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Full Time Contract Fishing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Base Year + up to 4 Option YearsEmployment Type: Full-Time Contract; up to 100 sea days/year; up to 16 hours/day while at sea*Position is Subject to Contract AwardPosition SummaryThe Fisheries Survey ...

Cook - Fishing Vessel - Daily

AK ยท On-site

$16 - $20/hr

Job Type Full-time Description United States Seafoods is a Commercial Fishing Company with factory ... Must be available for the full contract period (Approx. up to 90 days) EEO Policy - The Company ...

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Showing results 1-20

Full Time Contract Fishing information

See salary details

$41K

$106K

$139K

How much do full time contract fishing jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 27, 2026, the average yearly pay for full time contract fishing in the United States is $106,034.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $89,000.00 and $119,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is full time contract fishing?

Full time contract fishing refers to working as a professional fisherman under a contract, typically for a fishing company or fleet, instead of being self-employed. These contracts often specify work hours, target catch, compensation, and other employment terms. Contract fishers may operate on commercial fishing vessels, harvesting fish or seafood for sale. This role often requires physical endurance, knowledge of fishing techniques, and compliance with safety and environmental regulations. It can be a demanding job with variable hours depending on fishing seasons and weather conditions.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a full time contract fisher?

To thrive as a Full Time Contract Fisher, you need strong knowledge of fishing techniques, maritime safety, and relevant licensing or certifications such as a commercial fishing license. Familiarity with navigation systems, fish-finding sonar, and vessel maintenance tools is typically required. Physical stamina, teamwork, and adaptability are crucial soft skills for managing long hours and unpredictable conditions at sea. These skills ensure safe, efficient operations and help meet contractual catch requirements in a demanding and often hazardous environment.

What are some common challenges faced in full time contract fishing, and how can they be managed effectively?

Full-time contract fishing often presents challenges such as unpredictable weather conditions, fluctuating fish populations, and the need to comply with strict regulations. Managing these challenges effectively involves staying informed about local and federal fishing laws, investing in reliable equipment, and maintaining good physical health to handle long hours at sea. Building strong relationships with other crew members and industry contacts can also provide valuable support and information. Additionally, successful contract fishers often adapt quickly to changing conditions and prioritize safety at all times.

What is the difference between Full Time Contract Fishing vs Part Time Contract Fishing?

AspectFull Time Contract FishingPart Time Contract Fishing
Work HoursTypically 40+ hours per weekLess than 20 hours per week
DurationLong-term, ongoing contractsShort-term or seasonal contracts
CertificationsRequired certifications often the sameSame certifications usually required
Work EnvironmentConsistent, full-time fishing operationsFlexible, part-time fishing activities

Full Time Contract Fishing involves working full-time hours with long-term contracts, providing stability and consistent income. Part Time Contract Fishing offers flexibility with fewer hours and shorter contracts, suitable for those balancing other commitments. Both roles typically require similar certifications and work in comparable environments, but differ mainly in hours and contract duration.

How to become a full time contract fisherman?

To become a full-time contract fisherman, gain experience through entry-level fishing jobs or apprenticeships, develop skills in boat handling and safety, and obtain any required certifications such as a captain's license or safety training. Building a network within the industry and understanding seasonal or contractual work arrangements are also important steps.
More about Full Time Contract Fishing jobs
Infographic showing various Full Time Contract Fishing job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 9% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 6% Contract. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,034 per year, or $51 per hour.

Fisheries Survey Technician

Think Tank, Inc.

Newport, OR โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Re-posted 12 days ago


