Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing

(NOC 9618)

in All Manufacturing and Utilities

Labourers in this group perform clean-up, packaging, material handling and other elemental activities related to fish and seafood processing. They are employed in fish and seafood processing and packaging plants.

Job Outlook

Good

Estimate Moderate growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 80 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Estimate Weak growth employment change, 2017-2019
Estimate 1275 openings due to growth and retirements, 2017-2019
Estimate Moderate rate of unemployment in 2016

The employment outlook over the next few years for this occupational group is “good”, which indicates the chances of a qualified individual finding work is better than average when compared to other occupations in Nova Scotia. This is a fairly large occupation in Nova Scotia so job opportunities occur fairly regularly. The number employed in this occupation is expected to grow moderately over the next few years, which will likely provide some additional opportunities for employment. With a large percent of workers being 55 years of age and older, retirements are expected to be a key contributor to employment opportunities over the coming years. Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing may either be working full-time or part-time hours. Furthermore, the jobs are typically temporary positions (such as a term, contract, or casual work). With employment conditions being seasonal in nature, periods of downtime or layoff throughout the year are fairly common. Also, a fair portion of the workforce is self-employed, so having the option to "work for yourself" may appeal to some individuals’ interests/motivations.

The median employment income for 14% of Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing who worked full-time, year-round in 2015 was $26,823. Across all occupations in Nova Scotia, 59% of those who worked full-time year round had a median employment income of $43,600.
(Source: 2016 Census)

Hourly Pay

$12.00

Minimum

$14.50

Median

$20.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$2,173

Minimum

$13,622

Median

$31,743

Maximum

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

Hourly Pay

$12.00

Minimum

$18.75

Median

$30.00

Maximum

Annual Pay

$6,056

Minimum

$30,111

Median

$70,518

Maximum

About the job

Nature of work

Job duties

Labourers in fish and seafood processing perform some or all of the following duties:

Unload fish and shellfish from fishing vessels and transport them by hand or forklift truck to work area in fish processing plant.
Immerse fresh fish fillets in brine solution to condition them for wrapping or freezing.
Weigh fish or shellfish, record weight and pack fish in ice.
Sort fish according to species, weight and destination.
Clean work areas and equipment.
Transport supplies and packaging materials throughout plant and storage area manually or with powered equipment.
Measure and dump ingredients into hoppers of mixing and grinding machines.

Sample job titles

cannery labourer - fish processing
fish packer - fish processing
fish plant labourer
fish processing labourer
shellfish labourer
shellfish packer - fish processing
shellfish processing labourer

Skills

To work in these jobs, you should have good physical health. You must also be able to take direction and carry out instructions given by a supervisor.

Job requirements

Some high school education may be required.

Other considerations

Although work patterns vary according to the employer's business and the type of work done, work in these jobs is generally seasonal. Generally, this work is carried out in shifts at various hours of the day or on a part-time basis. Progression to other occupations in the fish processing industry is possible with experience.

By the numbers

Quick look

1,495

employed in 2016

66.9%

employed full-time

0.7%

self employed

36.2%

63.8%

46.1

median age

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

15,275

employed in 2016

86.6%

employed full-time

3.1%

self employed

27.6%

72.4%

44.7

median age

Where will I likely work?

57.0%

Southern

21.4%

Cape Breton

9.6%

Northern

8.6%

Halifax

3.6%

Annapolis Valley

Compared to: All NS Occupations

47.0%

Halifax

15.6%

Northern

12.9%

Annapolis Valley

12.7%

Cape Breton

11.8%

Southern

Top Industries of Employment

87.3%

Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing

8.0%

Wholesale Trade

1.0%

Retail Trade

1.0%

Management, Admin & Other Support

0.7%

Public Administration

What is the age of Employment?

32.9%

55-64

25.8%

45-54

13.0%

35-44

12.3%

15-24

8.7%

25-34

7.4%

65+

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

41.6%

45-54

28.6%

55-64

20.8%

35-44

5.2%

25-34

2.6%

15-24

Top levels of education

46.7%

Less than high school

$16,513 median annual income

33.7%

High school

$24,246 median annual income

9.2%

College certificate or diploma

$20,539 median annual income

8.7%

Trades certificate

$22,777 median annual income

1.1%

Bachelor's degree

$18,315 median annual income

Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities

38.1%

High school

$28,358 median annual income

22.9%

Less than high school

$21,011 median annual income

20.3%

College certificate or diploma

$36,968 median annual income

12.4%

Trades certificate

$37,356 median annual income

4.4%

Bachelor's degree

$36,852 median annual income

Education & training

Adult high school/secondary diploma programs

This program is typically offered at the high school level.

This instructional program class comprises any program that defines the prescribed requirements, specified by the appropriate jurisdiction, for the completion of and graduation from a secondary school program of academic subject matter offered for adult learners outside of the regular secondary school program. This does not include adult compensatory education programs resulting in completion of a high school equivalency certificate or diploma.

Institutions providing this program

Universite Sainte-Anne

Siège Social: 1695, Route 1

Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0

(902) 769-2114

Blanche.Theriault@usainteanne.ca

Website

Nova Scotia Community College - Annapolis Valley Campus

50 Elliott Road

Lawrencetown, NS B0S 1M0

(902) 825-3491

avc.info@nscc.ca