---
title: 'Fishmeal Trainee - F/T North Star at Glacier Fish'
canonical: 'https://feeny.ai/job/fishmeal-trainee-f-t-north-star-glacier-fish-washington-0rs8a65nz59e'
type: 'job'
last_seen: '2026-09-13'
---

# Fishmeal Trainee - F/T North Star at Glacier Fish

- **Company:** Glacier Fish
- **Location:** Washington, DC
- **Employment:** contract
- **Work type:** onsite
- **Posted:** 2026-02-12
- **Last confirmed live:** 2026-09-13
- **Apply:** https://jobs.lever.co/glacierfish/69f89d56-b9ae-4a33-9b61-780f0e17d96a

## Job description

North Star Fishing Company is dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world. We accomplish our mission with a day-in-and-day-out commitment to quality, safety, consistent attention to detail and an on-going concern for the stability and health of the North Pacific fishery resource.

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 three trawl catcher-processor vessels that operate in the Bering Sea, Aleutian Islands, and the Gulf of Alaska. Come join us with one of the many exciting job opportunities available!

Looking for a Fishmeal Trainee to work on our state of the art fishing trawler with highly automated factory, Rolls Royce power management system and electric deck equipment as well as Hedinn built Fishmeal Plant. The Fishmeal Trainee supports the safe operation and maintenance of the fishmeal/oil plant under guidance from the Fishmeal Technician. Gains hands-on experience in production processes, equipment handling, maintenance and quality.

The Fishmeal Trainee is a learning position with the expectation of developing proficiency to advance into a Fishmeal Technician role should one become available. Reports to the Fishmeal Technicians and Chief Engineer.

Duties and Responsibilities

- Assist Technicians with monitoring fishmeal/oil plant operation lines from the control room and processing area to ensure optimum utilization of the plant and quality of the fishmeal according to specifications.
- Learn how to adjust pump and auger speeds to safeguard product quality.
- Develop the ability to operate equipment correctly to achieve the required quality standards for fishmeal and fish oil, as directed by the Fishmeal Technicians.
- Learns to maintain and operate fishmeal and oil plant equipment in accordance with the manufacturer's recommendations. Equipment includes pumps, motors, decanters, dryers, screw presses, evaporators and electronic control panels.
- Learns the applicable sections of the Safety Management System and develops understanding of company operating and safety policies and procedures.
- Gains knowledge and practical experience in conducting moisture analysis test on fishmeal and reporting results as required.
- Develops knowledge and understanding of steam systems.
- Learns to monitor raw material levels in silos to confirm correct flow into the plant.
- Assist Technicians with the startup and shut down of process line machinery to ensure compliance
- Participate in daily maintenance tasks as well as performs maintenance on the plant during shipyard.
- Assist Technicians with bagging operation and safe storage of product according to loading/storage plan.

## Skills and Abilities Required

- Must have basic mechanical skills to perform maintenance and repair of equipment
- Must follow all company, OSHA and vessel safety guidelines
- Must possess the ability to stand on their feet for extended periods of time where physical work may be required, including lifting items of up to 50+ lbs.
- Must be able to work independently and efficiently in a timely manner; a self-starter who is motivated and able to meet operation deadlines.
- Knowledge of fishmeal equipment, machines and tools, including their designs, uses, repair and maintenance preferred.
- Knowledge of raw materials, production processes, quality control, and techniques for maximizing the effective manufacture of fishmeal and fish oil preferred.
- Proficient computer skills including MS Suite.
- Basic math skills including addition, subtraction, multiplication, division and percentages.
- Able to communicate effective in English, both verbally and in writing.
- Strong attention to detail.
- Ability to effectively troubleshoot equipment or process failures and apply solutions.

## Qualifications

- 1+ year of experience as a Fishmeal Trainee or Technician on a vessel or in a shore based fishmeal plant preferred.
- 2-3 years experience operating machinery in an industrial or manufacturing setting.

## Benefits

- Free Room and Board
- Eligible for 401K
- Health/Dental benefits once eligibility requirements are met
- Crew Share based

North Star Fishing Company are Equal Opportunity Employers - Minority / Women / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age.

