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Assistant Commercial Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

... commercial fishing vessels. The Gear Liaison communicates operational aspects of fishing gear, assists in the evaluation of gear testing, and provides outreach to assist fishermen in implementing ...

Fisheries Gear Specialist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

... 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 ...

... commercial fishing vessels. The Gear Liaison communicates operational aspects of fishing gear, assists in the evaluation of gear testing, and provides outreach to assist fishermen in implementing ...

Fisheries Gear Specialist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Fisheries Gear Specialist

Pascagoula, MS · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • PTO

... 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 ...

Contribute to in-season reporting and assist with program outreach when required. * Deployment aboard commercial fishing vessels , often in remote or offshore locations for periods ranging from 4 to ...

You will work independently aboard commercial vessels to document fishing operations, collect ... working order. * Assist NOAA staff in debriefings and data verification sessions following ...

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Assistant Commercial Fishing information

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$20

$38

How much do assistant commercial fishing jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 17, 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.

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:

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, 76% Full Time, 20% 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.

Gear Liasion

Think Tank, Inc.

Silver Spring, MD • Remote

Contractor

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description

*US Citizenship Required

*Full-time Remote Position with field work required

*Position is Subject to Contract Award

Position Overview

Think Tank Inc. is seeking one (1) Gear Liaison to work with the fishing industry and other organizations to create and test gear modifications on commercial fishing vessels. The Gear Liaison communicates operational aspects of fishing gear, assists in the evaluation of gear testing, and provides outreach to assist fishermen in implementing protected species gear modifications. This is a fully remote, full-time position (40 hours/week; approximately 2,080 hours/year) with regular field work required. Anticipated start date: September 1, 2026, contingent upon contract award.

Note: Personnel may be required to perform on-call duties outside normal working hours on nights, weekends, and/or holidays to respond to emergency marine mammal stranding events.

Key Responsibilities

  • Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluation of potential solutions to mitigate sea turtle and marine mammal bycatch in fishing gear.
  • Participate with the regional and science center gear team in projects directed at reducing large whale, sea turtle (trawl, gillnet, traps/pots), and other protected species bycatch in fixed gear fisheries in Northwest Atlantic waters.
  • Participate in field studies, data analysis, and evaluations of projects directed at mitigating sea turtle and other protected species bycatch in bottom trawl gear, including evaluating Turtle Excluder Devices (TED) testing as determined by GARFO.
  • Support compilation and evaluation of project results.
  • Provide regular outreach including dockside demonstrations of appropriate gear installation.
  • Support Law Enforcement inspection and compliance monitoring.
  • Support entanglement gear analysis in collaboration with the Region and Center gear team; assist with gear warehouse curation and record keeping.
  • Support Atlantic Large Whale Take Reduction (ALWTR) Team meetings.
  • Provide monthly communications to COR and NMFS Project Manager on accomplishments, issues encountered, travel, and recommendations.
  • Complete a set of training courses and maintain up-to-date training annually

Minimum Qualifications (Required)

Education

  • Bachelor's degree or master's degree in environmental science, biology, ecology, fisheries biology, marine biology, natural resource management, conservation biology, or a closely related field.
  • A relevant degree may be substituted by two (2) additional years of relevant work experience.
  • Must meet or exceed ProTech Labor Category Level 2 – Associate minimum qualifications.

Experience

  • Experience working with commercial fishing gear, protected species gear modifications, or marine mammal/sea turtle bycatch reduction.
  • Experience with field studies, data analysis, and evaluation of fishing gear technology.

Skills

  • Strong communication skills for interacting with fishing industry stakeholders and government partners.
  • Ability to conduct dockside outreach and gear demonstrations.
  • Physical ability to work in field and vessel environments.

Preferred Qualifications (Desired)

  • Experience with ALWTR Plan and take reduction team processes.
  • Familiarity with Turtle Excluder Devices (TEDs) and bycatch reduction device testing protocols.
  • Knowledge of Northwest Atlantic commercial fisheries and protected species interactions.