North Star Fishing Company is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is proud of our diverse and talented crew. We consider them to be our greatest asset and we take pride in the fact that many of our crew members have been with the company 20 years or more!
We are one of the largest producers of frozen at sea flatfish, cod, pollock and other groundfish, and distributes seafood throughout the world. We manage two trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska, F/T North Star and F/T Unimak.
Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!
Each vessel has multiple departments where you can bring your talent and passion to the job. Our Company provides an opportunity to start as an entry level crew member and work your way up into a variety of departments or roles where you can earn more and build a career.
Our highly experienced wheelhouse staff includes the Captain, Mate and Purser who are in charge of operations on the entire vessel.
Engineering crew members keep engines, onboard power equipment and factory machinery running smoothly throughout the trip. Staff include Chief Engineer, Assistant Engineer, and Oilers while some boats also have Electricians, Maintenance Technicians and Fishmeal Technicians.
Deckhands work out on deck deploying and hauling back nets. On deck crew start out learning to tie knots, splice wire and mend nets.
The galley is the heart of the vessel where crew come together for meals and breaks. Galley staff cooks meals for the crew, do laundry, and clean the ship. Positions include Chief Steward, Assistant Cook and Housekeeper.
The factory staff works below deck in the factory processing and packing fish. Crew may progress in job responsibilities and pay as they learn to work in more areas of the factory successfully.
Working onboard an at sea processing vessel is physically and mentally challenging.
The environment is wet and cold and the shifts are long. The job requires physical endurance, repetitive lifting, agility, prolonged periods of standing, teamwork and self-discipline.
Crew members make a contractual commitment to being at sea for extended periods of time, leaving family and friends at home.
Comprehensive coverage for you and your family.
We provide a 401(k) retirement savings plan with match allowing crew members to plan for their future.
Online and telephone service available to coach and guide crew through the challenges faced in life.
Company provided training for those skills needed to perform your job safely day in and day out.
Frequently Asked Questions
Seasons and contracts vary; however, you can generally expect to be away from home for two to four months at a time.
Pay is crew-share based and deposited into your bank acount 14 days after the trip ends.
"Crew share" refers to a payment system based on the percentage of teh ship's catch. The more fish you and the crew catch, the more money you and the crew make.
You are responsible for your expenses and travel to our Seattle, Washington, USA port of departure. If you’re hired after a vessel has departed, we’ll cover your travel expense and arrangements from Seattle to the vessel.
Phone cards are available for purchase and internet access is available via Starlink on the boat and on shore. Many crew members have had good success with apps like WhatsApp to communicate with loved ones.
Yes, all vessel crew members will be asked to complete an annual fit-for-duty questionnaire.
Rain gear and boots will need to be purchased once onboard.
Room, meals, and WIFI /email access.
Crew work 16 hour shifts, 7 days a week while onboard.
Our seasons being in early January. H&G vessels fish for approximately 10 months before returning to Seattle for winter shipyard.