By signing below you are affirming that the statements that you make in this application, plus any additional written and oral information you provide us about yourself (such as an interview) are true, and that you have not omitted anything about yourself that might be important to us in deciding whether to hire you. You understand that any false statement or material omission is sufficient grounds for us to reject this application, or to terminate your employment without further consideration.

I AUTHORIZE INVESTIGATION OF ALL STATEMENTS CONTAINED HEREIN AND THE REFERENCES LISTED ABOVE TO GIVE YOU ANY AND ALL INFORMATION CONCERNING MY PREVIOUS EMPLOYMENT AND ANY PERTINENT INFORMATION THEY MAY HAVE, PERSONAL OR OTHERWISE, AND RELEASE ALL PARTIES FROM ALL LIABILITY FOR ANY DAMAGE THAT MIGHT RESULT FROM FURNISHING SAME TO YOU.

In addition, you understand that any offer of employment will be contingent upon our verifying your employment eligibility as required by the United States Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS).

I UNDERSTAND AND AGREE THAT, IF HIRED, MY EMPLOYMENT IS FOR NO DEFINITE PERIOD AND MAY, REGARDLESS OF THE DATE OF PAYMENT OF MY WAGES AND SALARY, BE TERMINATED AT ANY TIME WITHOUT ANY PRIOR NOTICE.

## About Glacier Fish

## Company Overview
- **One-liner**: Glacier Fish Company is a privately held, family-founded seafood company specializing in the harvest and processing of frozen-at-sea groundfish, operating a fleet of catcher-processor vessels in the Bering Sea and off the U.S. Pacific coast.
- **Entity Type**: Private (founded 1982; not publicly traded)
- **Headquarters**: Seattle, Washington, USA
- **Founded**: 1982
- **Founders**: Erik Breivik (along with several other fishing families)

## Core Business
- **Primary industry**: Fisheries – commercial fishing and onboard processing of groundfish (Alaska Pollock, Pacific Cod, Pacific Whiting/Hake).
- **Target customers**: B2B – global seafood distributors, quick-service restaurant chains, frozen food manufacturers, and retail packaged goods companies.
- **Mission**: “Dedicated to producing the highest quality frozen-at-sea groundfish products in the world” – with a commitment to sustainability and the health of the North Pacific fishery resource.

## Products & Services
- **Frozen-at-Sea Fillets & Blocks**: High-quality fillet blocks, shatter pack fillets, IQF fillets, and mince used in fish sticks, sandwiches, and other value-added products.
- **Surimi**: Processed fish protein used in imitation crab and other seafood analogs.
- **Head & Gut (H&G) Products**: Whole fish headed and gutted for further processing onshore.
- **Fishmeal & Fish Oil**: Produced from processing waste, supplying animal feed and omega-3 oil markets.
- **Vessel Management**: Full management of four additional vessels under North Star Fishing Company (Arica, Cape Horn, Rebecca Irene, Unimak).

## Market Standing
- **Valuation / Market Cap**: Not publicly disclosed.
- **Key Metric**: Private company; annual revenue not disclosed. Total funding rounds not applicable. Employee count (HQ) approx. 29 (LinkedIn, +10% YoY).
- **Notable Investors / Partners**:
  - Nippon Suisan USA, Inc. (a wholly owned subsidiary of Nippon Suisan Kaisha, one of the world’s largest marine products companies) – minority partner.
  - Norton Sound Economic Development Corporation (NSEDC) – 50% partner since 1998, representing 15 Alaska Native communities.
- **Growth Signals**: Acquired competitor Alaska Ocean Seafood in 2008, doubling quota holdings and adding the flagship vessel Alaska Ocean. Upgraded fishmeal production plant to process 40 metric tons fishmeal + 8,000 gallons fish oil per day. Long-standing, uninterrupted harvesting relationship with NSEDC. Many crew members have 20+ years tenure.

