Work with Circle

Working in Alaska is truly an adventure! You will have the chance to work hard alongside a fantastic team while earning a competitive wage. Nature is abundant, and many of us take advantage of it during our time off. However, being a fish processor is a demanding role. The reality of enduring 12 to 16-hour shifts repeatedly can be quite challenging. We are looking for candidates who exhibit a strong work ethic, the discipline to wake up early and arrive on time, and a commitment to consistently delivering high-quality work. During peak seasons, days off are limited. This job will test your endurance; you may face fatigue, muscle soreness, and tired feet. We need individuals who are prepared, willing, and capable of handling the cold, wet conditions and long hours that come with fish processing.

The ideal candidates thrive in a team environment. Circle Seafoods embraces individuals of all ages and backgrounds. You will work, dine, and live closely with the same team each day, making respectful interaction essential. This means observing quiet hours, keeping shared spaces clean, respecting others’ belongings, and following small practices that foster a healthy, cooperative working and living atmosphere. We seek true team players.

While specific processing skills aren’t required, we do need individuals who can learn quickly and are committed to performing tasks to the best of their abilities. In short, Circle Seafoods is searching for individuals with a positive attitude, a strong work ethic, and the ability to work collaboratively. If you possess these traits, we want to hear from you!

Be prepared for variable weather, including cool  summers and stormy winters. Most locations feature shared living quarters, so you’ll have roommates and limited personal space. Be sure to read our “What to bring to Alaska list”. Employees will need to set up direct deposit for their paychecks. Phone service will always be available, and you can receive care packages in the mail. Please note that all mail may be subject to searches for drugs, alcohol, and contraband.

Working at Circle Seafoods offers significant earnings primarily through overtime, with employees typically working 12 to 16 hours a day during peak season. Employees face variable hours outside of peak but can earn well if they are prepared and hardworking.

Key points include:

• No charges for room and board; hearty meals and point-of-hire airfare are provided.
• Beyond earnings, employees gain unique experiences and friendships while exploring the beauty and wildlife of Alaska.

First-time processors receive an hourly wage that exceeds the Alaska minimum wage. Overtime pay is applicable for any hours worked beyond 8 hours in a single day and 40 hours in a workweek, calculated at 1.5 times the regular hourly rate. For instance, if you work 14 hours each day for a week, you would accumulate a total of 98 hours. Out of this, 40 hours will be compensated at the regular rate, while 58 hours will be paid at the overtime rate. For more specific inquiries regarding pay, feel free to email us at eve@circleseafoods.com.

Circle Seafoods’ processing schedule aligns with the southeast Alaska salmon run, which can vary in specific dates each year. Typically, the season starts in June and concludes in September. Unfortunately, we cannot predict when a given season will commence or end; we begin processing when the fish arrive and cease when they depart.

Alaska’s fishing seasons fluctuate annually, with the size of the runs entirely dependent on natural factors. The amount of work we can offer is directly related to the volume of fish harvested. At the start and end of the season, or during years with smaller runs, there may be periods of limited or no work available. We cannot assure a set number of hours for employees each day. When fish are absent, so is the work. When the catch comes in, we expect all staff to fulfill their scheduled shifts. During peak season, work hours can reach up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week, while hours tend to be more inconsistent at the start and end of the season.

Before starting your journey at Circle Seafoods, it is essential to sign an offer letter,  and complete a background check and the Department of Homeland Security I-9 Employment Eligibility Verification form. The I-9 requires you to submit original documentation (no photocopies allowed) to confirm your identity and eligibility to work. Below are the categories of acceptable documents:

• Documents from List A establish both identity and employment eligibility.
• Documents from List B verify identity only.
• Documents from List C confirm employment eligibility only.

If you cannot provide a document from List A, you must present one document from List B and one from List C. For any questions or further information regarding acceptable I-9 documents, please refer to the USCIS webpage.

List A Documents

(1) Current US Passport (2) Permanent Resident Card or Alien Registration Receipt Card (Form I-551) (3) Unexpired foreign passport with I-551 stamp (4) Unexpired Employment Authorization Document that contains a photograph (Form I-766, I-688, I-688A, I-688B) (5) Unexpired Foreign Passport with an unexpired Arrival-Departure Record, Form I-94, bearing the same name as the passport and containing an endorsement of the alien’s nonimmigrant status, if that status authorizes the alien to work for the employer.

