Assistant Factory Foreman 2026

Excellence. Innovation. Integrity. Passion.

Assistant Foremen aid the Factory Foreman as needed to train fish processors and oversee factory operations as raw fish moves through the various factory stations using machinery and conveyors. Assistant Foreman act as the lead when the factory foreman is off shift. Job includes assist training fish processors that are new to the vessel, oversee day to day operations as fish processors perform their required duties such as sorting, cutting fish, and removing guts, packing fish into pans, placing pans in and removing pans from freezers, removing blocks of frozen fish from the pan, bagging the blocks, then stacking bagged fish in the vessel’s freezer hold. Assistant Foreman, under the direction of the foreman oversees the offload of the bags of frozen fish as processors stack them onto cargo nets for removal from the vessel, and backload supplies needed for the next fishing trip; this process may last longer than the regular 16.5 hours per day work schedule. Assistant Foremen assist in oversight of the cleaning and organization of the factory and other areas of the vessel, and perform other duties as directed by the factory foreman. Assistant Foreman may work in many areas of the vessel including the factory, freezer hold, deck, or on adjoining docks or vessels during offload or backload. Assistant Foremen also perform the duties of a fish processor (see Fish Processor Job Description).

Essential DutiesAssistant Foreman must be able to:

• Assist the Factory Foreman in training and oversight of factory personnel in all aspects of production.
• Assist in managing the flow of fish through the factory for optimum production.
• Maintain logs and complete paperwork as directed.
• Assist factory foreman in oversight of day-to-day factory operations.
• Use office equipment such as a computer.
• Performs duties of a fish processor (see Fish Processor Job Requirements)

Work Schedule

• Assistant Factory Foreman work at least 16.5 hours per day, 7 days per week.

• Work hours may be extended as necessary which may result in uneven shifts and sleep patterns.
• Breaks are determined by the business needs of the fish processing plant.  Unplanned, unscheduled breaks are prohibited except in health or safety related incidents.

Work Environment

• While performing the duties of this job, employees and the vessel will be operating in extremely remote and austere locations; often days away from land or dock facilities.
• While performing the duties of this job, employees are expected to wear protective clothing and equipment such as rain gear (pants and sleeves), gloves, rubber boots, noise suppression devices, and use as required: hardhat, safety goggles, fire extinguisher, respirator, life preserver and survival suit.
• Employees will be exposed to various species of fish; wet, humid and freezing conditions; fish processing equipment such as headers, movable and stationary conveyor systems, knives, hoists, pressure washers, cleaning chemicals, shovels, buckets, baskets and aluminum pans.
• The noise level in the work environment is usually loud. Employees work onboard a vessel in the ocean which by nature produces varying degrees of motion in the factory.
• While performing the duties of this job, Assistant Foreman are regularly exposed to moving machinery, vibration, and risk of electrical shock.

Requirements

Education, Experience

• Valid driver’s license.
• Previous work on Bering Sea heading and gutting/Amendment 80 fishing vessels highly preferred.
• At least 2 years’ experience processing fish with a leadership role.
• Earned High School Diploma or GED. Education verification will be required prior to hire.
• 24 months or more of relevant verifiable work experience in the last 4 years. Work history must be provided during the application process. No Exceptions.
• Ability to understand and have the ability to communicate in English for emergency, safety, and training purposes is required.

Physical Demands

All employees must be able to:

• Board and exit the vessel by gangplank or Jacob’s ladder without assistance.
• Board or exit a skiff without assistance in all weather conditions.
• Ascend and descend steep stairways and ladders in all temperatures.
• Work at least 16 ½ hours per day, 7 days per week for the duration of the contract.
• Perform repetitive tasks for extended periods of time.
• Stand and walk; lift weights up to and over 50 pounds for full range from floor to above their head repeatedly.
• Use fingers, hands, and arms to push, pull and reach.
• Bend and twist.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Work long hours in all kinds of weather.
• Work in a cold and wet environment.
• Don life jacket, life vest and/or survival suit without assistance.
• Must be able to pass pre-employment and random drug tests per USCG regulations. This job is designated by O’Hara Corporation to be Safety Sensitive, and a pre-employment drug screen is part of the hiring process.

Mental Activities

All employees must be able to:

• Hear, understand, and follow instructions, directions, safety rules and procedures in English.
• Use interpersonal and teamwork skills.
• Live and work with others in close quarters.
• Be away from medical care and supervision for 3+ months at a time.
• Share crew quarters, bathroom facilities, and common dining areas with other crew members.
• Discern between various shades of color for documentation, identifying and sorting various fish species as well as for safety signs, alarms, and warnings.

Benefits

• Medical, vision and dental insurance is offered to employees and qualified dependents, if elected.
• 401(k) with employer match after one year of employment, if elected.
• O’Hara will book and pre-pay flight and lodging from Point of Hire- Seattle, WA to Dutch Harbor, AK.
• Meals, snacks, and beverages provided including diverse cuisine options while at sea. (Additional at-sea store available for specialty items to purchase and have deducted from paycheck)

Compensation

• Crew-share compensation
• Average of $425-$500 per day

O’Hara Corporation provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.