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21 Tested Ways to Find Jobs for Felons in Fresno in 2023

By Last update October 5, 2022
Fresno California downtown

Having a criminal record can make finding work more complicated, but with the help of this article you will realize how many jobs for felons in Fresno, California, there truly are. With almost 60,000 firms in the County of Fresno and a population of almost one million, Fresno’s strong economy has weathered many of the country’s highs and lows. Fresno holds job opportunities for those of all backgrounds. Read on to find yours!

If you are looking for work after being released, we’ve collected all the most valuable information for you right here. We have contacted over 1,000 companies directly to get the details on their hiring practices for former offenders. We’ve looked into their hiring process, what entry-level positions they have open, and what benefits or opportunities for advancement they might have for their employees. Our knowledge goes further than that, though — we also hire individuals with a record in our own company, so we know exactly what you are going through. Yes, we truly practice what we preach!

Jobs that hire felons in Fresno

Fresno California cityscape

Fresno has an abundance of job opportunities to offer, but for individuals with a record, there are certain job characteristics you want to look for. You can use this tool to search job openings by industry, job title, company and other filters. 

You may also want to consider trying entry-level jobs. These are quick-hire positions or roles that have a lot of turnover, so the companies tend to be more flexible in their hiring demands. These positions require little skill and are relatively easy to get — they often don’t even ask a for a background check. They also give you the opportunity to show how you can be reliable and responsible at a job (important qualities to hiring companies). 

Check out some of the best options for jobs that hire felons in Fresno, and beyond, below!

Top companies that hire felons in Fresno

These companies listed below are where you will have a better-than-average chance of being hired locally. The size of the company, quick-hire roles, and the company’s hiring policy all factor into getting on the list, so this list is a great place to start.

Yard House

Cargill

Foster Farms

Lion Dehydrators

Sutter Health

Table Mountain Casino

Uber

Kaiser Permanente

PG and E Corp

Gb3

Even if you have found a few companies that hire felons in Fresno, you will need to submit a quality resume to be considered for a role. 

If you’re looking for help on building your resume, take a look at our resume guide.

Let’s take a look at some of the companies where you have a good chance of being hired so you can start building up your resume today!

Yard House

A familiar name in Fresno, Yard House is a local restaurant chain that has over 100 beers on tap. Many seasonal positions are created every year to handle the summer rush, but they do hire year-round. They look for good workers who don’t mind shift work and know how to put in a solid effort.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Bartender
  • Server
  • Host
  • Cook
  • Line Cook

Cargill

With 155 years in business and 155,000 employees, Cargill is reliable and stable. Cargill is a well-rounded company who serves the world with food, agricultural, financial and industrial products. At such a large company, you’re bound to find a position that fits you.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Food Processing
  • Driver
  • Grinder/Machine Operator
  • Utility Operator
  • Beef Herdsman/Cattle Handler

Foster Farms

Foster Farms is a family owned local business that employs thousands of employees. From farming, harvesting and shipping to milling, warehousing and cleaning, they are bound to have a position for you! On their website, they also boast industry-leading benefits and developing new skills in their workers.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Ranch Laborer
  • Tractor Driver
  • Warehouse Worker
  • Clean Up Crew Ground Person
  • Truck Driver

Lion Dehydrators

Founded in 1903 and still locally owned and operated, Lion Dehydrators is a local legend. They run the whole raisin-making process process from growing and processing to distribution. Find your position on their website.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Production Worker
  • Forklift Driver
  • Dehydration Manager
  • Truck Driver
  • Warehouse Worker

Sutter Health

Sutter Health is a group of doctors and hospitals serving Northern California. Hospitals are big operations requiring various skills. You could work in the food court, cleaning, or even transporting patients.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Food Service Aide
  • Sanitation Crew
  • Patient Access Representative
  • Patient Transporter

Table Mountain Casino

Table Mountain Casino offers a fun work environment and dedication to their employees. On their website they promise competitive wages, excellent benefits and advancement opportunities. It’s worth checking out!

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Host Cashier
  • Server/Cashier
  • Count Room Clerk
  • Security Officer
  • Receiving and Warehouse Specialist

Uber Technologies Inc.

