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Summer Fish Processing Jobs in Alaska (NOW HIRING)

Summer Fish Processing information

What are the career prospects for aquaculturists?

Aquaculturists working in fish processing or related fields have growing career prospects due to increasing demand for sustainable seafood. Opportunities include research, farm management, quality control, and processing technology, often requiring knowledge of biology, environmental science, and certifications in food safety. Advancement can lead to supervisory or specialized roles within the aquaculture industry.

What are summer fish processing jobs?

Summer fish processing jobs involve working in facilities that prepare and package seafood, typically during the peak fishing season. Workers may be responsible for tasks like cleaning, filleting, sorting, freezing, and packing fish or shellfish. These positions are often seasonal, physically demanding, and require long hours, but they can offer good pay with overtime. Many jobs are located in regions with active fisheries, such as Alaska, and provide housing for workers. No prior experience is usually necessary, making them accessible for students and first-time employees.

What is the difference between Summer Fish Processing vs Fish Processing Worker?

AspectSummer Fish ProcessingFish Processing Worker
CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; sometimes certifications in food safetyHigh school diploma or equivalent; certifications may be required
Work EnvironmentSeasonal, outdoor or indoor fish processing facilities, often in coastal regionsIndoor processing plants, year-round or seasonal work in food manufacturing
Employer & IndustryFishing companies, seafood processors, aquaculture farmsSeafood processing plants, food manufacturing companies
Search & ComparisonOften compared for seasonal work, outdoor tasks, and seafood industry roles

Summer Fish Processing roles focus on seasonal, outdoor, and coastal work environments, often requiring specific certifications. Fish Processing Workers have similar credentials but may work year-round indoors in processing plants. Both roles are integral to the seafood industry, with Summer Fish Processing emphasizing seasonal outdoor tasks and Fish Processing Workers covering a broader, year-round indoor scope.

What are the 5 steps in fish processing?

In fish processing jobs, the five main steps are receiving and sorting the fish, cleaning and gutting, filleting or portioning, packaging, and storage or freezing. Workers often use knives, filleting machines, and refrigeration equipment to ensure quality and safety throughout the process. Proper handling and adherence to safety standards are essential in this industry.

How much do seafood processors get paid?

Seafood processors typically earn an hourly wage ranging from $10 to $15, with some positions paying higher depending on experience and location. Overtime pay and seasonal bonuses may also be available, and the job often requires physical stamina and attention to safety protocols.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Summer Fish Processor, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Summer Fish Processor, you need physical stamina, attention to detail, and the ability to follow safety protocols, with no formal education typically required. Familiarity with processing equipment, conveyor systems, and basic food safety certifications is often expected. Strong teamwork, reliability, and adaptability to long hours and varying conditions help individuals excel in this role. These skills ensure efficient, safe, and high-quality processing in a fast-paced, demanding environment.

What are some common challenges faced when working in summer fish processing, and how can new employees prepare for them?

One of the main challenges in summer fish processing is adapting to long hours and physically demanding tasks, often in cold or wet environments. New employees can prepare by building stamina, ensuring they have appropriate cold-weather gear, and maintaining good hygiene practices to minimize the risk of injuries or illness. Being flexible and ready to work as part of a fast-paced team is crucial, as shifts can be long and schedules may change based on production needs. Strong communication skills and a positive attitude will also help you adjust to the collaborative nature of the work.

How to get into fish hatchery work?

To work in fish hatchery jobs, candidates typically need a high school diploma or equivalent and may benefit from experience in aquaculture, biology, or related fields. Entry-level positions often require physical stamina, attention to detail, and knowledge of fish handling and hatchery equipment; some roles may require certifications in safety or water quality management.
What are the most commonly searched types of Fish Processing jobs in Alaska? The most popular types of Fish Processing jobs in Alaska are:
What are popular job titles related to Summer Fish Processing jobs in Alaska? For Summer Fish Processing jobs in Alaska, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Summer Fish Processing jobs in Alaska look for? The top searched job categories for Summer Fish Processing jobs in Alaska are:
Infographic showing various Summer Fish Processing job openings in Alaska as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 74% Full Time, 25% Part Time, and 1% Temporary. Highlights an 98% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 1% Remote job distribution.
Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support)

Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support)

AIS Inc

Juneau, AK โ€ข On-site

Other

Medical, Dental, PTO

Re-posted 2 days ago


Job description

Salary: $19 - $28/hour

A.I.S., Inc. (AIS) is a national scientific services firm supporting maritime activities requiring certification of compliance with environmental regulations as well as collecting data for use by Federal, State, Municipal, and other government agencies along the US coastline. AIS is looking for a Fisheries Biologist (Lab & Field Support) to support the NOAA Alaska Fisheries Science Center (AFSC) Integrated Ecosystem Research Program (IERP).


Primary Function

Under direction of NOAA AFSC biologists, the Fisheries Biologist will support ongoing fisheries oceanographic research associated with the Northern Bering Sea IERP. The position involves hands-on laboratory sample processing of crab, fish, and zooplankton specimens collected during annual Bering Sea surveys, as well as participation in ocean-going research surveys aboard NOAA research vessels.

Duties and Responsibilities

  • Inventory samples arriving at the laboratory.
  • Measure length and weight of organisms.
  • Remove otoliths from fish samples.
  • Remove tissue pieces for genetic analysis.
  • Remove tissue pieces for isotope analysis.
  • Remove fish stomachs and tissues for diet and energetic work.
  • Homogenize samples as required.
  • Analyze fish using the PARR Instrument Company semi-microbomb calorimeter for energy density.
  • Prepare samples for lipid analysis.
  • Prepare samples for isotope analysis.
  • Enter data accurately and perform quality control procedures on raw and electronic data files.
  • Participate in annual oceanographic research surveys at sea, including zooplankton, biological and physical oceanography (operating CTD), and fish and invertebrate sampling.
  • Submit monthly progress reports including accomplishments, issues encountered, and recommendations.


Compensation

Candidates will be paid an hourly rate to be negotiated and total compensation will vary depending on candidates' depth of experience. This is a full-time position. AIS benefits package includes health and dental insurance, vacation, sick and holiday benefits.


Minimum Qualifications

  • High school diploma required;
  • 03+ years of relevant experience
  • Ability to follow detailed standard operating procedures (SOPs) for sample processing and data entry with 95%+ accuracy
  • Must be able to obtain a DOC/NOAA Public Trust background investigation clearance prior to beginning performance
  • Must possess or be able to obtain REAL ID-compliant identification for facility access


Preferred Qualifications

  • College coursework in fisheries, oceanography, biology, or a related natural science field preferred (up to bachelor's degree)
  • One year of experience in both a biology and chemistry laboratory preferred
  • Experience working aboard research or commercial fishing vessels
  • Experience processing larval or juvenile marine fish, including species identification at larval/juvenile stages, length and weight measurement, stomach content dissection, and otolith/fin/scale removal
  • Demonstrated proficiency organizing field and laboratory data, including QC procedures on both raw and electronic datasets


Travel

  • Travel Required
  • Field survey deployments are expected each summer (20272030), with up to two overnight trips per year to embark/disembark NOAA research vessels in Dutch Harbor, Nome, Barrow, or other Alaska locations.


Location

  • Auke Bay Laboratories in Juneau, AK (17109 Point Lena Loop Road)


How to Apply

If you would like to apply for this exciting new opening, please visit ourCareers Pageto submit the required information:

  • Resume
  • Cover letter detailing relevant experience.
  • 3 professional references (name, email address and phone number)

All documents must be submitted for your application to be considered. If you have any questions pertaining to this opening, please reach out to ourTalent Teamor call 774-770-5833.


An Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of A.I.S. to recruit, hire, train, promote, transfer and compensate our employees and provide all other conditions of employment including Company sponsored events without regard to race, color, creed, religion, national origin, age, sex, gender identity, genetic information, marital status, lawful alien status, sexual orientation, physical or mental disability, citizenship status, veteran status or any other status protected by applicable law.

Must be able to work in the U.S. VEVRAA Federal Contractor Request Priority Protected Veteran Referrals Equal Opportunity Employer