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Assistant Commercial Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

AIS Inc

Fisheries Gear Specialist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

... for commercial fisheries. The role combines practical gear construction and repair, at-sea and ... Duties/Responsibilities: * Assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of selective fishing ...

A.I.S., Inc.

Fisheries Gear Specialist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

... for commercial fisheries. The role combines practical gear construction and repair, at-sea and ... Duties/Responsibilities: * Assist in the construction, maintenance, and repair of selective fishing ...

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Assistant Commercial Fishing information

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How much do assistant commercial fishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 6, 2026, the average hourly pay for assistant commercial fishing in the United States is $20.59, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $16.11 and $22.60 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does an assistant commercial fisher do?

An Assistant Commercial Fishing worker supports the main crew on a fishing vessel by helping with tasks such as preparing and maintaining fishing gear, sorting and storing catches, and ensuring the deck is safe and organized. They may also help with navigation and basic vessel operations under supervision. This role is physically demanding and requires working in challenging weather conditions, often for extended periods. Assistants play a crucial role in the efficiency and safety of commercial fishing operations.

What are some common challenges faced by assistant commercial fishers and how can they prepare for them?

Assistant Commercial Fishing crew members often encounter physically demanding work, unpredictable weather conditions, and long hours at sea. Tasks can range from hauling nets and sorting catches to basic maintenance and cleaning on the vessel. To prepare, candidates should focus on building physical endurance, learning basic safety procedures, and familiarizing themselves with equipment used on commercial fishing boats. Teamwork and effective communication are essential, as the crew relies on each other for both productivity and safety. Developing a strong work ethic and adaptability will help new assistants succeed in this challenging yet rewarding environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an assistant commercial fisher, and why are they important?

To thrive as an Assistant Commercial Fisher, you need physical stamina, basic seamanship, knowledge of fishing techniques, and often a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with fishing equipment, navigation systems, and safety gear is essential, and some roles may require certifications in first aid or maritime safety. Strong teamwork, adaptability, and attention to detail help individuals stand out in this demanding environment. These skills and qualities are vital for maintaining safety, ensuring efficient operations, and maximizing catch in challenging marine conditions.

What is the difference between Assistant Commercial Fishing vs Deckhand?

AspectAssistant Commercial FishingDeckhand
CredentialsBasic safety certifications, maritime trainingBasic safety certifications, maritime training
Work EnvironmentOn fishing vessels, often in open waterOn fishing vessels, often in open water
Employer & Industry UsageFisheries, commercial fishing companiesFisheries, commercial fishing companies
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Assistant Commercial Fishing and Deckhand roles share similar credentials, work environments, and industry usage. The main difference is that an Assistant Commercial Fishing may have additional responsibilities or specialized tasks, but both positions typically involve working on fishing vessels in open water for commercial purposes.

Is there good money in assistant commercial fishing?

Assistant commercial fishing jobs typically offer modest pay, often based on a daily or seasonal wage, with earnings increasing with experience and the type of fishing operation. While some positions can be lucrative during peak seasons, overall income may be variable and often requires long hours in challenging conditions. Additional skills such as seamanship and safety certifications can improve earning potential.

What cities are hiring for Assistant Commercial Fishing jobs?

Cities with the most Assistant Commercial Fishing job openings:

What are the most commonly searched types of Commercial Fishing jobs?

The most popular types of Commercial Fishing jobs are:

What states have the most Assistant Commercial Fishing jobs?

States with the most job openings for Assistant Commercial Fishing jobs include:

Assistant Commercial Fishing jobs near you
Infographic showing various Assistant Commercial Fishing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 75% Full Time, 21% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 2% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $42,819 per year, or $20.6 per hour.

Commercial Fishing Gear Technician and Small Boat Operator

Lynker Corporation

Pascagoula, MS • On-site

$40K - $55K/yr

Contractor

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement, PTO

Re-posted 11 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Construct, repair, and maintain Turtle Excluder Devices, Bycatch Reduction Devices, and other selective fishing gear.

  • Operate and maintain research vessels, including preparing vessels for trips and assisting with vessel logistics.

  • Assist with gear research, conduct inspections of fishing gear, and provide training and demonstrations on gear construction and proper use.

