Skipper

About the Company At Sanford, we take pride in our rich seafood heritage spanning over 100 years. Our passion for the industry drives us forward, and we are excited about the future. Our vision is to achieve leadership in New Zealand seafood through our core values of care, passion, integrity, and collaboration in everything we do. About the Role We invite you to explore our mussel farming division, situated in some of the most scenic locations in New Zealand. Our operations benefit from pristine waters that provide ideal conditions for growing Greenshell Mussels. We utilize advanced vessels for seeding, maintenance, and harvesting, all supported by rigorous monitoring and testing. This position is based at Stewart Island and reports to the Mussel Farms Manager. As a Skipper, you will play a vital role in managing operations, ensuring compliance with relevant regulations, maintaining equipment, and overseeing the well-being of both the farm environment and workforce. Your expertise will be crucial to the farm’s success and the production of high-quality mussels. You will also be responsible for ensuring a steady supply of mussels to the Havelock Processing Plant for sale and distribution. Responsibilities - Operate the Skipper Line Boat and the Harvest Barge Erin, a 24.3-meter vessel - Maintain the floatation of all lines - Liaise with harvest and reseeding crews - Contribute to regular seeding and the seeding of spat - Carry out line maintenance and participate in the daily mussel harvest process - Undertake engineering maintenance and clean equipment - Report any known or observed defects on the mussel farm vessels to the Mussel Farm Manager About You We are looking for an experienced maritime professional with strong leadership skills and a background in aquaculture, specifically in mussel farming. You should possess a valid skipper's license, extensive vessel handling experience, and the ability to navigate in various sea conditions. Knowledge of mussel farming operations, including seed collection, equipment usage, and environmental factors affecting mussel growth, is essential. Additionally, you should have relevant safety certifications, be skilled in team management, and be committed to sustainable farming practices, ensuring efficient and eco-friendly operations. What We're Looking For - Experience in vessel maintenance - Commercial Launch Master (CLM) certification - Excellent communication skills for conveying instructions clearly and maintaining open lines of communication with the crew and farm management - A minimum of 2 years' experience operating vessels is preferred but not essential - Basic engineering ticket - Ability to work outdoors in all weather conditions and be comfortable on the water Benefits At Sanford, we offer a wealth of opportunities within a diverse team of over 1,500 individuals working in various roles, including remote locations such as the seas surrounding Antarctica. Join us in delivering the highest quality seafood to plates around the world. Please note that you must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-employment checks, including a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.