Mate

Bristol Wave Seafoods, LLC; Unalaska (AK); On-site; USD 80,000 - 120,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Healthcare benefits

75% company contribution

Health Savings Account (HSA)

Job summary

Bristol Wave Seafoods, LLC in Alaska seeks a USCG-licensed Mate to back up the vessel captain and supervise all longline fishing operations, including deck work and gear handling.

Working at sea is demanding and trips typically run 4–5 weeks, with some extending 60+ days. The role requires HACCP, drill instructor certification, and adherence to safety and records-keeping responsibilities.

Crew payroll is based on net sales, with company-arranged travel and a 40% share for officers and crew.

Qualifications

• USCG 500 GT Mate license required.
• Ability to act as backup to vessel captain.
• Familiarity with longline fishing operations.
• Drill Instructor certification required.
• HACCP certification required.
• Administer required drug screenings - specimen collector certification required.
• Ability to supervise deck operations and handle gear.
• Maintain accurate fishing operation records and offload documentation.

Responsibilities

• Supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations, including deck operations and gear handling.
• Maintain accurate records of fishing operations, offload documentation, and personnel files.
• Act as backup to the vessel captain and ensure safety and compliance on all tasks.

Skills

USCG 500 GT Mate license

Backup to captain

Longline operations supervision

Record keeping

HACCP certification

Drug screening administration

Deck operations supervision

Drill instructor certification

Job description

The mate is a USCG licensed officer who serves as the backup to the vessel captain. Mate's must be able to supervise and direct all aspects of longline fishing operations including deck operations, handling of gear, etc.

Working in the Bering Sea:

Working at sea is physically and mentally challenging and requires long hours in remote locations, often several days' travel from the nearest port. Our deck and processing crews work 16-hour shifts, 7 days a week. Most trips average 4-5 weeks in duration, but depending on the fishing season, catch rates, weather, vessel size and other factors, trips can be as short as 10-12 days or as long as 60+ days. Crew members generally work multiple trips (2 months or longer) in a single rotation.

Compensation, Travel & Expenses:

Payroll is crew share percentage. Crew share calculations are based on the net adjusted sales. Net sales are calculated by accounting for certain operating costs such as bait, fuel, observer expenses, etc. 40% of net sales go to the officers and crew.

All travel for officers is arranged and paid for by the company, including flights, hotels, and meals while traveling.

Requirements

• USCG Licensing required: 500 GT near coastal uninspected fishing vessel Mate's license (or greater)
• Ability to act as backup to vessel captain,
• Familiarity with all aspects of longline fishing required
• Drill Instructor certification required
• HACCP certification required
• Administering of required random and post-accident drug screenings - specimen collector certification required
• Ability to supervise deck operations, handling of gear, etc
• Ability to maintain accurate records of fishing operations, offload documentation, personnel files, etc
• Must pass pre-employment drug screening (commercial fishing falls under federal authority; we cannot hire anyone that tests positive for THC)
• Pre-employment background check required (past convictions will not necessarily prevent employment)
• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States. BWS participates in eVerify

Benefits

Vessel officers are eligible for healthcare benefits, subsidized by the company at 75% for both employees and dependents, including medical coverage, dental coverage, vision coverage, voluntary life insurance, and a Health Savings Account (HSA) with a discretionary company contribution. Vessel officers are eligible to enroll on the first day of the month after a one-month waiting period.