Working Conditions Above all, Icicle is committed to safe working conditions throughout our operations. Most of the work that we do at our shore-based processing facilities and on our processing vessel involves cleaning fish. That includes removing the viscera (guts) and cutting off heads, fins, gills, or tail. As a result, there are lots of fish guts and fish blood in the work area. The environment can be wet, cold, and drafty. Due to moving machinery, it is noisy and hearing protection is required. All work gear, including eye and hearing protection, is provided for you.

Cleaning fish and performing other processing jobs may require you to stand in one place performing repetitive tasks for up to 16 hours a day, seven days a week. Seafood processing is physically and mentally demanding, and not everyone is willing or able to perform the necessary requirements of the work. During recruiting events and interviews you will have the opportunity to find out more about what it takes to be successful as a processor.

Living ConditionsLife in remote areas of Alaska can be rough. During the winter months, storm-like conditions are the norm. On our processing vessel this weather affects the movement of the boat. Be prepared for little sunlight and extreme weather conditions. In the summer, be prepared for cool weather and extended periods of daylight.

Shared living quarters are cramped with minimal personal storage space and little privacy. Before you begin work, you'll be advised about how to pack wisely.

Mail service can be sporadic in these remote areas of Alaska. Mail can arrive two to three times per week during the summer and even less frequently in the winter. Phone service may not be available at all times, if at all. Due to the limited mail and phone services, it will be hard to keep in contact with friends and family members back home. You may have care packages sent up to you. However, all mail may be searched for drugs, alcohol, and contraband.

You'll need enough warm, comfortable clothing for one week. Weekly laundry services are provided if you are on our processing vessel. We will provide a list of what to pack upon hire. We provide all work gear, including rubber boots, rubber gloves, waterproof rain pants and jackets, earplugs and other personal protective equipment. Hairnets and beard nets are also provided and required to be worn in production areas. Bed linen is provided, including sheets, blanket, and a pillow. On our processing vessel, there is a small sea store that sells necessities, including toiletries, snacks and limited tobacco products.

Work Availability Work is available throughout the year on a seasonal basis at one or more locations. The fishing seasons in Alaska vary from year to year. The sizes of the runs depend entirely upon the forces of nature. The amount of work we can provide depends on the amount of fish that is harvested. At the beginning and end of the season or during seasons with smaller runs, there may be weeks with little or no work.  We cannot guarantee the number of hours employees will work each day. When there is no fish, there is no work.

On the other hand, when we have fish, we expect everyone to work their scheduled shift. During the peak of the season, you may work up to 16 hours per day, 7 days a week. Hours are more variable at the beginning and end of the season.

A mid-season transfer to another facility is always a possibility. We employ processors for many worksites and the staffing needs vary throughout the year from location to location. When you agree to work with Icicle, you may work at different locations over the term of your employment agreement. In fact, being able to get more work by transferring to other Icicle facilities is a major advantage that Icicle has over many of our competitors.

Season Dates Here are examples of the seasons that we may hire for, and locations and approximate dates we operate. Keep in mind that this information varies from year to year: