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At Sea Fish Processor Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Orchard LLC

Biological Technician

$38K - $47K/yr

Work includes at-sea survey participation (5-140+ days annually), data QA/QC, sample processing ... Basic familiarity with marine species ID in the Northwest Atlantic (fish/invertebrates)

Glacier Fish

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $185K/yr

Glacier Fish Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish ... Mates work aboard at-sea processing vessels in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska ...

Glacier Fish

Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel

Seattle, WA · On-site

$120K - $185K/yr

Glacier Fish Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish ... Mates work aboard at-sea processing vessels in the Bering Sea, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Alaska ...

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At Sea Fish Processor information

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How much do at sea fish processor jobs pay per hour?

As of Sep 15, 2026, the average hourly pay for at sea fish processor in the United States is $16.74, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $13.46 and $19.23 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is an at sea fish processor?

At Sea Fish Processors are crew members who work aboard commercial fishing vessels, where they are responsible for processing, packaging, and storing seafood while at sea. Their duties include cleaning, filleting, freezing, and sorting fish and other seafood products, often working long hours in challenging weather conditions. These processors ensure that the catch is handled efficiently and meets quality standards before it is brought to shore for distribution or sale. The role requires physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to work as part of a team in a fast-paced environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as an at sea fish processor?

To thrive as an At Sea Fish Processor, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and basic understanding of seafood processing, with most roles requiring a high school diploma or equivalent. Familiarity with processing equipment, safety protocols, and possibly HACCP (Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point) certification is typically expected. Teamwork, adaptability, and strong work ethic are vital soft skills given the challenging and communal living conditions aboard processing vessels. These skills and qualifications ensure efficient production, safety compliance, and the ability to work effectively in demanding environments.

What are some common challenges faced by at sea fish processors, and how can they be managed?

At Sea Fish Processors often work long hours in physically demanding conditions, including cold, wet environments and repetitive tasks. Adapting to life on a vessel can also be challenging due to limited personal space and extended periods away from home. Effective time management, maintaining good communication with team members, and following safety protocols can help manage these challenges. Building resilience and staying organized are key for success and well-being in this role.

What is the difference between At Sea Fish Processor vs Shore Fish Processor?

AspectAt Sea Fish ProcessorShore Fish Processor
Work EnvironmentOnboard fishing vessels, often in challenging conditionsProcessing facilities on land, in a controlled environment
Required SkillsBasic fish processing, safety protocols, ability to work in confined spacesFish processing techniques, safety standards, equipment operation
CertificationsBasic safety and health certifications, sometimes maritime safetyFood safety certifications, HACCP knowledge
Job FocusInitial processing, gutting, filleting at seaFurther processing, packaging, quality control on land

At Sea Fish Processors work directly on fishing vessels, handling fish immediately after catch, often in tough conditions. Shore Fish Processors work in land-based facilities, focusing on detailed processing and packaging. Both roles require safety certifications and fish handling skills, but differ mainly in environment and scope of work.

What cities are hiring for At Sea Fish Processor jobs?

Cities with the most At Sea Fish Processor job openings:

What states have the most At Sea Fish Processor jobs?

States with the most job openings for At Sea Fish Processor jobs include:

What are popular job titles related to At Sea Fish Processor jobs?

For At Sea Fish Processor jobs, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various At Sea Fish Processor job openings in the United States as of September 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, 18% Part Time, 3% Temporary, 2% Contract, and 2% Nights. Highlights an 97% In-person, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $34,822 per year, or $16.7 per hour.

Biological Technician

Remote

Orchard LLC
Health Care and Social Assistance • 201 - 500 employees
Learn more about Orchard LLCexternal

$38K - $47K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago

Job description

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Biological Technicians - NOAA Fisheries Sea-Going Surveys (Levels I-III)
Location: Woods Hole, MA (with assignments on NOAA and partner vessels throughout the Northeast U.S.)
Position Summary
Orchard is hiring Biological Technicians (Levels I-III) to support NOAA Fisheries' Ecosystem Surveys Branch (ESB). Technicians collect and process biological samples and environmental data during fishery-independent resource surveys. Work includes at-sea survey participation (5-140+ days annually), data QA/QC, sample processing, and equipment support. This is a hands-on science role that directly supports stock assessments and ecosystem-based fisheries management.
Responsibilities
  • Participate in sea-going surveys aboard NOAA and partner vessels (sorting, identifying, weighing, measuring fish/invertebrates, collecting biological samples for age, growth, maturity, genetics, diet).
  • Stand scientific watches of up to 12 hours/day at sea.
  • Operate electronic data acquisition systems for fisheries and oceanographic sampling.
  • Assist with deployment, calibration, and maintenance of survey gear, acoustics, and optical/video equipment.
  • Conduct QA/QC of survey data using NOAA protocols; prepare documentation of sampling procedures and metadata.
  • Annotate benthic imagery and optical survey data as directed.
  • Maintain, repair, and inventory sampling hardware (measuring boards, motion-compensated scales, barcode systems, touch screens).
  • Support cruise staging/de-staging, equipment prep, and vessel logistics.
  • Contribute to laboratory analysis of biological samples and assist with database management.
  • Train new staff (Levels II & III) and provide leadership of field parties/watches at sea (Level III).
  • Summarize survey data, assist with reports, and contribute to outreach materials (manuals, protocols, blogs, newsletters).
Qualifications
General Requirements (all levels):
  • Experience working aboard research or commercial vessels.
  • Ability to work 12-hour shifts at sea for trips lasting up to 3 weeks.
  • Strong teamwork and communication skills in challenging field environments.
  • Must meet NOAA OMAO sea duty health criteria and provide proof of recent TB test.
  • Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with data entry and QA/QC practices.
  • Valid driver's license.

Level I (Entry/Seasonal Technician):
  • Basic familiarity with marine species ID in the Northwest Atlantic (fish/invertebrates).
  • Coursework or experience in biological sciences preferred.
  • Able to assist with sampling, data recording, and shipboard organization under supervision.

Level II (Experienced Technician):
  • Minimum 2 years' experience identifying fish and invertebrates in the Northwest Atlantic.
  • At least 1 year of experience with survey bottom trawls or shellfish dredges.
  • Experience with fishery sampling hardware (electronic boards, scales, barcode systems).
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills; ability to work independently.

Level III (Senior Technician):
  • Minimum 200 days at sea (Bottom Trawl Survey) or 100 days (Shellfish/Advanced Tech Surveys).
  • At least 2 years' experience with electronic data acquisition systems.
  • Experience leading watches/field teams of up to 7 at sea.
  • Familiarity with acoustic net mensuration systems (Scanmar, Simrad, Marport).
  • Experience querying/analyzing fishery-independent data from relational databases (e.g., Oracle).
  • Ability to train staff, conduct QA/QC, and contribute to protocol development.

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