Job description

Position Title: Fisheries Survey Technician (Survey Support)Client: NOAA Fisheries / Northwest Fisheries Science Center (NWFSC) – Fisheries Resource Analysis & Monitoring Division (FRAM) / Fisheries Engineering & Acoustic Technologies Team (FEAT)Location: Newport Research Station, Newport, OR (ship-based and land-based)Period of Performance: Base Year + up to 4 Option YearsEmployment Type: Full-Time Contract; up to 100 sea days/year; up to 16 hours/day while at sea*Position is Subject to Contract AwardPosition SummaryThe Fisheries Survey Technician provides sea-going, field, and laboratory support for the NOAA Northwest Fisheries Science Center's Fisheries Engineering & Acoustic Technologies (FEAT) Team, operating out of the Newport Research Station in Newport, Oregon. The incumbent supports the Integrated West Coast Pelagics Survey (acoustic-trawl survey), which provides a West Coast-wide, fishery-independent estimate of Pacific Hake (Merluccius productus) age-structured biomass and distribution under the U.S.–Canada Pacific Whiting/Hake International Agreement, and collects data on critical ecosystem components including krill, pelagic rockfish, and oceanographic conditions. Work spans pre-survey staging, at-sea biological sampling and wet lab processing, sample tracking, post-survey closeout, stomach content analysis, and database entry. The Technician follows established FEAT/FRAM protocols and maintains ongoing communication with government staff throughout all phases of the survey.Duties and ResponsibilitiesPre-Survey & StagingWork with FEAT and FRAM staff to stage and de-stage equipment before and after field projects.Maintain hake survey equipment before, during, and after the acoustic-trawl survey.Complete all trainings required by NOAA, NMFS, NWFSC, and FEAT prior to survey deployment.At-Sea Survey OperationsParticipate in sea-going surveys aboard NOAA research vessels or similar charter platforms for up to 100 days per year and up to one month at a time, working up to 16 hours per day.Assist with routine wet lab processing procedures for trawl catches at sea.Operate data collection software and devices at sea as needed.Follow established protocols for data collection; keep detailed notes of any issues or deviations.Provide operational assistance to troubleshoot equipment problems.Post-Survey & LaboratoryHelp close out the survey by storing equipment and biological samples.Track samples collected at sea and transfer fixed samples for storage and analysis.Analyze collected fish stomach contents and enter diet information into the project database.Work with FEAT and FRAM staff to organize and inventory all gear.Contribute to final survey reports; submit all images, notes, and data collected in the field to FEAT/FRAM staff.Communication & ComplianceMaintain regular communication with FEAT/FRAM staff regarding progress on assigned deliverables.Adhere to NOAA IT security and data privacy/confidentiality policies; may be required to sign a Non-disclosure Agreement (NDA).May be asked to provide services for other FRAM surveys.Minimum QualificationsEducation & ExperienceBachelor's degree and/or equivalent experience in fisheries (two (2) years).Ability to go to sea as part of a team to record at-sea data and provide operational assistance to troubleshoot equipment problems.Sea Service & Physical RequirementsWilling to spend up to four (4) weeks at a time on board a vessel, working up to sixteen (16) hours a day.Administrative RequirementsMust hold a valid U.S. Passport.Must complete (or have recently completed) marine safety training.Must submit to and pass a NOAA background check (processing may take 60–90 days).Must submit specific medical information to be medically cleared to sail aboard NOAA vessels at least 30 days prior to cruise departure.Preferred QualificationsTraining in the scientific method and basic statistical methods, as demonstrated by completion of at least 20 undergraduate-level credits in the sciences.Minimum of ninety (90) days of demonstrated at-sea field capability, with extended time at sea of at least seven (7) days at a time.Demonstrated use of a systematic key to determine identification of fish and invertebrate species.Demonstrated experience identifying Northeast Pacific fishes.Experience analyzing fish stomach contents.Some experience with data management, analytical reporting, and environmental and biological data.Required Training (to be completed after award)NOAA IT SecurityNOAA Safety TrainingSexual Assault/Sexual Harassment (SASH) Prevention and Response Training – IAW NAM 1330-52.222-70(b)(6) (required for all contractors; contractor-provided)Records Management 101Working ConditionsThis position operates in both land-based laboratory/station settings (Newport Research Station) and aboard NOAA research vessels or similar charter platforms. At-sea work is physically demanding, requiring extended hours, with exposure to variable marine weather and sea conditions. Overtime is anticipated and authorized. Travel to and from survey ports is required and reimbursed in accordance with the Federal Travel Regulations, with prior Contracting Officer's Representative (COR) approval. Government-furnished IT equipment, field gear, and lab supplies are provided for performance of all work under this contract.