Seafood Processor jobs in Dutch Harbor (Anchorage: wages, living, safety)

[StankinJankin]

Hey everyone,

I just searched the forum and read about every post written since 2008 mentioning seafood processing jobs. One thread asked exactly what I want to know, and in the two or three pages of comments, nobody answered the question. The replies were mostly people reminiscing about their crazy daily life during a season in Dutch Harbor from many years ago.

I have submitted applications to pretty much every single Dutch Harbor seafood processing position and every at-sea processing position.

Now, I'm being contacted for interviews. I have a few this week. Are there any companies to avoid? Are there any companies that are "better" to work for? My next two interviews are with UniSea and Westward.

I've Googled every variation of the question I can think of, and I haven't found a breakdown of who is good to work for and who is not. The only thing I've found is a few reviews on websites like GlassDoor and Indeed, but not much.

[Sockeye66]

What "better" are you looking for?
Both our legitimate companies that have been working there for years. Both will be working the same fisheries. I've not heard that either has a poor safety reputation.

Both will have Contracts noting wages, season lengths, shift schedule, room and board etc.

Learn what you can and make the decision based on that.

[StankinJankin]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

What "better" are you looking for?
Both our legitimate companies that have been working there for years. Both will be working the same fisheries. I've not heard that either has a poor safety reputation.

Both will have Contracts noting wages, season lengths, shift schedule, room and board etc.

Learn what you can and make the decision based on that.

Sorry for such a confusing question. I thought maybe someone here could recommend one company over another, or whether one company should be avoided.

Thanks for your helpful comment.

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by StankinJankin

Sorry for such a confusing question. I thought maybe someone here could recommend one company over another, or whether one company should be avoided.

Thanks for your helpful comment.

Best of luck, hope you find the best fit.

[wamer27]

I think the only real way your going to find this info is from a bar in town.

[Chilkoot]

If you don't get a response here call the seafood office at the Dept of Labor in Anchorage. They work with and help recruit for seafood workers and may know the particulars you are looking for. Not sure they will say one is better than another although they may be able to tell you about living/working conditions at specific plants.


https://jobs.alaska.gov/seafood/recruitment.html

[Sockeye66]

Originally Posted by wamer27

I think the only real way your going to find this info is from a bar in town.

I've been to the bars in town, not a good strategy.

[Sockeye66]

Stankin, looking over your post again you mention "at sea" processors too. For the two shore plants noted not going to be a big difference either way.

Going off shore it does get tougher, not as simple scram if you want to, although travel isn't easy for anyone since scheduled commercial flights stopped. Sounds like this is your first time, unless you a young adventurous type I'd start shore then evaluate from there.

[wamer27]

Originally Posted by Sockeye66

I've been to the bars in town, not a good strategy.

I get lots of useful info from locals in small town bars, stuff I can't find online. Figured it might be a way for people in the know to learn things that won't be printed.

[Metlakatla]

Originally Posted by wamer27

I get lots of useful info from locals in small town bars, stuff I can't find online. Figured it might be a way for people in the know to learn things that won't be printed.

You might hear some second-hand stuff in the local bars, idk; I'm with Sockeye on them not being a reliable resource. Locals don't work in these plants as a general rule, and people who do work in them literally have no time off for shooting the breeze in the bars.