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 a General Hand, you'll be the beating heart of our crew, working hand in hand with the entire crew onboard. From the art of the catch to the skill of processing and packing in the factory processing area on the vessel. This is an Independent Contractor (self-employment) role where our vessels are located in Timaru. You are normally expected to work 12 weeks on and 6 weeks off, while enjoying endless amounts of food, staying connected with Wi-Fi, and earning all year-round while only working 6-8 months.

Responsibilities:

• Sorting, cleaning, filleting, and preparing fish for freezing or further processing, ensuring quality standards are met.
• Running and maintaining processing equipment, such as conveyors, filleting machines, and packaging machinery.
• Inspecting fish products for quality, discarding any that do not meet standards, and ensuring proper packaging and labelling.
• Keeping the processing area and equipment clean and sanitised, following strict hygiene protocols.
• Following safety procedures, wearing appropriate protective gear, and participating in safety drills and training.

About you:

You will bring a positive attitude that aligns with our values of care, passion, integrity, and teamwork. You're committed to health and safety, both for yourself and the crew. You work well with people from diverse backgrounds, are a strong team player, and manage your time effectively between shifts. Open to learning and new opportunities while being physically and mentally fit, ready to face the challenges of life at sea.

What we're looking for:

• Proven ability to handle the physical and mental demands of the role and life at sea
• Previous work on a fishing vessel, maritime or factory process role is preferred but not essential

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.