Welcome to Petersburg Fisheries
Thank
you for your interest in our web site and employment opportunities with us! If
you are going to come to Alaska to work, choose an established seafood company
with excellent Employee and Fisherman relations. That's us! We're Petersburg
Fisheries, a division of Icicle Seafoods, Inc. We are the oldest operating
seafood plant in Alaska. Our cannery has operated continuously since 1899.
Petersburg Fisheries is a land-based seafood processing plant with a workforce of over 500 people. Our products
include Alaskan King crab, Snow crab, Dungeness crab, Halibut, Sablefish,
Rockfish, Herring and Salmon. We ship our products fresh, frozen, or canned to
markets worldwide.
In this web site, you will find information about Petersburg Fisheries
and the
Borough of Petersburg. We hope you find this site fun and informative and that you'll apply for
work with us!
We will begin accepting applications for the 2020 salmon
season in January!
WARNING! In recent years we have received many applications
from individuals in foreign countries that unfortunately have been misled by
others into believing that they can be employed in the USA with companies like
ours. Please be informed that Petersburg Fisheries, a Division of Icicle
Seafoods, Inc. does not sponsor workers and that it is very difficult, if not
impossible, to obtain proper documentation that would allow foreign applicants
to be legally employable in the USA.
If you worked with us in 2019 click here
Throughout the year, work is available on a seasonal basis from mid-February through November. The greatest opportunity for work is during the salmon season. The salmon run begins in mid-June and ends late September. However, the peak of the season is about 2 months long and goes between July and August.
Seafood processing is physically demanding work that requires both strength and endurance. It's hard work! You need to ask yourself if you have the stamina to handle this type of work. You should be healthy and willing to work under these conditions. Be advised that this type of work involves strenuous as well as repetitive tasks. People with back, feet or wrist problems should consider employment in another industry.
Petersburg Fisheries Summer Release Date is September 1st. In order to be
considered for rehire the next season, employees must work through their shift
on August 31st.
Because seasons vary from year to year, there are seasons when the Plant Manager
may call the Summer Release Date earlier than the 1st of September, but the
release date will never be later than September 1st.
To ensure that we have enough people to work through the peak of the salmon
season, we will target our hiring upon those applicants who are available to
work through their shift on August 31st.
Most of the work that we have is called "Sliming" or cleaning fish. This type of
work involves removing the viscera (guts) and cutting off heads, fins, gills,
or tail. That means there are lots of fish guts and fish blood in the work
area. The environment can be wet and cold. Due to moving machinery it is noisy
and hearing protection is required.
Seafood processing is physically demanding work that requires both strength and
endurance. It's hard work! You need to ask yourself if you have the stamina to
handle this type of work. You should be healthy and willing to work under these
conditions. Be advised that this type of work involves strenuous as well as
repetitive tasks. People with back or wrist problems should consider employment
in another industry.
Not everyone is willing to do the physically demanding manual labor that is
required to process fish. If you have any doubts at all, it is in your best
interest not to apply for this type of work.
With all of this considered, we continue to have many employees returning to
work with us year after year. We believe these are the following reasons!
Petersburg Fisheries is a great work opportunity. Employees returning to work
each summer do not have the burden of finding a summer job. This is a real
benefit to college students. Returning employees return at the same wage level,
so as their hours accumulate, so does the rate of pay (see Wage Schedule). Many
employees make lifelong friendships at Petersburg Fisheries. We see many
employees reaching their financial goals, whether it is to pay for a college
degree, buy a new car or home, or to support their families, these are all
possibilities at Petersburg Fisheries.
If the work is so hard, why would anyone choose to do it? Lot's of overtime
hours! Because fish is a highly perishable product, it must be canned or frozen
as quickly as possible to maintain the highest quality. This is why the seafood
industry offers more overtime than most summer jobs.
Working overtime is how people earn more money in a shorter period of time. All
hours worked in excess of 8 in one day are paid at the overtime rate of one and
one half times the regular, straight-time hourly rate of pay. All hours worked
in excess of 40 regular, straight-time hours in one week are also paid at the
overtime rate.
