New employees with no previous fishing experience start as either factory processors or deckhands. The captain will assign you to a role based on what positions need to be filled.

New employees working as factory processors will learn to sort fish by size and species, clean and bleed fish, remove heads and collarbones, and freeze sorted fish in pans for packaging.

New employee working as deckhands will learn to handle and haul lines & fishing gear, operate deck machinery including the autobaiter, slack-taker/combi, crane, etc.

All employees also participate in the loading/unloading of products and supplies at the start and end of each trip.

Working in the Bering Sea:

Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days’ travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.

The Hiring Process:

If you are selected for an interview, a member of the BWS HR team will reach out to set up an initial screening. This will be a brief phone or video call and may also include an automated survey about your past work experience.
If you are selected for a second interview, a member of the HR team will arrange a phone interview with the hiring manager. Applicants approved by the hiring manager will receive a conditional offer of employment.
All offers are conditional based on the results of a pre-employment drug screening (including screening for THC), pre-employment background check, and verification that you are authorized to work in the US (eVerify).
Once you are through the screening process, we will add your name to the “ready list,” and the HR Team will reach out when a position becomes available.

Compensation:

Deckhands & Processors are paid by crew share percentage. New hires generally receive a “half share” and can earn up to a “full share” depending on experience. Crew shares are assigned by the captain based on skill level, attitude, and performance. At the end of each trip, 40% of the sales value of the product is divided among the crew based on each crew member’s share. Payroll is processed on a trip-by-trip basis. Within 21 days of offload, you will receive a check or direct deposit for 100% of your trip earnings.

Compensation varies based on the sales price of the product and operating expenses. When sales prices are high, crew compensation goes up. When catch rates are fast, operating expenses like fuel and bait go down, and crew compensation goes up. Catch rates are generally highest during the first 4-5 months of the year.

Travel & Expenses:

BWS will arrange all travel from your hometown to Dutch Harbor, AK, and back to your hometown at the end of your rotation. On your first rotation with BWS, the company pays 100% of travel costs. If you return for future rotations, travel expenses will be deducted from your settlement at the end of the trip. There is no up-front cost for travel, but you will need to pay bag fees to check luggage. If hotels are required during travel, BWS pays 100% of the cost, including meal vouchers.

Requirements

Good physical fitness; ability to work hard for extended periods.
Willingness to learn, follow directions from vessel officers, and be a team player.
Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone who tests positive for THC).
Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment).
Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify.

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