Seafood Market Associate | Long-Term Career Opportunity in Port Jefferson, New York at PJ Lobster House

Represent One of Long Island's Premier Seafood Markets.At PJ Lobster House, our Seafood Market Associate (Seafood Market Specialist) is responsible for operating one of the most important departments in our restaurant. This position combines customer service, seafood preparation, merchandising, inventory management, and organization to ensure both our retail seafood market and restaurant receive the highest quality products every day.This is not simply a retail seafood position—it's an opportunity to become the trusted face of one of Port Jefferson's most respected seafood markets.Unlike a traditional retail position, our Seafood Market Specialists work with a high degree of independence and take ownership of the department throughout their shift. From assisting retail customers and preparing seafood for the restaurant to maintaining attractive displays, organizing inventory, and preparing specialty seafood items, this position plays a vital role in the success of both our seafood market and restaurant.Every customer interaction and every seafood display reflects the reputation PJ Lobster House has built for more than 30 years. Our Seafood Market Specialists take pride in delivering exceptional service, maintaining outstanding product quality, and representing one of Long Island's premier seafood markets.At PJ Lobster House, no one says, "That's not my job." Every member of our team contributes to our success. Because this position works with minimal supervision, we're looking for someone who is dependable, organized, self-motivated, and committed to building a long-term career with our company.If you enjoy working with fresh seafood, helping customers, and taking ownership of your work, we'd love to meet you.ResponsibilitiesProvide exceptional customer service to retail seafood market customers by answering questions, making recommendations, and assisting with purchases.Portion fresh seafood for retail customers and restaurant kitchen orders with speed and accuracy.Deliver portioned seafood orders promptly to the kitchen.Handle live lobsters safely and professionally.Trim fish fillets to company presentation standards while removing bones as needed.Assemble seafood towers, shrimp cocktail, oysters on the half shell, clams on the half shell, and other cold seafood appetizers.Shuck oysters and clams safely and efficiently.Prepare stuffed shrimp and other stuffed seafood specialties.Prepare seafood products in advance for daily restaurant and retail operations.Answer telephones and process retail seafood orders and restaurant takeout orders accurately.Organize and prepare seafood orders for holidays and other high-volume periods.Rotate inventory using FIFO (First In, First Out) procedures.Organize and maintain walk-in coolers, freezers, and seafood storage areas.Maintain attractive seafood displays that reflect the quality and reputation of PJ Lobster House.Clean and sanitize cutting boards, knives, workstations, sinks, counters, scales, and food preparation areas after each customer and throughout the day.Assist with receiving, inspecting, and organizing seafood deliveries.Complete opening, closing, and daily side work as assigned.Follow all food safety, sanitation, labeling, and temperature control procedures. Requirements: Previous seafood market, fish market, butcher shop, grocery seafood department, restaurant, or food service experience preferred. Comfortable handling fresh seafood, shellfish, and live lobsters. Ability to safely shuck oysters and clams (or willingness to learn). Strong knife skills and attention to product presentation preferred. Ability to trim seafood to company quality standards. Excellent customer service and communication skills. Comfortable working independently with minimal supervision. Strong organizational and time management skills. Ability to prioritize multiple responsibilities throughout the day. Comfortable answering telephones and processing customer orders accurately. Commitment to maintaining a clean, organized, and sanitary work environment. Reliable attendance, punctuality, and strong work ethic. Ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 pounds. Must be available to work five 10-hour shifts per week, including weekends and holidays. Authorized to work in the United States. Build Your Career at PJ Lobster HouseFor more than 30 years, PJ Lobster House has proudly served the Port Jefferson and Long Island community as a family-owned seafood restaurant and fish market. Our reputation has been built on fresh, high-quality food, exceptional hospitality, and, most importantly, the outstanding people who make it all possible every day.We believe great businesses are built by great teams—not constant hiring. That's why we're looking for dependable, hardworking individuals who want more than just another restaurant job. We invest in people who take pride in their work, enjoy being part of a team, and are looking for a place where they can build a long-term career.Unlike many restaurants that significantly reduce staff or cut hours during the off-season, our goal is to retain great employees year-round. While business levels naturally fluctuate throughout the year, we work hard to provide consistent hours and stable employment because we know our employees depend on their jobs just as much as we depend on them.We also believe that a career should help build your future. That's why we offer a 401(k) retirement plan, giving eligible employees the opportunity to invest in their future while building a long-term career with our company.One of the things our employees value most is consistency. Whenever possible, we provide set schedules so you know when you're working and can better plan your life outside of work. We believe predictable schedules create a healthier work-life balance and help our team succeed both professionally and personally.Whether you work in our dining room, kitchen, or seafood market, you'll become part of a team that values professionalism, respect, accountability, reliability, and helping one another succeed. Every position plays an important role, and every team member contributes to the experience our guests have come to expect for more than three decades.If you're looking for a fast-paced workplace where your work is appreciated, your teammates support one another, opportunities are earned through hard work and dependability, and you're encouraged to build a long-term career, we'd love to meet you.Why Work at PJ Lobster House?Family-owned and operated for more than 30 yearsYear-round employment with a commitment to providing steady hours whenever possibleConsistent set schedules to help you balance work and personal life401(k) retirement plan because we believe in helping our employees invest in their futureOpportunities for advancement and cross-trainingProfessional, respectful, team-oriented cultureEmployee dining discountsManagers who work alongside their teamsHigh standards with supportive leadershipFast-paced environment where no two days are the sameBuild a career—not just another restaurant jobOur Core ValuesAt PJ Lobster House, every member of our team is expected to uphold the values that have guided our business for more than 30 years:DependabilityWe do what we say we're going to do. Our teammates and our guests rely on us every day.TeamworkWe support one another, communicate openly, and understand that great restaurants succeed when everyone works together.HospitalityEvery guest deserves a welcoming, friendly, and memorable experience from the moment they walk through our doors.ProfessionalismWe take pride in our work, our appearance, our attitude, and our commitment to maintaining the high standards our guests expect.