The starting rate of pay for seafood processors is $12.19 per hour. As hours
accumulate, the regular, straight-time hourly rate of pay increases according
to the following schedule:
PROCNW-Processor New
|
Step
|
Hourly Rate
|
| 1 |
$12.19 |
|
LTD Hours
|
Regular Hourly Rate
|
| 0 - 1,800 |
$12.35 |
| 1,801 - 5,000 LTD hrs |
$12.50 |
| 5,001+LTD hrs |
$12.75 |
Employees who work until the release date retain accumulated hours and their pay
rate when they return the following season. To be released, they must work
through the end of their shift on September 1st.
Petersburg Fisheries Division of Icicle Seafoods, Inc. offers health and life
insurance to qualifying employees, as well as a 401k plan for retirement
savings. Complete details will be available during our orientation process.
The health insurance includes medical, dental, and vision care coverage for
qualifying employees. Employees who quit before the season is over, or before
they are released, do not qualify for health insurance.
We also provide the work gear that is needed such as rubber boots, rubber gloves,
waterproof rain pants and jackets, earplugs and other personal protective
equipment. Hairnets and beard nets are also provided.
This year as an incentive for seafood processors to work through the salmon season, Petersburg Fisheries will offer a travel incentive. The reimbursement will be based on where you travel from. To qualify you must finish the salmon season in good standing and provide a copy of your travel ticket. The map below shows the travel reimbursement by location. Note: if you receive the Alaska Permanent Fund you do not qualify for travel.
Returning employees: Each successful referral will entitle the referring employee to a bonus of $500.00 (gross) when the referring and referred employee each complete their term of employment, including transfer if available, and maintaining rehire eligibility. An experienced, returning employee may refer an unlimited number of referrals.
New employees, who refer qualified candidates, will be compensated for the first four (4) successful referrals (up to $2,000) following completion of their initial employment term.
Returning Referral Bonus: As a way to encourage and reward participants in the Referral Bonus Program, Icicle Seafoods is offering a returning referral bonus of $250. Eligible persons include the original referring employee, as well as the referred employee. In order for the referring employee to earn the $250 bonus, the referral must return and successfully complete a second consecutive season at Icicle. The referred employee will receive the $250 bonus only at the successful completion of a second consecutive season at Icicle.
We also try to show our appreciation for a job-well done! In the past we have
staged fun events and drawings with great prizes. Also, after the release date
we have a great send-off with a themed "End-of-Season Party"! So, get your
application in as soon as possible and come join the work, fun and rewards at
Petersburg Fisheries, a true Alaskan adventure in the beautiful heart of S.E.
Alaska.
Employees who work until the summer release date retain accumulated hours and
their pay-rate when they return the following season.
We encourage people to return each year and are proud of those who have achieved
their financial goals by working with us for several successive seasons.
We are expecting a larger than usual number of returning employees this season.
So, secure your spot on the Petersburg Fisheries Team by applying today!
During the orientation, we provide information about Petersburg Fisheries and your role as part of our seafood processing team. You will be issued an Employee Handbook and you will read about our Good Manufacturing Practices (GMPs) and General Work Rules. You will do a drug test, and there will be a tour of the plant. You will be issued work gear from the Stockroom, and lockers will be assigned to keep your gear in. The orientation process takes about 3 hours.
During the safety portion of the orientation, you will find out about our safety rules. You will be instructed in how to identify and report hazards. You will learn how to take proper precautions in the workplace and how to wear personal protective equipment. We will also cover what to do in case of an emergency.
Your supervisor and lead person will train you on the job in the actual skills
that you will need for the work you are assigned to.
Petersburg Fisheries is a food processing facility. We want to put out the best
product possible. We want all employees to be aware that the fish that we
process will become someone's meal.
During orientation and on the job, employees will learn how to properly handle
seafood to preserve freshness and quality and to prevent contamination. The
Good Manufacturing Practices or "GMPs" include rules for personal hygiene
(keeping yourself and your clothing clean). They also cover rules for
sanitation such as disinfecting your gloves, boots, and gear before going into
the processing area. And, they include rules for preventing the product from
becoming contaminated (such as by wearing hairnets, and not chewing gum, eating
drinking, smoking, or wearing jewelry while processing seafood).
