Seafood Processor in Idaho Career Overview

As a Seafood Processor, you play an essential role in the seafood industry by transforming raw fish and shellfish into market-ready products. Your responsibilities encompass various tasks, from receiving and inspecting fresh seafood to processing it through cleaning, filleting, and packaging. This role is vital for ensuring that seafood maintains its quality, safety, and compliance with industry standards.

Key aspects of the job include:

  • Quality Control: Regularly checking the freshness and quality of seafood to meet health and safety regulations.
  • Processing Techniques: Applying various methods for cleaning, trimming, and portioning seafood to prepare it for distribution.
  • Equipment Operation: Utilizing specialized machinery and tools for processing, handling, and packaging seafood efficiently.
  • Team Collaboration: Working closely with colleagues across various stages, including sourcing, processing, and distribution, to ensure a smooth workflow.
  • Environmental Awareness: Adhering to sustainable practices to help preserve marine life and maintain the ecological balance while meeting consumer demand.

Your work impacts not only the supply chain but also the dining experiences of consumers, making it a fulfilling career within the broader agricultural and food production sectors in Idaho. The seafood processing industry is crucial for local economies, as it generates jobs and supports sustainable fishing practices. By ensuring that seafood products are safe, high-quality, and accessible, you contribute significantly to public health and culinary diversity in the region.

Seafood Processor Salary in Idaho

Annual Median: $28,600
Hourly Median: $13.75

Data sourced from Career One Stop, provided by the BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics wage estimates.

Required Education To Become a Seafood Processor in Idaho

To become a Seafood Processor in Idaho, you will benefit from specific educational qualifications and training. Here are the relevant college degree programs that can prepare you for this career:

  • Fishing and Fisheries Sciences and Management
    This program provides knowledge about sustainable fishing practices, the biology of fish species, and the management of aquatic resources. Understanding these principles is important for seafood processing and ensuring quality standards.

  • Food Science and Technology
    A degree in this area covers the study of food processes, preservation methods, and quality assurance. It equips you with the necessary skills to handle seafood safely and efficiently while maintaining compliance with health regulations.

  • Food Technology and Processing
    This program focuses specifically on the technologies involved in the processing of food products, including seafood. You will learn about various processing techniques, equipment, and safety protocols essential for the seafood industry.

  • Food Service and Dining Room Management
    While more focused on the hospitality aspect, this degree can provide insights into food safety practices, inventory management, and customer service skills that may be beneficial if you work in seafood processing facilities that supply to restaurants or markets.

  • Foods, Nutrition, and Wellness
    This program includes training in food safety, nutrition, and the science behind food choices. Understanding these factors can enhance your perspective on the health implications of seafood processing and promote best practices in handling seafood products.

Pursuing any of these educational paths will enhance your understanding of seafood processing and contribute to your success in the field. Engaging in practical training, internships, or relevant coursework will further solidify your foundational knowledge in seafood processing.

Best Schools to become a Seafood Processor in Idaho 2024

#1Benton County

Oregon State University

Corvallis, OR

In-State Tuition:$10,425
Out-of-State Tuition:$31,200
Admission Rate:83%
Graduation Rate:70%
Total Enrollment:34,292
#2Alachua County

University of Florida

Gainesville, FL

In-State Tuition:$4,477
Out-of-State Tuition:$25,694
Admission Rate:23%
Graduation Rate:90%
Total Enrollment:55,211
#3Tulsa County

Tulsa Technology Center

Tulsa, OK

In-State Tuition:$N/A
Out-of-State Tuition:$N/A
Admission Rate:N/A
Graduation Rate:73%
Total Enrollment:3,953
#4Tippecanoe County

Purdue University-Main Campus

West Lafayette, IN

In-State Tuition:$9,718
Out-of-State Tuition:$28,520
Admission Rate:53%
Graduation Rate:83%
Total Enrollment:51,528
#5St. Louis City

Saint Louis University

Saint Louis, MO

In-State Tuition:$49,800
Out-of-State Tuition:$49,800
Admission Rate:85%
Graduation Rate:81%
Total Enrollment:15,755
#6Portage County

University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point

Stevens Point, WI

In-State Tuition:$6,698
Out-of-State Tuition:$15,402
Admission Rate:89%
Graduation Rate:56%
Total Enrollment:7,964
Seafood Processor Job Description:
  • Use hands or hand tools to perform routine cutting and trimming of meat, poultry, and seafood.

