Finding Fishing Jobs in Alaska: A list of Resources
If you’ve ever considered working a seasonal job in Alaska’s commercial fishing industry, you’re in good company. Many successful fishermen and executives in the industry got their start the same way. Here at Alaska Air Forwarding we have been servicing the commercial fishing industry since our beginning in 1965. We are often asked how one goes about getting a job in the commercial fishing industry, be it a full-time job or seasonal one, so we thought we’d put together a list of resources that will point those interested in the right direction.
However, before you begin your job search there is one detail that is very important for you to know. Jobs in the fishing industry are not for people with weak knees or a faint heart. If you can honestly say that you’re not weak-kneed or faint-hearted then forge ahead. A great place to start is to check out the Fishing Industry Overview that explains the industry, how the various fisheries work and the potential earnings that can be made during a season. Taking the time to read this overview may help you target your search more specifically.
Once you’ve gotten a bit of an overview, you’ll want to devise your job search strategy. This will help you determine when you need to start making connections and reaching out for job interviews. Here’s a list of places that may just help you find the perfect job:
THE ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF LABOR/ALASKA JOB CENTER NETWORK
This is a great resource that lists the majority of fishing jobs available. A thorough search of this site will connect you with large processing plants looking for processors as well as smaller fishing boats looking for deck-hands.
ALASKA DEPARTMENT OF FISH AND GAME
This bulletin is updated regularly detailing the various fishing season start dates, how the season is shaping up for different fisheries, and, of course, a link to the above mentioned Alaska Job Center Network.
ICICLE SEAFOODS INC.
Icicle Seafoods is one of the largest and most diversified fishing companies in North America. Headquartered in Seattle, this company actively recruits for seasonal work through a series of recruitment events. They offer both on-shore and vessel processing as well as catcher vessels.
TRIDENT SEAFOODS
Headquartered in Seattle, Trident Seafoods is a familiar name offering a huge line of products available in supermarkets across the country. They host a series of Processor job interviews and offer a generous compensation package.
ALASKA JOB FINDER
This is another great resource for finding a variety of fishing, processing and harvesting jobs within the commercial fishing industry.
The Alaska Commercial fishing industry is the largest in North America and is responsible for supplying a large percentage of seafood to the US, Japan and the world. Here at Alaska Air Forwarding, we provide critical, year-round support to this industry with our ability to quickly fly to the most remote parts of Alaska with needed supplies or providing emergency help for mechanical issues that often arise while at sea. We are proud to offer such integral support to this most important industry.
