Job Description

NOTE: Applicant phone screenings will not begin until February 25th!
POSITION SUMMARY
Northline Seafoods is hiring Seafood Processors for the 2026 Bristol Bay Salmon season, running approximately mid-June through mid-August. This role is based on board our 400-foot salmon freezing barge in Bristol Bay, Alaska.
Processors should expect physically demanding work, including long hours (up to 16 hours per day, 7 days per week during peak season). While the work is challenging, it is also highly rewarding--offering the opportunity to earn significant overtime, gain valuable experience, and be part of a close-knit team.
Processors will rotate through a variety of production-related tasks depending on operational needs and fish volume. Hours fluctuate based on fishing activity--some days are extremely busy, while slower periods may result in reduced hours.
Important Travel Note: As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic air travel, including flights to Alaska. Candidates must be able to meet this requirement prior to hire.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
Duties may include, but are not limited to:

• Processing & Freezing Operations: Operating fish elevators moving salmon from holding tanks to freezer lines; sorting fish, loading freezer belts, tagging product, and supporting freezing operations.
• Case-Up & Cold Storage: Building tote boxes and packaging frozen salmon; weighing totes and moving finished product into cold storage using pallet jacks.
• Inventory & Documentation: Assisting with lot code tracking, label creation, and final product counts.
• Quality Control & Sanitation: Performing visual quality inspections and quality sorting; maintaining cleanliness and sanitation in processing areas.
• Equipment Operations: Operating forklifts (for qualified and trained employees) to move and stack totes in cold storage.
• General Duties: Participating in daily cleaning of the barge and production areas; assisting with additional projects and tasks as assigned.

REQUIREMENTS & QUALIFICATIONS

• Must be authorized to work in the United States.
• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Reliable, punctual, and able to work in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to communicate effectively to understand instructions, follow safety protocols, and perform job duties; some roles require basic reading and writing skills.
• Previous seafood processing experience is a plus; on-the-job training is provided.

Physical Demands:
This position is physically demanding. Candidates must be able to:

• Work long hours, including up to 16-hour days, seven days per week.
• Work in cold, wet, and confined environments for extended periods.
• Perform repetitive, full-body movements, including bending, twisting, squatting, and lifting.
• Climb multiple levels of stairs and safely navigate tight spaces without assistance.
• Regularly lift up to 25 pounds, and occasionally more.

PERKS & BENEFITS

• Free meals and lodging while onboard the barge.
• Free round-trip airfare from point of hire to Bristol Bay upon successful completion of the contract; if the contract is not completed, return travel costs will be deducted from final pay.
• Opportunity for year-round employment in Washington for strong performers.
• A unique, once-in-a-lifetime experience working in one of the world's most iconic fisheries.

AT-WILL EMPLOYMENT
Employment with Northline Seafoods is at will. This means that either the employee or Northline Seafoods may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice, in accordance with applicable law.
EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER
Northline Seafoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. All qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, veteran status, or disability status.
The above is not intended to list all possible essential functions or requirements as they are subject to change. The employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet the physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.

Skills Required