Labourers in Fish and Seafood Processing
(NOC 9618)
in All Manufacturing and UtilitiesLabourers 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
Read more
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
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
$12.55
Minimum$14.50
Median$20.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$2,173
Minimum$13,622
Median$31,743
MaximumCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
Hourly Pay
$12.55
Minimum$18.75
Median$30.00
MaximumAnnual Pay
$6,056
Minimum$30,111
Median$70,518
MaximumAbout the job
Nature of work
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 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
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
employed in 2016
employed full-time
self employed
median age
Where will I likely work?
Southern
Cape Breton
North Shore
Halifax
Annapolis Valley
Compared to: All NS Occupations
Halifax
North Shore
Annapolis Valley
Cape Breton
Southern
Top Industries of Employment
Food and Beverage Product Manufacturing
Wholesale Trade
Retail Trade
Management, Admin & Other Support
Public Administration
What is the age of Employment?
55-64
45-54
35-44
15-24
25-34
65+
Compared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
45-54
55-64
35-44
25-34
15-24
Top levels of education
Less than high school
$16,513 median annual incomeHigh school
$24,246 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$20,539 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$22,777 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$18,315 median annual incomeCompared to: All Manufacturing and Utilities
High school
$28,358 median annual incomeLess than high school
$21,011 median annual incomeCollege certificate or diploma
$36,968 median annual incomeTrades certificate
$37,356 median annual incomeBachelor's degree
$36,852 median annual incomeEducation & training
Adult high school/secondary diploma programs
This program is typically offered at the high school level.The Nova Scotia School for Adult Learning (NSSAL) administers, coordinates, and supports the development and delivery of adult education programs through learning partners in Nova Scotia. Our learning partners include the Nova Scotia Community College, Adult High Schools, Université Sainte-Anne, and community-based learning organizations that offer tuition-free programming across the province. NSSAL offers clear, accessible pathways from adult basic education to a high school credential or GED, empowering Nova Scotians to achieve their learning and employment goals.
Institutions providing this program
Siège Social: 1695, Route 1
Pointe-de-l'Église, NS B0W 1M0
(902) 769-2114
PO Box 220
Halifax, NS B3J 2M4
(866) 679-6722
Various, NS
Various, NS
Employment requirements & contacts
No regulating bodies were found under this occupation profile
Contacts
Additional resources
There are no additional resources for this occupation.
Job postings
There are currently no job postings for this occupation.