Seafood Processor Required Skills and Competencies in Idaho

  • Attention to Detail: You must be capable of noticing small variations in product quality and ensuring that seafood is processed according to strict standards and specifications.

  • Knowledge of Seafood Handling: Familiarity with the properties and preservation requirements of various seafood types is essential. This includes understanding handling procedures that maintain freshness and minimize spoilage.

  • Technical Proficiency: You should be skilled in operating specialized machinery and equipment used in seafood processing, such as filleting machines and freezing technology.

  • Physical Stamina: The role often requires standing for long periods and performing repetitive tasks. Good physical condition and stamina are necessary to maintain efficiency.

  • Safety Awareness: Being knowledgeable about food safety regulations and safe handling practices is critical to prevent contamination and ensure a safe working environment.

  • Problem-Solving Skills: You need to be able to identify issues during the processing stages, such as equipment malfunctions or quality concerns, and take appropriate action to resolve them.

  • Teamwork and Communication: Collaborating with others is vital in a processing facility. You should be able to communicate effectively with coworkers and supervisors to ensure smooth operations.

  • Time Management: You must prioritize tasks effectively to meet production deadlines without sacrificing product quality.

  • Adaptability: The seafood industry can be dynamic, so flexibility in adapting to new technologies, processes, or changes in supply is important.

  • Basic Mathematical Skills: Being able to perform calculations related to quantities, weights, and measurements is important for ensuring accurate processing and inventory management.

Job Duties for Seafood Processors

  • Inspect meat products for defects, bruises or blemishes and remove them along with any excess fat.

  • Use knives, cleavers, meat saws, bandsaws, or other equipment to perform meat cutting and trimming.

  • Weigh meats and tag containers for weight and contents.

Technologies and Skills Used by Seafood Processors

Internet browser software

  • Web browser software

Point of sale POS software

  • Sales software

Spreadsheet software

  • Microsoft Excel

Basic Skills

  • Keeping track of how well people and/or groups are doing in order to make improvements
  • Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions

Social

  • Changing what is done based on other people's actions

Job Market and Opportunities for Seafood Processor in Idaho

  • The seafood processing industry in Idaho has shown consistent demand due to the state's unique positioning and access to a variety of fish species. As a seafood processor, you are likely to find opportunities in both local and regional markets.

  • Idaho's job market for seafood processors is supported by the growing preference for fresh and frozen seafood products among consumers. This trend drives the need for skilled processors who can handle and preserve seafood efficiently.

  • The growth potential for seafood processing jobs in Idaho is significant. With an increase in aquaculture practices and sustainable fishing initiatives, processors are needed to meet both domestic and export demands.

  • Geographically, several areas in Idaho present hotspots for employment in seafood processing. Key locations include:

    • Southern Idaho: This region hosts a number of food processing facilities that specialize in aquaculture and seafood. The proximity to the Pacific Coast allows for frequent supply shipments, enhancing job availability.

    • North Idaho: With a focus on local fish species and a growing tourism sector that promotes fishing and boating, opportunities for seafood processing further expand in this area.

    • Eastern Idaho: The diverse agriculture and food production landscape supports various seafood processing operations, particularly those that incorporate regional fish species.

  • Seasonal fluctuations can also play a role in job opportunities. During peak fishing seasons, processors may experience an uptick in demand for labor, providing temporary or part-time positions that can lead to longer-term employment.

  • The seafood processing sector in Idaho aligns with broader initiatives aimed at food sustainability and health. By focusing on environmentally responsible practices, companies may offer more job opportunities as they seek to comply with regulations and consumer preferences.