We are proud of the fact that Petersburg Fisheries has an excellent reputation
for high quality seafood products. We want to maintain that reputation. That is
why we insist that everyone strictly follow the Good Manufacturing Practices.
Petersburg Fisheries strives to provide a safe and healthful workplace for all
employees. We are proud of our safety record! We have developed policies, rules
and safe operating procedures as part of our Accident Prevention Program. We
expect everyone to follow these policies and take an active role in preventing
accidents in the workplace.
There is no jewelry of any kind allowed in processing areas. This includes
facial piercings. If you have piercings you may want to remove them before
coming to work in Petersburg.
Petersburg Fisheries takes a firm stance against the use of alcohol or drugs in
the workplace. The use, possession, trafficking, or being under the influence
of alcohol or drugs (controlled substances, marijuana, and non-current
prescription, or mind altering substances) is forbidden on Company owned,
leased or controlled property. This includes all areas of the plant, Company
vehicles and Company housing.
Petersburg Fisheries reserves the right to initiate testing or searches without
prior notice. Disciplinary action may result in immediate discharge without
prior warning.
(You need to have your documents on your person when you arrive in Petersburg or you will not be hired.)
As the final step in the hiring process, applicants must provide us with documentation that verifies eligibility to work in the United States and their identity. You will need a document from List A or one from List B and List C. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please refer to the lists below:
List A Acceptable Documents
US Passport (unexpired)
Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I551)
Employment Authorization Document Card (Form I-766)
List B Acceptable Documents
Drivers License
ID Card issued by the state, federal, or local government agency.
Below is the list of other approved documents.
School ID card with a photograph
Voter registration card
U.S. Military card or draft record
Military dependents ID card
U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Document (MMD) card
Native American tribal document
Drivers license issued by a Canadian government authority
List C Acceptable Documents
US Social Security Card (unrestricted)
Consular Report of Birth Abroad (Form FS-240)
Certification of Birth Abroad issued ty the US Department of State (Form FS-545)
Certification of Report of Birth issued by the US Department of State (Form DS-1350)
Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying territory of the United States bearing an official seal
Native American tribal document
US Citizen ID Card (Form I-197)
Identification Card for Use of Resident Citizen in the US (Form I-179)
Employment authorization document issued by the Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
You must have your documents on your person when you arrive in Petersburg in order to be hired!!!
Individuals are responsible for their own travel arrangements and transportation
costs to Petersburg. The point of hire is Petersburg, Alaska. If hired, you will
be met by our bunkhouse head resident upon arrival in Petersburg and given a ride
to the plant from the ferry terminal or the airport. Petersburg also has taxi cabs
which you can take if no ride is available, at your own expense.
Petersburg, Alaska has a population of around 3,500, is situated on a remote
island in the southeast portion of Alaska. The only access is by plane or boat.
Travel to Petersburg can be very expensive, and seating is limited. We
recommend shopping around (internet, travel agencies, etc.) for the best price
and making your reservations as soon as possible.
Viking Travel in Petersburg can be very helpful with arranging your travel needs.
They can be reached at 1-800-327-2571 Monday- Saturday 9 am to 4:30 pm. Please
keep in mind that Petersburg is one hour behind Pacific Standard Time.
Since fishing seasons are unpredictable, it is best to purchase an open or
changeable return date. Alaska Airlines provides daily jet service. You can
reach them at (800) 426-0333 or www.alaskaair.com.
There is one northbound and one southbound flight daily
Petersburg also has ferry service provided by the Alaska Marine Highway System.
They can be reached at (800) 642-0066 or www.alaska.gov/ferry
For more information about Petersburg contact the
Chamber of Commerce at ( 907) 772-3636.
Petersburg Fisheries has housing facilities for seasonal employees
for $5.00 per day. Employees
are housed in several different buildings called "bunkhouses." Gender
segregated (strictly enforced) rooms are shared by 4 to 16 people. You must
be 18 years of age to stay in our housing facility. There is a safe provided to put
your valuables in if needed, and we highly recommend using it.
