What kind of fish does Snopac Products, Inc. process?
Snopac Products concentrates on herring and salmon. Herring begins in early spring and Salmon during the summer. In the future there may be opportunities to process Pacific Cod.
What are the different positions and duties for processors?
All positions require everyone to be in good general physical and mental health. Seafood processing is demanding work requiring the ability to stand 16 hours a day, 7 days a week. People with back, leg or knee problems, may find this difficult. Many different positions for processors include heading, gutting, and sorting fish, feeding fish onto belts, grading them, packing, and stacking boxes of them in addition to other jobs. Most of the positions require standing, reaching, lifting and can include other very repetitive motions.
A few positions are located near the blast freezer and may be extremely cold (freezer suites are provided, but all workers in all positions should plan on wearing warm clothing.) Other positions on the vessel include leads, roe techs, tally, housekeeping, galley workers, engineering assistant, deck hand assistant, quality control, etc. Some positions, such as deck pump/sorter, will be primarily watching the pump to make sure no problems arise. These positions are generally reserved for individuals with prior experience and/or training, however, if you are qualified or interested in one of these positions please inform the production manager.
What is the length of the Contract?
The length of the contract varies with each season and is based on weather, the length of the fish run, etc. Generally herring runs for 4 weeks, beginning mid to late April. Salmon begins in Bristol Bay mid June lasting some seasons until mid to end of August. The M/V Snopac Innovator may move to SE Alaska for the pink salmon season which generally lasts until late August. Exact length of contracts will vary.
What is the length of the Contract?
The length of the contract varies each season based on weather, fish, etc. Generally herring runs for 4 weeks, beginning mid to late April. Salmon begins in Bristol Bay mid June lasting until end of August in SE Alaska for approximately a 3 month season. Other seasons may vary.
How many hours can one person expect to work?
Work hours depend on the amount of fish that comes into the ship or plant. Some years have larger fish runs than others. Generally speaking during the height of season 16 hours a day, 7 days a week is normal and should be expected. However, Snopac does not guarantee any number of hours. If there are NO FISH there is NO WORK and you receive NO PAY!
When are the fish processing seasons?
Employment opportunities begin late April for herring and mid June for Salmon processing. The Salmon season usually works particularly well for summer employment for college students, since the salmon season generally ends mid to late August.
What is the pay rate for fish processors?
Processors are paid competitive wages. Snopac offers returning crew a premium over entry level pay.
How often are processors paid?
Payroll is done either monthly or at the end of the season depending on the length of the contract. All paychecks are handed directly to the employee. Snopac cannot mail checks to family members or friends and direct deposit is not available. Each individual is responsible for making arrangements with family members, friends, or their bank for mid-season depositing.
Will employees need to purchase any special equipment or gear?
All people performing jobs requiring safety equipment will be provided with the appropriate gear. However, all employees will need to purchase boots for work. These boots can be purchased at the vessel sea store or plant store in Dillingham at current cost. Each individuals first set of raingear is provided, however if a second set is needed the individual is responsible for purchasing it. Additional items are available for purchase such as insoles, boot socks, and fleece face masks.
What are living conditions like?
The living quarters are dorm-like bunks, holding on the average 4 to 16 people in each room, with bathrooms down the hall. Small lockers are available in your room for personal belongings and clothing. When packing be sure to pack in duffle bag style bag for easy stowage. You will have little privacy during the season. Meals are served cafeteria style, with few options for special dietary needs.
Good housekeeping in both living quarters and work areas is each employee’s responsibility. Common living spaces, such as rest rooms and the galley, are to be left clean and orderly for the next occupants. Poor housekeeping contributes to an unsafe environment, poor morale and reduced productivity and will not be tolerated.
What to bring?
CLOTHING: Plan on very wet, very cold weather. Make sure you bring WARM clothing. Laundry is done once a week so you will need enough clothing to last eight days.
• Pants (jeans or sweats)
• Shirt (flannels, T-shirts, sweatshirts, polar fleece)
• Coat or vest (warm and washable)
• Socks (wool and cotton) at least 8 - 10 pair
• Hats (head covering must be worn in the plant at all times)
• Shoes (non skid soles)
• Towels and wash clothes
• Shower thongs
• Alarm clock – battery operated, you are responsible for waking up on your own
TOILET ARTICLES: Bring enough of the following to last 2-3 months.
Soap, Toothpaste, Shaving cream, Shampoo, Deodorant, Razors, Prescription medications
MISCELLANEOUS: The following items are not required but are helpful to have.
Vitamins, Stationary & stamps, Playing cards, Sewing kit, Address book, Games, Camera, Second pair of glasses, Phone cards, Walkman or iPod, Reading material, Padlock (to secure locker)
Are medical facilities available for injuries and illnesses?
All illnesses or prior injuries must be taken care of before departing Seattle. The vessel contains limited medical supplies for emergency illnesses and injuries. Rural Alaska does have medical clinics available and Dillingham has a regional hospital for emergencies.
How are employees transported to and from Alaska?
For the M/V Snopac Innovator, the normal method of travel is aboard the M/V Snopac Innovator from Seattle to Alaska and back to Seattle. Dillingham plant crew will be provided with round trip airfare from Anchorage, Alaska to our location in Dillingham. Snopac does not cover travel costs to Anchorage. Travel from Anchorage to Dillingham is of no cost to the employee as long as the contract is completed. If the contract is not completed the individual is financially responsible for all transportation costs advanced to the employee and, in addition, any charges incurred for transporting the individual to a place of public transportation.
How can I contact my family while I am on the boat?
Cell phones do not work in the Bristol Bay area of Alaska. Onboard the vessel there is no personal phone service. Limited e-mail access is available during down times and after work shifts. Mail is also an option, but it is very sporadic. Arrangements for all personal business, such as bill payment, must be made before the vessel leaves.
Public pay phones are available at the Dillingham plant, along with sporadic e-mail access that is shared with your fellow workers. Phone cards are recommended to bring with you.
What items are available for purchase at the company store?
The M/V Snopac Innovator has a small sea store that operates on a limited schedule. Some items usually available include: cigarettes, pop, batteries, stamps, candy, sweats, and limited warm weather clothing. A limited supply of personal hygiene products is available; however each individual is responsible for bringing all of their own toiletries.
The Dillingham plant has a much smaller store and does NOT sell cigarettes.
Is smoking allowed on the vessel or at the Dillingham Plant?
Smoking is allowed in designated areas only! These areas are located outside as NO smoking is allowed indoors. Chewing tobacco is also permitted as long as proper disposal procedures are followed. All cigarette butts must be disposed of in provided containers.
What other policies should I know about before applying?
ZERO-TOLERANCE: Snopac Products, Inc. supports and adheres to the Coast Guard's zero-tolerance drugs and alcohol policy. Possession, use or sale of drugs and alcohol on company premises is strictly prohibited. Snopac Products, Inc. has a random drug testing policy while employed on the M/V Snopac Innovator. Violation of this policy will be cause for reprimand with immediate consequences up to, and including, discharge.
ANTI-DISCRIMINATION: Snopac Products, Inc. does not tolerate any form of discrimination or harassment. Employees are required to report any actions they feel are in violation with this policy. Anyone discriminating or harassing other workers will be reprimanded with consequences up to and including discharge.
DOCUMENTS NEEDED TO 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. For a complete list of acceptable documents, please refer to Form I-9.
Other questions?
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