About us

At Sanford, we are proud of our 100+ years of seafood history, passionate about our industry and excited about our future. Our vision is Leadership in New Zealand Seafood, achieving this through a value led approach of care, passion, integrity and achieving together in all that we do.

About the role

Jump on board our deep-water fleet, a league of 12 fishing vessels operating year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea vessels can be at sea for up to 12 weeks at a time, catching, processing, and packaging seafood onboard, delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to tables worldwide.

As the Mate, you will have the opportunity to support the Skipper with operations on one of our sought-after scampi vessels. The vessel is located in Timaru and has a strong value led culture, where people are the operations most important asset. These positions are rare and infrequent in our industry, so if you are already a Mate looking for a change in vessel, or becoming a Mate is the next step in your career development, this might be the opportunity for you. This is an Independent Contractor role on a 6 weeks on - 6 weeks off rotation.

Responsibilities

• Support the daily operations on the vessel, ensuring crew is working efficiently and safely.
• Assist with navigation, monitoring weather conditions, accurate record keeping and bridge watchkeeping.
• Works with the crew to ensure scampi packing is done efficiently and to high standards.
• Ensures that all safety regulations and protocols are followed and keep track of regulatory requirements.
• Foster a positive and productive work environment between all crew ensuring clear and effective communication.

About you:

You will be an exceptional communicator, capable of engaging effectively at all levels within our operations. You'll thrive in a dynamic environment, embracing change with enthusiasm and guiding others through the journey. A proactive approach to health, safety, and wellbeing is essential, as is a genuine passion for delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to the world. Physical and mental fitness is key.

What we're looking for:

• Mate Fishing Vessel - Limited (MFV) certification or equivalent
• Hold a current Maritime Medical
• General understanding of compliance to all relevant NZ Legislation including MOSS, HSWA, Fisheries Act/regulation and MPI food safety.
• Have experience with bottom water operations of a vessel this size and operational complexity

Sanford offers endless opportunities, with a diverse team of over 1500 people working in various roles, including remote locations like the seas surrounding Antarctica. Join us to deliver the highest quality seafood to plates worldwide.

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks including criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.