Fish Processor

Job Description:

Fish processors move raw fish through the various factory stations using machinery and conveyors. Job includes sorting, cutting fish and removing guts, packing fish into pans, placing pans in and removing pans from freezers, removing blocks of frozen fish from the pan, bagging the blocks, then stacking bagged fish in the vessel’s freezer hold. Fish processors also offload the bags of frozen fish by stacking them onto cargo nets for removal from the vessel, and backload supplies needed for the next fishing trip; this process may last longer than the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Fish processors also clean and organize the factory and other areas of the vessel, and perform other duties as directed. Processors may work in many areas of the vessel including the factory, freezer hold, deck, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload. 

Work Schedule:

Fish processors work at least 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week. Work hours may be extended during offload or backload which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.

Work Environment:

While performing the duties of this job, fish processors are exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions; moving machinery and conveyors. The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Fish processors work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.

Protective Clothing and Equipment:

Protective clothing and equipment that is used consistently: rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and used as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.

Materials, Tools, Equipment and Work Aids:

Fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.     

Job Requirements that are Common to All Positions:

All employees must be able to:

• Understand and follow instructions, directions, safety rules and procedures in English.
• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Lift and carry weight in excess of 50 pounds repeatedly.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations.

Job Requirements that are Specific to Fish Processors:

Fish processors must be able to:

• Operate conveyor systems to move fish through the factory.
• Learn and identify fish species.
• Sort fish as instructed.
• Run machinery to remove heads and guts from fish.
• Fill pans with fish as directed.
• Push, pull and lift pans onto and off conveyors and into/out of plate freezers.
• Operate plate freezer systems as directed.
• Remove frozen fish from pans.
• Bag, label and stack bags of frozen fish in the freezer hold.
• Perform offload by stacking frozen fish onto pallets or cargo slings.
• Clean factory and machinery as directed.

Physical Requirements:

While performing the duties of this job, employees are required to stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly; use fingers, hands and arms to push, pull and reach; bend and twist; stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. Employees must be able to hear, understand and follow instructions in English.

Education, Experience:

No minimum requirements for education. No prior experience is required.