Hook, line, and answer: 

Your frequently asked questions

  • Fish processing can be tough work, and we want to be upfront about what to expect. During the busy season, shifts often run up to 16 hours a day, sometimes for several weeks in a row. We’re looking for people who show up ready to work, take pride in what they do, and can stick with it even when the days get long.

    You’ll get tired, your muscles may ache, and the conditions can be cold and wet—but you won’t be facing it alone. We work as a team and support each other through the busy times. If you’re dependable, motivated, and up for a challenge, we’d love to have you join us.

    We look for people who enjoy working well with others. We welcome team members of all ages and backgrounds, and you’ll be spending a lot of time together—working, eating, and living side by side. We’d love to have people who are happy to be part of a team.

  • You don’t need any processing experience—just a willingness to learn and do your best. AGS is all about positive attitudes, teamwork, and strong effort. If that’s the kind of person you are, we think you’ll fit right in.

  • AGS has 2 plants that hire processors in Alaska. At our Naknek plant, you are contracted from June 15th – roughly August 15th. Our processing schedule coincides with the Bristol Bay salmon run. Our first flight of processors fly up to camp around June 15th and come in large groups every other day or so after that until the end of June. The first few flights are usually reserved for our returners. If you are new to AGS, you can expect your flight to be more towards the end of June. Our season usually last about 4-6 weeks depending on your arrival and historically, everyone is back home by the end of July.

    At our Ketchikan plant, the season starts in late June until the end of August or early September. Your start date at the Ketchikan plant will vary depending on which crew you are hired for. Ex. Canning starts at the beginning of July.

  • Processing for AGS Naknek is a Union position and it is required that you pay Union Dues. This is a one-time fee of $175. It is taken directly from your check annually.

    Processing for AGS Ketchikan is not a Union position and no Union dues will be deducted.

    Your flight to and from Alaska from your closest metropolitan/international airport is provided by AGS. You are responsible for your own baggage fees.

    AGS Ketchikan requires a ferry to the plant. You are responsible for paying the fee for the ferry. They accept credit cards, debit, and Apple Pay. Luggage is free on the ferry.

  • We have hundreds of different positions within our processing facility that you may be placed in. Jobs will not be assigned until you arrive in camp. We expect everyone to be willing to work in any department that we assign you and may be moved around to different positions during the season depending on production needs and demands.

  • If you have a friend or family member that you would like to room with, please let your recruiter know, so they note this in your profile and we will do the best to accommodate this. This is not guaranteed.

  • We provide rain gear, rain boots, and any other necessary P.P.E for the job including hair nets, beard bets, safety glasses, etc. Some jobs do not require dressing out into rain boots and gear, so please bring comfortable shoes that you are able to work in for 16 hours a day and clothes that you are not afraid to get dirty.

  • Our payroll system does a great job at keeping track of hours, but we encourage everyone to keep their own records as well in case you are missing any hours. This will be reported to the Time Keepers in the production area.

  • We are a very nature dependent industry and we cannot and do not guarantee hours and consistency of work. We do need everyone to be ready to work when our peak season begins and maintain that enthusiasm until you are laid off.

  • AGS Naknek has a small store on camp where you can purchase items. Think of this as a convenience store - you can find gum, candy, energy drinks, socks, chips, etc. The store on camp only accepts cash. There is also a small grocery store down the road. It is a lengthy mile long walk.

    AGS Ketchikan is located in beautiful Ketchikan, Alaska, which has several stores including a Walmart and Safeway.

    Keep in mind, prices are higher in Naknek (everything is flown/barged in, not everything is readily available)

  • • Appropriate footwear and insoles (close-toed shoes are required in all processing areas). AGS provides rain gear, boots, and any necessary PPE.

    • Raincoat

    • A baseball cap, warm winter hat (one that covers ears), 3+sets of warm work clothes, lots of layers, lots of socks, a soft luggage bag or sea bag.

    • Some fun items to bring if you have them – Hawaiian shirt (Aloha Fridays), Wolf Shirt (Wednesdays), Flannel shirt (also Wednesday), Teddy Bear shirt (Teddy Bear Monday), Sea Creature shirt (Sea Creature Saturday) ☺

    • Masks or other cloth face coverings if you have them. PPE will be provided, but if you have your own as well for non - working hours, feel free to bring them!

    • Any medication you are taking including insulin (2-3 month’s supply is recommended), extra eyeglasses or contacts, towels, washcloths, toiletries (personal hygiene items i.e. deodorant, toothpaste, etc.), some sort of alarm clock, padlock or combo lock to share with roommates, books, crafts if you’re into those, and a small notebook to keep track of hours. There is a company store in the Main Plant camp where some of these items can be purchased. Keep in mind, prices are higher in Naknek (everything is flown/barged in, not everything is readily available).

    • IDENTIFICATION AND RIGHT-TO-WORK IN THE U.S. DOCUMENTS. See examples on the USCIS website here.

    • Bring enough money for any extras such as over-the-counter medicine, candy, postcards, etc. – THERE ARE NO CASH DRAWS AT OUR NAKNEK PLANT. CASH DRAWS ARE AVAILABLE IN KETCHIKAN.

    • Processing for AGS Naknek is a union job, which means all processors pay union dues. This comes out of the paycheck and is $175 for new AGS processors. There is not a processor union required at our Ketchikan plant.

    • If you would like to set-up a direct deposit (rather than be paid by check), you MUST bring a voided check or the correct form with account info from your bank.