  • Connecting with local industry associations and participate in job fairs can enhance your job search. Networking within these circles can reveal hidden opportunities and trends within the seafood processing market.

Top Related Careers to Seafood Processor 2024

Poultry Boner
Meat Processing Specialist
Carcass Splitter
Fish Filleter

Additional Resources To Help You Become a Seafood Processor in Idaho

  • National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA)

    • Provides comprehensive information on sustainable seafood practices, regulations, and industry news.
    • Website: www.noaa.gov

  • Food and Drug Administration (FDA)

    • Offers guidelines on seafood safety and processing regulations.
    • Website: www.fda.gov

  • Seafood Nutrition Partnership

    • An organization focused on the health benefits of seafood and promoting seafood consumption.
    • Website: www.seafoodnutrition.org

  • National Fisheries Institute (NFI)

    • Provides resources for the seafood industry including market insights, trends, and legislation updates.
    • Website: www.nfi.org

  • American Seafood Innovation Foundation

    • Focuses on research and innovation in the seafood sector, providing insights into technological advancements.
    • Website: www.seafoodinnovation.org

  • Idaho Department of Fish and Game

    • Resource for local fishing regulations and conservation efforts relevant to seafood processing in Idaho.
    • Website: www.fishandgame.idaho.gov

  • SeafoodSource

    • A news and information website covering global seafood industry trends, companies, and market analytics.
    • Website: www.seafoodsource.com

  • UC Seafood Safety Program

  • Education and Training Opportunities

    • Look for vocational schools and community colleges in Idaho offering programs in seafood processing and related fields. Examples include:

  • Professional Associations

    • Join associations such as the NFI or local seafood processing organizations to network and access resources within the industry.

Explore these resources to enhance your knowledge of the seafood processing field, stay updated on best practices, and connect with professionals in the industry.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About Seafood Processor in Idaho

  • What are the primary responsibilities of a seafood processor?
    As a seafood processor, your main responsibilities include cleaning, cutting, and packaging seafood products. You may also be involved in quality control, ensuring that all products meet health and safety regulations.

  • What skills are necessary to succeed as a seafood processor?
    Key skills include attention to detail, manual dexterity, teamwork, and time management. Knowledge of food safety standards and the ability to operate processing equipment can also enhance your effectiveness in this role.

  • What are the common working conditions for seafood processors in Idaho?
    You can expect to work in a fast-paced, often cold environment, as seafood is typically processed at low temperatures. The job may require standing for long periods, handling heavy loads, and working with sharp tools.

  • Is prior experience required to become a seafood processor?
    While prior experience in food processing can be beneficial, many companies provide on-the-job training. A willingness to learn and adapt is often more important than previous experience.

  • What are the job prospects for seafood processors in Idaho?
    The job outlook for seafood processors can be stable due to consistent demand in the seafood industry. Opportunities may be influenced by the seasonality of fishing and harvesting, particularly in coastal areas.

  • What education or certifications are needed for this career?
    Generally, a high school diploma or equivalent is required. Certifications in food safety, such as ServSafe, may be advantageous. Specialized training in seafood processing can also improve your employment prospects.

  • What is the typical salary range for seafood processors in Idaho?
    Salaries can vary based on experience, location, and employer. Entry-level positions may start at minimum wage, while more experienced processors can earn between $15 to $25 per hour, depending on the complexity of tasks and responsibilities.

  • Are there opportunities for advancement within this field?
    Yes, there are opportunities for advancement. With experience and additional training, you may progress to supervisory roles, quality control positions, or even management within processing facilities.

  • What industries employ seafood processors?
    Seafood processors are primarily employed by seafood processing plants, but you may also find opportunities in fisheries, supermarkets, and restaurants that handle fresh seafood.

  • How does one maintain safety while processing seafood?
    Adhering to safety regulations is crucial. This includes using personal protective equipment (PPE), following proper hygiene practices, and adhering to equipment safety protocols to prevent accidents and ensure food safety.