Employment Information - Alitak Facility

Dear Applicant:

Each year, Ocean Beauty Seafoods receives numerous requests for information and applications for seasonal employment as Processors in our facilities in Alaska. In response to these requests, we've developed this handout, which generally answers the most often asked questions.

NATURE OF WORK: Processors must be versatile and willing to perform a variety of tasks including (but not limited to) gutting, cleaning, packing and icing of seafood; operating various machinery; cooking, canning and casing of salmon, ; and general cleaning of work areas. Working conditions vary depending upon tasks assigned, which could include noisy areas where machines are operating, wet areas where seafood is cleaned, and cold areas such as walk-in freezers. Much of the work is repetitive due to mechanization and the large volumes of product processed. In short, the nature of the work is not typically glamorous.

HOURS OF WORK: Hours of work and days of work depend entirely upon availability of product. Most Alaska fisheries are highly regulated to provide for resource conservation. As such, commercial fishing boats are frequently limited to fish on certain days of the week. The effect on seafood processing companies is that they operate when product is available and suspend operations when no product is available. Processors, therefore, must be prepared for highly erratic work schedules. There may be periods of no work or minimal hours of work for a few days, to periods of 16 hours or more of work per day, seven days per week. The season begins in early April with a roe herring fishery, followed and in conjunction with long-line boats delivering black cod and halibut. Typically, Pacific cod are crossing the dock at the same period. Early June marks the beginning of salmon season with the first of two runs of sockeye, leading into the pink (humpy) season along with chum and silvers.

WAGES: All processors are paid on an hourly wage basis. Wage increases are based on number of hours worked, job performance and abilities, tenure, and the nature of the work performed. Payroll advances are not permitted.

TRANSPORTATION: The point of hire is Seattle, Washington. The cost of transportation to and from the plant location is the responsibility of the individual hired.

(907) 371-2001

WHAT TO PACK: Workers should bring clothing that is appropriate for very cold climates. Work-related clothing, such as gloves, aprons, rubber boots and rain gear are supplied by the company. Personal storage space is limited; therefore, only 2 pieces of collapsible-type luggage or duffel bags will be allowed. Bringing valuables such as jewelry, expensive radios, etc. is at the employee's risk and is discouraged due to limited security. Employees are responsible for bringing their own personal hygiene items, as well as an alarm clock.

MEDICAL/DENTAL CARE: All applicants are advised that medical and dental care is available, limited and expensive.

HIRING & RETENTION: Prior seafood processing experience is desirable but not required. Applicants are selected that are able to work until the end of the season. In general, the summer season ends anywhere from late August to mid September.

Individuals who are most successful in this industry are those who are dependable, willing to work long hours when required and accept slow periods of little or no work on occasion. Frequent tardiness and/or absenteeism is not tolerated. Retention, wage increases and promotions are based upon performance, work ethics, acceptance of supervision, and the ability to get along with co-workers.

ZERO TOLERANCE: Possession of firearms, use of alcohol and/or illegal drugs on company premises (including company bunkhouses) is not permitted and constitutes grounds for immediate dismissal.

PROOF OF EMPLOYMENT ELIGIBILITY IS A REQUIREMENT FOR EMPLOYMENT: Federal regulations require all employees to provide documents, which prove eligibility to work legally in the United States. Applicants must present these documents at the time of hire.

One of the following documents must be presented to establish both identity and employment authorization:
1. U.S. Passport
2. Certificate of U.S. Citizenship or Certificate of Naturalization,
3. Unexpired foreign passport, authorizing U.S. employment, or
4. Resident alien card or other alien registration card containing identification, photograph, and authorization to work in the United States.

If none of the above is available, new employees must present one of the following to establish employment authorization:
a. U.S. social security card
b. Certificate of birth in the United States, or
c. Certificate establishing U.S. nationality and birth.

AND in addition to a., b., or c., new employees must also present one of the following identification cards to establish identity:
d. Valid U.S. drivers license containing photograph, or
e. Other state-issued identification card containing photograph

Ocean Beauty Seafoods, Inc, also requires new employees to submit their social security card within 10 days of hiring.

CONSISTANT WITH AMERICANS WITH DISABILITIES ACT, applicants are requested to advise a prospective employer if an accommodation is necessary to participate in the application process and/or at the work site.

SUMMARY: We've attempted to provide realistic information regarding seasonal employment. We hope we've neither painted an overly optimistic or an overly pessimistic picture. In normal years, good seasonal workers can expect considerable overtime hours and thus earn good seasonal wages. This has been particularly attractive to college students and others who have limited time and opportunities for other seasonal employment.

Individuals interested in seasonal employment in our Alitak plant are encouraged to apply online using our Employment Application. We look forward to hearing from you.

Employment Opportunities