Buy Line Deckhand (T/V Hannah)

NOTE: Applicant phone screenings will not begin until February 25th!

SUMMARY

Northline Seafoods is a seafood processing company seeking experienced and motivated Buy Line Deckhands to support our deck crew during the 2026 Bristol Bay season (mid-June through mid-August).  This role is based on board our 400-foot salmon freezing barge in Bristol Bay, Alaska and has a strong emphasis on crane operation for the safe and efficient offloading of salmon from fishing vessels in support of production goals.

There is a potential for some pre-season work to be available and for continued full-time, year-round employment based in Bellingham, WA, from September through May. As Northline continues to grow, we value a collaborative, all-hands-on-deck mindset.

Important Travel Note: As of May 7, 2025, a REAL ID-compliant identification is required for domestic air travel, including flights to Alaska. Candidates must be able to meet this requirement prior to hire.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES 

• The primary duties of this role are the safe and efficient tying of fishing vessels, crane operations, recordkeeping and purchasing of fish from fishing vessels. 
• Distribute slurry ice to fishing vessels in support of Northline quality goals.
• Assist with the loading, unloading and proper stowage/lashing of all cargo on the barge.
• Safely and efficiently operate cranes to offload fish from fishing vessels and move cargo safely from barge to fishing vessel.  
• Tying and untying fishing and tender vessels in coordination with the Deck Team. 
• Ensure proper and safe line handling. Assist with splicing lines and making slings 
• Provide maintenance, repair, and basic troubleshooting of fish buying activities. 
• Keep deck, storage and fish offloading  areas clean, organized and in a safe and seaworthy condition.
• Ensure the deck crew operates in an efficient and safe manner with an emphasis on a zero-accident mentality. 
• Maintain proper records, particularly regarding fish offloading and services.
• Record and create fish tickets for each fishing vessel offload. 
• Complete all safety training and documentation as required by local, state and federal regulations with emphasis on Coast Guard requirements. 
• Support cross-department operations as a member of the Hannah and the Northline team, including assisting other departments as needed (e.g., helping with fish handling in production during peak periods).
• Complete all other duties as assigned. 

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS 

• A minimum of 1 year experience as a deckhand with emphasis on boat tie ups, fish purchasing and crane operation.
• Working knowledge or the ability to quickly learn crane operations is essential for this role. 
• Knowledge of principles and methods for safely moving numerous types of cargo at sea. 
• Experience working in the Bristol Bay fishery is a plus.
• Crane and forklift experience a plus. 
• Previous tendering experience a plus. 
• Knowledge of appropriate use of emergency equipment located on the barge.
• Ability to solve problems and make clear rational decisions in a fast-paced work environment.
• Ability to work as a team.
• Ability to complete duties with minimal supervision.
• Ability to routinely work odd shifts 12+ hour shifts while occasionally working 16+ during peak season.  
• Positive, all-hands-on-deck attitude.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS & WORK ENVIRONMENT

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

This job operates primarily on a barge at sea in Bristol Bay and at the dock in Bellingham, WA. This role routinely uses equipment common in transferring and moving cargo including cranes, lines, slings, spreader bars, etc. Additionally, this position will require advanced knowledge of fish pump setup and maintenance. Employee must be able stand, walk and generally navigate a wet and cold barge environment for long periods of time. Employee must be able to navigate tight spaces and climb multiple flights of stairs without assistance. Ability to lift 50 pounds independently and up to 100 pounds with assistance. This is an at-sea position and employee will be exposed to various weather conditions.

DISCLAIMER

The above is not intended to list all possible essential functions or requirements as they are subject to change. The employer reserves the right to revise or change this description. This description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to satisfactorily perform each of the above essential duties and meet the physical demands. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to meet these requirements.

Northline Seafoods is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to diversity and inclusion in the workplace. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Seafood processing company operating a 400-foot salmon barge in Bristol Bay, Alaska with seasonal work and potential year-round opportunities in Washington.