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

As a Deckhand on our vessels, you will play a vital role in the successful operation of the vessel and the cultivation of mussels. Your efforts contribute directly to the productivity and profitability of mussel farming. You will carry out a variety of tasks withing the manufacturing function. This role is based in Havelock, working 4 on/ 4 off shifts

Role Accountabilities:

• Along with the Skipper and other crew, make sure pre-checks and safety checks are carried out properly prior to any trip
• Ensure full attention is given and contribution is made at every toolbox meeting
• Make sure the process for harvesting is followed correctly
• Ensure fully trained on how to operate the harvesting equipment
• Responsible for ensuring the lines are stripped properly, scraped, repaired and tightened
• Make certain that as soon as harvesting is complete, lines are prepared for seeding
• Ensure floatation is in good order on the farms
• Ensure the seeding equipment is operated correctly to produce an optimum result on the vessel in a safe manner
• Ensure the seeding is done correctly within required specifications
• Pre-checks and safety checks are carried out accurately and any issues are managed or followed up immediately
• Key messages form toolbox meetings are clearly understood
• Mussels are harvested on time with little defects
• Fully trained on harvesting equipment
• Floats and lines are maintained properly on a regular basis
• Seeding is not delayed due to line maintenance not completed on time
• Cranes operated efficiently and safely, and no accidents occur
• Seeding is completed on time and to the required specifications

What you need to succeed in the role:

• Experience working on vessels
• Experience with heavy lifting
• Experience on mussel barges (preferred but not essential)
• Experience in mechanical handling or engineering processes (preferred but not essential)
• Good level of physical fitness, work on a mussel boat is physically demanding
• Safety conscious, prioritising health and safety is paramount at Sanford
• Clear and effective communication skills
• A strong work ethic, punctuality and reliability are essential
• Comfortable in all weather conditions
• A great team player who can work collaboratively

For consideration you will need to be eligible to work in New Zealand. As part of our recruitment process pre-employment checks may include criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing and a medical assessment.

Please note our Recruitment team will be on leave over the Christmas period, from 20th December to 6th Jan 2025. We will review all applications upon our return. We wish everyone a safe and merry holiday season!