Yakima, Washington

Estimates of the population conducted in 2017 indicated that approximately 93,000 people lived in Yakima, Washington. A large city like this typically offers numerous jobs in a wide variety of areas. These are primarily available to the segment of the population that has a clean record. Finding work can be challenging for most people, but our research shows that it is even more of an obstacle for someone with a felony record because of lower priority and less opportunity secondary to their criminal background.

Some major employers in Yakima can be found below along with expectations and important information when applying for positions with a felony conviction. There are also some job possibilities in the Yakima area that our research shows may be willing to hire felons.

Make sure you read this entire page for your best chance at being successful in your job search.

Yakima Valley Memorial Hospital: Jobs in the health field can be numerous and attractive to those looking for work and wanting to help people with medical problems. Qualified individuals typically have no involvement with the criminal justice system. Any type of felony offense will limit opportunities in gaining employment here. This is because of state license and certification requirements for many health-related positions often unavailable to felons. A few support positions might be possible, according to our research. 

Yakima School District No. 7: Job options in the education system can be frequently available for qualified individuals. Being qualified almost always indicates having no criminal record. Those with a felony offense will have an extremely difficult time in getting a job in education. There are difficulties obtaining the proper state certification along with concerns regarding safety and security when working with minors.

Walmart: As a major distribution center and retail store, they hire many individuals at their different locations and in various departments with a variety of work histories and backgrounds. Most of these opportunities will go to those with a clean record. A felony offense will cause major difficulties in getting a job here. However, according to our research, Walmart is a felon-friendly employer. While this does not mean they will hire all felons, they may be willing to consider those who are serious about reentry and willing to go through the background check process. It will depend on, according to our research, the felony offense, its seriousness, and when it occurred. This may be a place to get a job.

Yakima County: Government positions at the county level can be found in a number of areas throughout various departments and for people with different backgrounds and work histories. Most of these jobs will go to those people with a spotless record. A felony offense can cause major difficulties in finding work here. Our research does indicate that it is possible to find employment with the county, depending on the background check along with the specific felony offense, its severity, and when it occurred. This may be a place to find a job.

Yakima Valley Farm Workers Clinic: As a member of the health community, many opportunities for work are available to qualified individuals. Being qualified almost always means having a spotless record. Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system can cause major challenges in getting a job here. A felony offense will make it extremely difficult for anything other than a possible support position. This is because of state licensing and certification requirements for health positions typically denied to felons. It may be quite difficult for finding work here.

Yakima Regional: This is a place within the health field that hires numerous individuals who are qualified throughout its various departments and with different levels of skill and training. Almost all of these opportunities will go to those with a clear record. Any type of involvement with the criminal justice system will cause major difficulties in getting a job here, especially having a felony offense. A few support positions might be possibilities. Our research still indicates that this will be a difficult place to find a job.

City of Yakima: City government positions are frequently available to those who are qualified in different departments and for people with various work histories and backgrounds. While almost all of these opportunities will go to those with a clean record, someone with a felony offense who is serious about reentry into society and finding gainful employment to support themselves and their families may have some possibility for work here. Of course, our research indicates that it will depend on the felony offense, its seriousness, and when it occurred. This may still be a place to find a job.

Yakima Valley Community College: The education field has numerous individuals at different levels of skill and education. Even at the secondary level, few opportunities will be available other than to those who have a spotless record. A felony offense will cause major difficulties in finding work here. This is because of state certification that is typically unattainable by felons. Our research indicates that this may not be a good place to find work.

Shields Bag & Printing Co: This plastics and printing manufacturing business provides numerous work opportunities for qualified individuals in different departments and for people who have various work histories and backgrounds. Being qualified will almost always require having a clean record. It will be very difficult to find work here with a felony. Some suggest possibly being able to work here with a misdemeanor. 

Washington Fruit & Produce Co: This fruit packing company has numerous job opportunities in different departments and for people with various qualifications. Being qualified will almost always include having a spotless record. A felony offense will cause major limits in finding a job here. Some indicate possibly working here with a misdemeanor.