## Competitive Advantages
- **Vertical Integration**: Full control from catch to frozen-at-sea processing, ensuring product quality and supply chain reliability.
- **Quota Ownership**: Holds substantial fishing quota shares in the rationalized Alaska Pollock fishery, providing a stable, long-term resource base.
- **Large, Modern Fleet**: The Alaska Ocean is one of the world’s largest catcher-processors, capable of freezing over 220 metric tons per day. Both vessels are equipped with Starlink internet for crew connectivity.
- **Strategic Partnerships**: Deep relationships with NSEDC (community development) and Nippon Suisan (global distribution and capital) create a strong competitive moat.
- **Sustainability & Legacy**: 30+ years of sustainable fishing practices, with the Alaska Ocean featured in the Smithsonian National Museum of American History and on the History Channel’s Modern Marvels.

## Strategic Focus
- Continue to operate and optimize the current fleet of catcher-processors, maintaining high-quality frozen-at-sea production.
- Strengthen partnerships with NSEDC and Nippon Suisan while exploring further long-term cooperative agreements.
- Sustain and improve environmental stewardship, including full utilization of fish waste for fishmeal and fish oil.
- Develop next-generation leadership (CEO Michael Breivik, son of founder) to carry forward the company’s core operating principles.

## Why Work Here
- **Work Environment**: Onboard a factory trawler in the Bering Sea – physically demanding, wet, cold, with 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week for 2–4 months at a time. Crew-share pay (percentage of the vessel’s catch) provides strong earning potential linked to performance.
- **Benefits**: Health, vision, and dental insurance for crew and family; 401(k) with company match; employee assistance program; company-provided training; room and meals onboard; Starlink Wi-Fi/email access.
- **Career Progression**: Opportunity to start in entry-level roles (deck, factory, galley) and advance to higher-paying positions (engineer, officer, cook). Many crew members stay for 20+ years.
- **Culture**: Emphasis on teamwork, safety, and self-discipline. Zero-tolerance drug and alcohol policy. Equal opportunity employer. The company values its diverse and talented crew as its greatest asset.
- **Remote/Hybrid Policy**: Not applicable – all crew positions are at sea. HQ roles in Seattle are likely office-based.
- **Vessel Departments**: Wheelhouse (Captain, Mates, Purser), Engineering (Chief, Assistant, Oilers), Deck (Deckhands), Galley (Steward, Cook, Housekeeper), Factory (Processing staff).

## Sources
1. [glacierfish.com/about](http://www.glacierfish.com/about/)
2. [glacierfish.com/employment](http://www.glacierfish.com/employment/)
3. [linkedin.com/company/glacierfishcompany](https://www.linkedin.com/company/glacierfishcompany)
4. [jobs.lever.co/glacierfish](https://jobs.lever.co/glacierfish)
5. [glacierfishcareers.multiscreensite.com](https://glacierfishcareers.multiscreensite.com/)

## Other roles at Glacier Fish

- [Licensed Mate - Fishing Vessel UNIMAK](https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-mate-fishing-vessel-unimak-glacier-fish-seattle-5ydjc861m21w) — Seattle, WA
- [Captain - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/captain-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-washington-nnnz3hvv26w8) — Washington, DC
- [Licensed Mate - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-mate-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-washington-5ghsrtpwndjm) — Washington, DC
- [Second Assist Engineer on Commercial Fishing Vessel - F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/second-assist-engineer-on-commercial-fishing-vessel-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-9e51zzexqh19) — Washington, DC
- [At Sea Processor - F/T North Star - Alaska](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-f-t-north-star-alaska-glacier-fish-alaska-0g66628975bz) — Alaska
- [At-Sea Processor on the F/T UNIMAK - IN ALASKA](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-on-the-f-t-unimak-in-alaska-glacier-fish-alaska-hrdgz21zddj7) — Alaska
- [Processor for At-Sea work on F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/processor-for-at-sea-work-on-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-fish-alaska-7h5nx1syh8rc) — Alaska
- [At-Sea Processor - F/T Alaska Ocean](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-processor-f-t-alaska-ocean-glacier-fish-washington-akm4wrxyrdzf) — Washington, DC
- [At-Sea Fish Processor - F/T Northern Glacier](https://feeny.ai/job/at-sea-fish-processor-f-t-northern-glacier-glacier-fish-united-states-cndrh0wjj255) — United States
- [Licensed Assistant Engineer - F/T North Star](https://feeny.ai/job/licensed-assistant-engineer-f-t-north-star-glacier-fish-washington-dyndtscg7wjc) — Washington, DC