Job description

Overview
Lynker Corporation is seeking Commercial Fishing Gear Technicians and Small Boat Operators to support NOAA Fisheries' Southeast Fisheries Science Center (SEFSC) Fisheries Assessment, Technology & Engineering Support (FATES) Division. These proposed roles will construct and maintain selective fishing gear, operate research vessels, support gear research, and provide hands-on training to commercial fishers and marine law enforcement personnel. Hiring for this position will be contingent on contract award.
The SEFSC Gear Monitoring Team supports the FATES Harvesting Systems Unit by promoting the proper construction, use, and inspection of federally required fishing gear. This work contributes to bycatch reduction, sea turtle protection, fisheries research, and effective communication with commercial fishing communities and enforcement agencies throughout the Gulf of Mexico.
Responsibilities
Duties of the Fishing Gear Technician will include the following:
  • Construct, repair, and maintain Turtle Excluder Devices, Bycatch Reduction Devices, and other selective fishing gear.
  • Prepare fishing gear for use as training aids and in Harvesting Unit research projects.
  • Provide gear expertise and assistance for fishery-independent and fishery-dependent evaluations of modified fishing gear.
  • Operate and maintain Class A, Class I, and Class II Mississippi Laboratory research vessels.
  • Trailer vessels and other large or heavy loads across rural and interstate highways.
  • Assist with workshops, industry meetings, and dockside training for commercial fishers on federally required fishing gear.
  • Conduct training for federal and state marine law enforcement personnel on fishing gear inspection procedures.
  • Conduct at-sea and dockside inspections of Turtle Excluder Devices and document technical compliance with federal regulations.
  • Read trawl-construction diagrams and perform trawl sewing and repair.
  • Assist with technical, instructional, oral, and printed training materials.
  • Deliver oral and hands-on demonstrations concerning the construction and proper use of Turtle Excluder Devices.
  • Prepare trip reports, outreach reports, vessel logbooks, and other required activity summaries.
  • Assist with emergency responses involving oil spills or other events affecting sea turtles.
  • Maintain equipment, vessels, warehouse areas, shop spaces, and related work areas.

Qualifications
The Fishing Gear Technician should have the following:
  • At least two years of experience in net construction and repair.
  • At least two years of experience operating and maintaining small boats and associated equipment.
  • Ability to obtain, within one year of hire, a United States Coast Guard Operator of Uninspected Passenger Vessels license and a Transportation Worker Identification Credential.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain 40-hour HAZWOPER certification.
  • Ability to obtain and maintain Red Cross CPR and Basic First Aid certifications.
  • Ability to maintain all certifications and training required by the NOAA Small Boat Program.
  • Ability to write summary trip reports.
  • Ability to read and understand federal fisheries regulations.
  • Physical ability to embark and disembark unassisted between a dock and a stationary vessel and between two vessels moving at sea, using both hands and feet.
The ideal Fishing Gear Technician will have the following preferred qualifications:
  • Experience working in a commercial shrimp-trawl fishery or net shop.
  • Knowledge of selective fishing methods and commercial fishing technology.
  • Experience conducting public outreach events and public speaking.
  • Basic computer and word-processing skills.
  • Ability to read, write, and speak Vietnamese.
Work Environment
The position is based in Pascagoula, Mississippi. Work will occur in office, warehouse, net-shop, dockside, small boat, and at-sea environments. Employees must be able to work aboard vessels and safely move between docks and vessels. The position may support emergency response activities involving sea turtle protection. Facility access is generally available from 6:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Travel and overtime must be authorized in accordance with contract requirements.
About Lynker
Lynker is a growing, employee owned business, specializing in professional, scientific and technical services. Our continually expanding team combines scientific expertise with mature, results-driven processes and tools to achieve technically sound, cost effective solutions in hydrology/water sciences, geospatial analysis, information technology, resource management, conservation, and management and business process improvement.
We focus on putting the right people in the right place to be effective. And having the right people is critical for success. Our streamlined organization enables and empowers our talented professionals to tackle our customers' scientific and technical priorities - creatively and effectively.
Lynker offers a team-oriented work environment, and the opportunity to work in a culture of exceptionally skilled professionals who embrace sound science and creative solutions. Lynker's benefits include the following:
  • Comprehensive healthcare for the employee at no monthly cost
  • Healthcare benefit covers medical, prescription drug, dental, and vision
  • Personal Time Off (PTO) Policy plus paid holidays
  • Highly competitive compensation plan regularly calibrated against industry and location benchmarks
  • 401(k) retirement plan with company-matching
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) - we're all company owners!
  • Flexible spending accounts
  • Employee assistance program (EAP)
  • Short- and long-term disability insurance
  • Life and accident insurance
  • Tuition assistance/Training/Workforce improvement reimbursement per year
  • Spot bonuses for exceptional performance
  • Annual Employee Recognition Awards with bonuses
  • Employee Referral Program
  • Free centralized, self-directed Learning Management System to learn at your own pace
  • Personalized career growth plans for every employee

Lynker is an E-Verify employer.
* This position is not currently funded and is contingent upon contract award. Employment is subject to successful completion of any required background checks and security processing required by the customer.
Lynker is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business needs. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, veteran status, or any other legally protected status under federal, state, or local laws.

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