Uber is a rideshare app and technology that allows anyone with a license, a phone and a car to sign up and earn money! This modern rideshare company has become extremely popular and is in high demand in the Fresno Area.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Driver
  • IT
  • Uber Eats Driver
  • Customer Service Representative

Kaiser Permanente

Kaiser Permanente is a large care institution with hospitals and clinics all over the country. Based in Oakland, Kaiser has many locations and hiring opportunities in Northern California.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Receptionist
  • Patient Care Technician
  • Storekeeper
  • Housekeeping Aide

PG and E Corp

PG&E provides natural gas and electric service to the west coast. Much of their work is skilled labor or positions in which you could learn a trade.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Customer Relationship Management
  • Utility Worker
  • Electric Line Assistant
  • Transmission Cableman

Gb3

A full-service gym, Gb3 has multiple locations in Fresno and offer online services for residents who can’t make it into the gym proper. There are multiple employment opportunities for someone with skills in physical fitness, nutrition, or administration and cleaning. They are open for long hours, so you’re bound to find a shift arrangement that works for you.

Some of the most promising entry-level jobs for former felons:

  • Reception
  • Personal Trainer
  • Group Fitness Instructor
  • Custodial

Trucking jobs for felons in Fresno

Trucking is a great career option for those with a record. It is a major industry throughout the country that is well-established and stable. It is also a known career path for people with criminal records. Often, the company is willing to train you on the job even if you have no experience. This career path has many benefits such as travel, independence and self-reliance.

Looking for trucking jobs for felons in Fresno? Here are some of the top trucking companies in the area:

  • Quali-T-ruck Service, Inc.
  • Bulldog Freightway
  • Van-G Logistics
  • Red Rose Transportation
  • Valley Transportation Refrigeration

Warehouse jobs for felons in Fresno

Warehouse work has a lot of different options. If you are looking for a career where you have room to advance or try different positions, this could be a good place to start. Many times warehouses will promote their star employees from entry-level positions to higher up positions. Roles like lift operators, skilled trades, and administrative positions are all options down the line if you start in a warehouse.

Here are some top warehouse jobs for felons in Fresno:

Temp agency jobs for felons in Fresno

If you’re looking for something short-term or haven’t had luck with more permanent positions, a temporary position may be a good place to start. There are actually a good amount of temp agencies that work with felons in Fresno. When successfully completed, these can be a great foundation to landing a more permanent position. 

There are quite a few to choose from, but here are some top temp agency jobs for felons in Fresno:

  • Hire Up Staffing Services
  • Exact Staff
  • Ultimate Staffing
  • PrideStaff
  • Aerotek

Second chance and job training programs for felons in Fresno

California joined the Ban the Box states in 2018. This means that employers and business owners cannot ask about an applicant’s criminal conviction history before offering them the job. They also cannot dismiss an applicant unfairly because of a criminal background check.

Ban the Box laws have made the playing field more fair, but there are also second chance and job training programs for felons in Fresno that help former felons looking for work. These programs offer resources to help individuals with a criminal record get back on their feet with housing, financial aid, education and more.

Here are some resources for former felons in Fresno:

  • Delancey Street Foundation
    • Mission: We have successfully graduated over 18,000 people from America’s underclass into society as successful taxpaying citizens leading decent, legitimate and productive lives. We have opened new doors in fields of homelessness, education, vocational training, social entrepreneurship, substance abuse and pathways out of poverty, crime and violence.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Clothing and Household, Education, Employment, Food, Housing
  • Project Hope Center Inc.
    • Mission: Our mission is to provide services as support for female victims, survivors and disenfranchised families affected by abuse and trauma.
    • Services offered: Housing, Reentry
  • Male Community Reentry Program
    • Mission: The Male Community Reentry Program (MCRP) helps inmates successfully reenter the community by allowing eligible inmates committed to a California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) institution to serve the end of their sentence (up to one year) in the community in lieu of confinement at a CDCR institution. The MCRP is designed to provide a range of community-based, rehabilitative services that assist with substance use disorder treatment, mental health care, medical care, employment, education, housing, family reunification, and social support.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Education, Employment, Family, Medical, Mental Health
  • US Department of Veteran Affairs
    • Mission: To provide veterans the world-class benefits and services they have earned — and to do so by adhering to the highest standards of compassion, commitment, excellence, professionalism, integrity, accountability, and stewardship.
    • Services offered: Addiction and Recovery, Employment, Housing, Legal, Medical, Mental Health
  • 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: Legal

Adam Sanders has worked as a reentry advisor, program leader, and teacher at San Quentin State prison in San Quentin California for several years. He co-founded San Quentin's financial literacy program and is passionate about helping former offenders successfully re-enter society and find personal and financial success. Adam also has nearly a decade of experience working in Marketing and Finance for large software companies and an MBA from Northwestern University.