FAQ

Here you will find the most commonly asked questions that we get from new candidates. If you don't find answers you are looking for, please contact a hiring manager below:

Is there housing?

Yes, we provide housing for traveling employees coming from out-of-town. Housing is free upon the completion of your contract. There are hostel-style quarters for men, couples rooms, and female bunk rooms available. There will also be a separate lounge area. Bed availability is limited and will be distributed on a first-come, first-serve by ticket booking submissions for new employees. Beds are reserved for returning employees. Housing is free upon the completion of your contract. There will be a deduction from each paycheck for housing but it will all be reimbursed at the end of the season.

If you wish to opt out of housing and live at your own location, please let the office know, as you would fall under a different benefit program.

Is there food provided?

There will be breakfast, lunch, snacks, and dinner provided during the season. Food will be free upon the completion of your contract. There will be a deduction from each paycheck but it will all be reimbursed at the end of the season. The meals served in our cafeteria consists of a mix of cultures and cuisines.

For tender crew, there will be a monthly meal budget allocated for food onboard the vessel.

If you wish to opt out of food and purchase your own, please let the office know, as you would fall under a different benefit program.

Is there WiFi provided in the bunkhouse?

There is WiFi provided in the bunkhouse and cafeteria free of charge.

What are the dates for the season?

For tender crew, the season goes from beginning of May through end of September.

For production crew, the season goes from the middle of May until the end of September. Arrival dates are sectioned into two groups, as follows:

GROUP A - MAY ARRIVAL

GROUB - JUNE (OR LATER) ARRIVAL

Will I get transportation when I arrive at the airport?

Our driver will meet you at the airport upon your arrival to provide transportation to the plant or tender vessel. He will be holding a sign with our logo. If you do not immediately see our driver, please wait for him by the telephone hanging on the wall.

Transportation will also be provided to the airport on your departure day when you complete the season.

Do I bring boots?

Please bring your own waterproof boots. As there are many sizes, we want to ensure your boots are comfortable for the long hours of being on your feet. There are marine supply stores in Cordova if you would like to purchase them in town. The stores here are called "LFS" or "AC Value Center." The main brand of boots here are "XTRA-TUFFS." We may have your size available for rental but it is not guaranteed. We do offer a $100 boots buy back program at the end of the year if you will no longer need the boots.

Do I bring my own rain gear?

We do offer bibs for check-out at the office. You will need to bring a rain/waterproof jacket. However, you are welcome to bring your own gear for sizing, warmth, comfortability, and preference. There are marine supply stores in Cordova if you would like to purchase them in town. The stores here are called "LFS" or "AC Value Center."

What should I pack?

We do not recommend packing many items or valuable items. CAWS is not responsible for any lost or stolen items in the bunkhouse. You will have your own locker for keeping smaller valuable items.

The following list is a good starting point for your stay:

Warm clothing (appropriate for wet, cold climate and enough for your 5-months stay); clothes will get dirty while working; i.e., sweaters, sweatpants, socks, warm hats, etc.
Waterproof boots for work (common brand here is Xtra-Tuffs)
Padlocks with number code or key for your locker.
Rain or waterproof jacket(s).
Toiletries and sundries such as face wash, shampoo, conditioner, body wash, lotions, moisturizers, etc.…
Oral care such as mouth wash, toothpaste, toothbrush, floss, etc.…
Bath Towels
Entertainment for the bunkhouse (i.e., laptop, books, cellphones, etc.)
Chargers
Laundry bag
Medications (vitamins, pain relievers)
Feminine hygiene products
Hair styling tools (brush, hair ties)
Shaving supplies
Flip flops for shower stalls.
Others, unlisted

Are there laundry services?

We have a designated person to run laundry for you. If you have your own laundry bag, please place your bag in the designated location for dirty laundry. If you do not have a laundry bag, you can purchase one at the office for $5. Your laundry should be ready within 1 to 2 days in the designated location for clean laundry.

Do you have any referral programs?

We do! If you refer a friend or a family member to work at our plant for at least 3 months, you will receive a $150 for each person you refer. When your referred person(s) is completing the online application, there will be a text box to put who they were referred by. Make sure they put your name so we can correctly distribute your referral bonus.

Do I buy my own plane ticket up?

Please purchase your ticket up to Cordova, Alaska on www.alaskaairlines.com. Our airport is "CDV-Mudhole Smith." You can purchase tickets to Cordova directly from your city or closest airport. We will reimburse you for the trip from Seattle/Anchorage to Cordova at the end of the season at the completion of your contract.

Do you offer direct deposit?

We have paper checks or direct deposit methods available.

If you choose paper checks, you will receive a paper check and your timesheet at the office.
If you choose direct deposit, you will receive a paystub and your timesheet at the office. Direct deposit takes about 1-2 business days to post into your account after the payroll submission.

Paper checks are the default pay method. A Paycheck Method Form will be included in your onboarding paperwork. If you change your mind or the form was overlooked, you can stop by our office.

How often do I get paid?

Payroll is ran bi-weekly (every two weeks) and distributed that Monday by the end of the day. If you sign up for direct deposit, your pay stub will be available for pick up, but the deposit will take about 1 business day to post.

Can I return to the company for future seasons?

Yes! If you intend to return to the company for the following season, you may not need to reapply. Previous raises and promotions will roll over onto the new year and a bed will be reserved for you in the housing unit. Just contact our recruiting managers to get you on the list for the season and your onboarding contract will be emailed soon after.

Is it possible to get a raise?

Absolutely. The rate on your employment contract is only your starting rate. Opportunities for promotions and raises happen quite often here. We look for good attitude and work ethic, punctuality, reliability, commitment, and dedication. Should you get a rate increase and return for the following seasons, your rate will carry over.

What does the work schedule look like?

For Production Crew: The Alaskan seafood industry does not guarantee any structured work schedule. When there's fish, there's work. When there's no fish, there's no work. Employees will be "on call" for when the fish arrives to the dock or plant. We recommend having a phone that has texting service in Cordova. The production manager will text when the line or work day starts. Daily work hours may range from 3 hours up to 18 hours. There will be down-times and peak-times during the season.

For Tender Crew: The vessels will leave dependent on the fishing periods announced by the local department of Fish & Game. The vessels typically depart from town on Sundays and Wednesdays. You may be out at sea a couple days a week, or up to 7 days a week.

What's the weather in Cordova like?

The weather between May and September ranges between 45 and 65 degrees F. We are commonly known for cloudy days and rain, but some days may get hot and sunny.