Urgently Hiring Fish Processing Jobs (NOW HIRING)

POSITION TITLE:    Program Assistant – Fish Distribution
DEPARTMENT:    Natural Resources Department
LOCATION:    Ridgefield, WA     
REPORTS TO:    Fish Distribution Program Manager
STATUS:        Hourly, fulltime
WAGE RANGE:    $24.70 - $28.40 per hour 

Close Date: July 16, 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:

Assists with implementation of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe’s Fish Distribution Program by performing a variety of operational and administrative duties. Plays a key role in fish pickup and delivery, fish processing, and tracking and distribution of program-related food products to the Cowlitz Tribal community. Maintains professionalism in all interactions with internal and external customers. Honors and represents the mission, vision, and values of the Cowlitz Indian Tribe 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, fillets, 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.
• 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.
• Maintains strict adherence to all Cowlitz Indian Tribe food handling and safety protocols.
• Provides program information to Tribal members; responds to questions or concerns in a timely manner.
• Establishes and maintains an effective filing and retrieval system of program communications and information; keeps accurate records of Tribal members receiving fish through the program, product inventory, and order shipping and receiving.
• Supports development of program outreach materials and social media posts in coordination with Communications staff.
• Photocopies, collates, distributes, and files documents.
• 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 business English, proper spelling, grammar, punctuation, and basic arithmetic.
• Knowledge of sanitation practices and control measures used in handling and preparation of food products.
• Skill in operating various word-processing, spreadsheets, and database software programs, including product inventory management software.
• Skill in treating internal and external customers with tact, courtesy, and respect.
• Skill in cutting, trimming, and preparing fish or meat products.
• 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.
• Ability to communicate efficiently and effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to handle multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Minimum Qualifications:

• High School Diploma/GED.
• One year of related experience working with the public.
• One year of related experience in the food industry, especially in fish processing or meat cutting.
• Must obtain and maintain a Food Handlers 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 regularly 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. Work is occasionally performed in an office with a moderate noise level. 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 may be required.