Fish Processing Jobs in Vancouver, WA (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE:    Fish Cutter
DEPARTMENT:    Natural Resources Department
LOCATION:    Ridgefield, WA    
REPORTS TO:    Fish Distribution Program Manager
STATUS:        Hourly, fulltime
WAGE RANGE:    $20.45 - $23.50 per hour 

Close Date: August 10, 2026

***If you are an American Indian/Alaska Native and/or a Veteran and would like this to be considered a preference in hiring, please upload documentation with your resume and cover letter. Acceptable documentation includes Tribal Enrollment card, a letter from your Tribe stating your enrollment, or BIA 4432 and/or DD214.***

Position Summary:

Processes and packages fish for distribution to the Cowlitz Tribal community. Contributes to the efficient daily operation of the Fish Distribution Program by assisting with inventory management, fish pickups and deliveries, and maintaining a clean, sanitary work environment. Honors and represents the mission, vision, values of CIT and of the Natural Resources Department.

This list of duties and responsibilities is illustrative only of the tasks performed by this position and is not all-inclusive.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities:

• Cleans, filets, and portions whole salmon and steelhead efficiently; cuts and prepares other fish or meat products as necessary.
• Labels and packs food products for storage or shipment.
• Maintains cleanliness and organization in the work area; performs post-processing cleaning and sanitation routines.
• Picks up fish from area hatcheries and delivers to Tribal processing facility; transports fresh or frozen food products to Tribal events and fish distribution locations.
• Assists with inventory management, including receiving and storing shipments.
• Maintains strict adherence to all CIT food handling and safety protocols.
• Contributes to a team effort and accomplishes related results as required.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Knowledge of traditional form of government and Tribal customs and traditions.
• Knowledge of sanitation practices and control measures used in handling and preparation of food products.
• Knowledge of business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Skill in cutting, trimming, and preparing fish or meat products.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Ability to safely use and maintain saws, grinders, knives, and other fish/meat processing tools and equipment.
• Ability to visually examine fish products for quality and freshness.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality.
• Ability to interact and maintain good working relationships with individuals of varying social and cultural backgrounds.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must obtain and maintain a Food Handler’s License.
• Valid driver’s license is required when driving vehicles for work-related purposes.
• Must be able to successfully pass a background screening / investigation according to the established requirements below.

Tribal preference in accordance with Cowlitz Indian Tribe Code and CIT Employee Policies and Procedures Handbook shall apply to all positions. All positions are required to adhere to CIT’s established safety policies regarding vaccine requirements and personal protective equipment (PPE).

Background Investigation Requirements:

• Pre-employment drug screen.
• Reference checks, education and employment verification.
• Federal, state, and/or Tribal criminal history and sanction checks including fingerprint verification.

Physical Demands:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee regularly is required to stand for long periods; walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands or arms; and talk or hear. The employee occasionally is required to climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, or crouch. The employee is occasionally required to lift up to 50lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision and clarity of vision at long distance. 

Work Environment:

Work is generally performed in a fish processing facility or outdoors, with frequent exposure to excessive noise, varying temperatures, raw fish, and strong seafood odors. Exposure to natural weather conditions and dust, fumes, airborne particles and/or allergens may occur while performing outdoor duties. Standing and walking may be on wet, slippery, or uneven surfaces or unstable ground.  Work is frequently performed near hazardous/moving equipment or machinery and the use of protective clothing, equipment, devices, and/or materials is necessary. Evening and/or weekend work is occasionally required.