We have a TV room with a big screen TV, a recreation room with multiple TVs, computers for your use and a quiet room for reading, all with overstuffed comfy chairs. As an added plus, there is free wireless access in all areas of the housing facilities.
There are outdoor ping pong tables (for when the weather is nice) and our outside tables have chess boards etched on them.
Petersburg Fisheries also has a dining hall called "The Cookhouse". Meals are cafeteria-style and are available to all employees. The charge per meal is $4.00 plus 6% sales tax for all you can eat. (Certain restrictions apply.) There are also several restaurants and grocery stores that are located near the plant.
In addition to the cookhouse we have a SNACK SHACK. The hours vary so you will have to check the bulletin boards.
To apply prior to the season,
apply on our web site. Completely fill out the on-line application and
submit it to us. We will contact you by telephone for an interview.
After the interview, we check work references and criminal convictions through the court system. These checks can take time, anywhere from a few days to a few weeks. Positions will be filled by the best qualified applicants.
Successful applicants will be emailed a letter scheduling a date and time for them to report for orientation at our plant. The point of hire is Petersburg Alaska. Individuals who do not confirm their travel plans by the deadline specified in their letters will lose their position and will not be considered for employment. Once hired you must provide a copy of your purchased travel ticket in order to be guaranteed a job.
To ensure that we are adequately staffed through the peak of the season, we will
target our hiring to those individuals who are able to work until at least
September 1st.
What to bring: Due to limited space, bring only a soft, foldable suitcase or duffle bag. Bring clothes that can be layered and work clothes that you do not mind getting fishy smelling: T-shirts, flannel shirts, sweatshirts, sweaters, a light to medium jacket, and thermal underwear. Lots of wool or cotton socks are a must (dry feet are happy feet!). Bring sweatpants if you like to work or hang out in them and a ball cap or other hat that you can wear at work. Remind yourself as you pack the Petersburg climate is damp! Other items you should pack are toiletries such as deodorant, shampoo, soap, and toothpaste, and towels. Housing residents must provide their own bath towels. Do not forget a battery operated alarm clock so you can be on time for your shift! All of these items may be found in the local stores but may be more expensive. All gear for assigned tasks is provided by Petersburg Fisheries. Oh, and do not forget to bring a pair of shorts and sun glasses just in case the elusive Southeast Alaska sun should come out!
NOTE: All referral money will only be awarded to those individuals that remain in good standing at the close of their employment at Petersburg Fisheries.
The following items are not necessities, but ones that will make you more comfortable: Your
favorite comfy pillow, a favorite blanket, flip flops, and a lightweight robe to wear to and
from the shower, and a Headset for listening to music in your bunk.
On a last note: Be sure to have enough cash to last 3 weeks for your own personal items until
you receive your first paycheck.
Whichever seafood company you decide to work with, we recommend that you do not
come to Alaska without a round-trip ticket and enough money for personal living expenses
for at least 3 weeks. Most seafood companies--including ours--do not offer
draws or payroll advances.
Be sure you have the legally acceptable documentation for Form I-9 to prove you
are authorized to work in the United States and to verify your identity before
you leave for Alaska. Don't leave home without them! No one can hire you
without the appropriate documentation. Be aware that anyone misrepresenting
himself or herself during a telephone interview will not be hired upon arrival
in Petersburg.
Expect all the hard work and discomfort that sliming fish entails. Expect work
hours to vary from a few to 14 or more per day, 7 days a week.
Remember: No fish, no work. Lots of fish, lots of work.
NOTE: All referral money will only be awarded to those individuals that remain in good standing at the close of their employment at Petersburg Fisheries.
Over the past 30 years we have had only four poor fishing/canning years. The rest
have been extremely busy. However, if you cannot afford to take the financial risk of
working where we depend upon wild salmon that are unpredictable and may not show up,
then you should choose another industry.
Finally, we hope you choose to work with Petersburg Fisheries because we believe
we have the best program to offer.
Petersburg Fisheries is an Equal Opportunity Employer
We endeavor at all times to fill available openings with the best qualified
applicants regardless of race, sex, marital status, religion, pregnancy, age,
national origin, color or handicap which does not impair the ability to do the
job.
