Now, let’s look at our list of employers likely to hire felons in Bakersfield.
Western Power Products
Western Power Products is the biggest company in Bakersfield. The company supplies engines and drivetrains to original equipment manufacturers as well as diesel power units for agricultural and industrial applications.
A few of their entry-level jobs include:
- Machine Operator
- Forklift Driver
- Janitorial
- Data Entry
- Customer Service
Grimmway Farms
This company is the world’s largest producer of carrots and it’s located right here! They grow and distribute the crops as well as have processing facilities for the over 65 different organic items they provide year round. Grimmway Farms is perfect for those interested in agriculture.
Their entry-level jobs are:
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Forklift Operator
- Shipping Associate
- Customer Service
- Sales
KS Industries, LP
Headquartered in Bakersfield, KS Industries is a key player in the oil and energy construction industry. They have over 2,500 employees and have locations here, Wyoming, Colorado and Texas, as well as two locations in North Dakota. The company provides a wide range of construction services that consist of engineering, fabrication and integrated maintenance.
Some of their entry-level jobs are:
- Welder
- Crane Operator
- Oiler
- Maintenance Mechanic
- Laborer
Rain for Rent
Rain for Rent is a temporary liquid storage solutions company based out of Bakersfield. Their pumps, tanks, filtration and spill containment equipment and services are used in all 50 states, plus Canada, the UK and Europe. If you’re looking to get in on the ground floor of a widely-known company, here’s your chance.
Their entry-level jobs consist of:
- Installer
- Mechanic
- Service Rep
- Sales
- Forklift Operator
Target
Target is a well-known department store around the US. If you’re interested in a retail job, this is a great place to start. The best thing about target is they don’t ask about convictions on their applications, so you have the chance of a fresh start right off the bat.
Some of Target’s entry-level positions are:
- Cashier
- Greeter
- Sales Floor Member
- Electronics Team Member
- Jewelry Counter Team Member
Memorial Hospital
Memorial Hospital is Bakersfield’s regional medical center for a plethora of physical and therapeutic services. If you’d like to get into the health field, an entry-level job here may be a good start.
A few of their entry-level jobs include:
- Insurance Claims
- Receptionist
- Customer Care
- Custodial
- Food Services
Bolthouse Farms
Bolthouse Farms is a household name known for their specialized refrigerated fruits and vegetable beverages. The company is headquartered in Bakersfield, California, though the operational facilities are in Prosser, Washington. If you’re interested in processing foods, this may be a good fit for you.
The entry-level jobs here consist of:
- Janitor
- Equipment Operator
- Forklift Operator
- Truck Driver
- Customer Service
Sun World Grapes
Sun World Grapes is considered one of the world’s largest fruit breeding and research programs for the seedless grape and stone fruit industries. Some of their work is seasonal, like grape picking, but there are other roles you can do in the off-season or you can take the opportunity to look for something else.
Entry-level jobs here are:
- Picker
- Forklift Operator
- Truck Driver
- Sales
- Customer Service
Golden Empire Transit
This company is responsible for operating the 16 mass transit routes in the greater Bakersfield area. A job in the transportation industry might be a good way to get your foot back in the door of the workplace after a conviction.
Consider these entry-level jobs:
- Station Assistant
- Maintenance
- Mechanic
- Driver
- Sales
Chevron
Chevron is a fuel and energy company with 8,000 locations nationwide. This company offers a multitude of entry-level positions which makes it a great candidate for someone just getting back on their feet.
A few of their entry-level jobs are:
- Cashier
- Maintenance
- Custodian
- Customer Care
- Terminal Operator
Trucking jobs for felons in Bakersfield
The trucking industry has long been known for hiring people with a less-than-perfect background. If you enjoy driving, consider a job with a trucking company.
We’ve compiled a list of companies with trucking jobs for felons in Bakersfield:
- Kern Bros. Trucking Inc.
- Estes Express Lines
- ABF Freight Systems
- Old Dominion Freight Line
- Oak Harbor Freight Lines
Warehouse jobs for felons in Bakersfield
There are almost always warehousing jobs available. While it’s true there is some turnover in warehousing, it’s also true that they just need a lot of workers to fulfill orders. It’s essential that someone man these positions at all times, making this a great opportunity to get back into the workforce.
Below are the top warehouse jobs for felons in Bakersfield:
- Western Power Products
- Amazon
- Engine Parts Warehouse
- Cleaning Supply Warehouse
- United Parcel Service (UPS)
Temp agency jobs for felons in Bakersfield
There are quite a few employment agency jobs for felons in Bakersfield. This is great if you’re not ready to settle down with one company just yet or if you haven’t decided which direction you want your career to go. That’s what’s so great about staffing agencies — you have options.
Some of the bigger temp agencies to look at in the area:
- Randstad
- Kelly Services
- Legacy Staffing
- United Staffing
- Snelling Staffing Services
Second chance and job training programs for felons in Bakersfield
The good news about California is that they have agreed to Ban the Box laws. This means employers must look at a candidate’s experience and skills when viewing applications before checking for criminal backgrounds. As former felons, that means you get a fair shot at the interview where you can impress in person.
There are other second chance and job training programs for felons in Bakersfield and nearby to help you get back on your feet. These programs give you access to housing, food, job training, and more.
Here are our resources:
- Garden Pathways
- Mission: Garden Pathways transforms lives from the inside out through loving, mentoring relationships.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Legal, Mental Health
- Community Assessment Service Center (CASC)
- Mission: The Community Assessment and Services Center (CASC), is a one-stop, multi-service reentry center which specializes in working with justice involved people ages 18 and older. Led by SFAPD and UCSF/Citywide, and in partnership with public safety partners, the Department of Public Health, Human Services Agency, Office of Economic and Workforce Development, an array of talented community based providers, the CASC provides support for justice involved adults in San Francisco. The CASC, l embraces a client-centered, strength-based approach, empowers personal responsibility and streamlines access to evidence based services which include clinical and reentry case management, medication management and distribution, peer coaching, cognitive behavioral interventions, substance dependency and recovery services, education and employment services, barrier removal and benefits enrollment assistance.
- Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Medical, Mental Health, Legal
- Mz. Shirliz Transitional Services
- Mission: Mz Shirliz Transitional provides temporary housing and a continuum of crisis resource services to those who are struggling with addiction, been previously incarcerated and to those who are currently homeless.
- Services offered: Education, Housing
- Root and Rebound
- Mission: Root & Rebound’s mission is to restore power and resources to the families and communities most harmed by mass incarceration through legal advocacy, public education, policy reform and litigation — a model rooted in the needs and expertise of people who are directly impacted.
- Services offered: Education, Employment, Family, Housing