List B Documents

(1) Driver’s license or ID card issued by a state or outlying possession of the United States provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address (2) ID card issued by federal, state, or local government agencies or entities provided it contains a photograph or information such as name, date of birth, sex, height, eye color, and address (3) School ID card with a photograph (4) Voter’s registration card (5) U.S. Military card or draft record (6) Military dependent’s ID card (7) U.S. Coast Guard Merchant Mariner Card (8) Native American tribal document (9) Driver’s license issued by a Canadian government authority.

List C Documents

(1) U.S. social security card issued by the Social Security Administration (other than a card stating it is not valid for employment) (2) Certification of Birth Abroad issued by the Department of State (Form FS-545 or Form DS- 1350) (3) Original or certified copy of a birth certificate issued by a state, county, municipal authority or outlying possession of the United States bearing an official seal (4) Native American tribal document (5) U.S. Citizen ID Card (Form I-197) (6) ID Card for use of Resident Citizen in the United States (Form I-179) (7) Unexpired employment authorization document issued by DHS (other than those listed under List A above).

The Metlakatla plant and Barge is where employees will spend a significant amount of their time. The environment is often cold, wet and consistently noisy, creating a bustling atmosphere filled with people, products, and equipment constantly in motion. It is crucial for all employees to remain vigilant about their tasks and the activities happening around them.

The plant is a spacious facility divided into various departments, each managed by its own supervisors and staff who oversee specific aspects of the production process. Employees receive training for specific roles and are frequently cross-trained for multiple positions. Job assignments for each employee are determined solely by the supervisors and leads within those departments, meaning there are no guarantees regarding job placement.

In addition to the main plant, Circle Seafoods features a bunkhouse with rooms that can accommodate two to six individuals. Bathroom and shower facilities are shared among residents. A break room with a TV is available in the dining area of the bunkhouse and is accessible to employees at all times.

Circle Seafoods expects employees to arrive on time to their flight in their assigned hire city,  and to catch their connecting flights. Punctuality is essential, and employees must report to work promptly each day, as lateness is not tolerated. While working in the production area, it is crucial to follow Circle Seafoods’ safety and production protocols, including our “Good Manufacturing Practices.” Finally, we anticipate that all employees will meet their contractual commitments. While we strive to bring in employees only when necessary, it’s typical to experience a few days, and occasionally more, without work at the start of the season. This occurs because we cannot control the arrival of fish in Southeast Alaska. By utilizing historical data, we make the most accurate predictions possible regarding when fish are expected to arrive, and we schedule employee start times based on these estimates. All employees should anticipate some downtime at the beginning of the season; this is standard practice across all Alaskan fish processing companies.

• You will need identification to travel
• We provide a fitted sheet, a top sheet, a pillow with pillow case, and one (1) blanket. 
• Long sleeve shirts, sweatshirts, jeans, Carhartts, and other clothes you don’t mind working hard in and potentially  throwing away at the end of the season. Please bring enough warm clothes to last you at least 7 days, laundry machines are available in the Bunkhouse.
• Warm hat (beanie) and/or baseball cap. While these cannot replace hair nets (which must be worn in the plant at all times), many people prefer to wear hats over their hair nets.
• Wool socks
• Wool boot inserts
• Long underwear for colder days processing.
• Towel/washcloth.
• Shower shoes (flip flops or crocs)
• Toiletries carrier. We DO NOT offer soap, toothpaste, feminine hygiene products, shaving cream, razors, lotion, hair products, or chapstick of any kind. However there is a town store with a large selection of toiletry items.
• Ibuprofen. You will want this during peak season.
• A summer’s supply of any prescription medication you take. If, for any reason, you are unable to bring a large enough quantity to last the entire summer, make arrangements ahead of time with someone from home who can mail your medication to you.
• Books, board games, playing cards, and other means of entertaining yourself in constructive ways. There are often a few days with little or no work before the fish arrive.
• A lock for your suitcase. Our rooms do not have personal lockers. If you have any personal items that you would like to be secure, bring a lock that fits your suitcase so that you can use it as an impromptu locker

Your Name
c/o Circle Seafoods
PO BOX 650 Metlakatla, AK 99926