Description
About the Company
At Sanford, we take pride in our rich history of over 100 years in the seafood industry. We are passionate about what we do and excited about our future. Our vision is to lead the New Zealand seafood sector, which we pursue through a value-driven approach centered on care, passion, integrity, and achieving together in all our endeavors.
About the Role
We invite you to join our deep-water fleet, which consists of 12 fishing vessels operating year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea vessels can spend up to 12 weeks at sea, where we catch, process, and package seafood onboard, delivering the finest New Zealand seafood to tables around the world.
As a Marine Engineer with Sanford, you will have the chance to work aboard one of our vessels, including scampi boats, trawlers, and longliners. In this role, you will be responsible for managing and maintaining the mechanical and electrical performance of the vessel's engineering systems. You will collaborate closely with the Skipper and the wider crew to ensure safe and efficient operations while contributing to the production of quality New Zealand seafood.
Our vessels operate from various ports, including Timaru and Tauranga, throughout New Zealand waters. We pride ourselves on fostering a strong, values-led culture where our people are our most valuable asset. This is an Independent Contractor position that follows a 6-week on, 6-week off rotation. Sanford will cover the cost of your travel to and from the vessel for each journey.
Responsibilities
You will be responsible for ensuring the optimal functioning of all marine engineering systems, including diesel-electric propulsion and electric trawl winches, through regular maintenance and repair. Your role will involve troubleshooting, identifying, and resolving technical issues promptly to maintain smooth operations throughout fishing voyages.
Additionally, you will work proactively to maximize fuel efficiency and minimize the vessel's environmental impact. Maintaining and enforcing health and safety protocols will be crucial, ensuring all engineering systems are routinely inspected and comply with maritime safety regulations.
About You
To be successful in this role, you should hold a minimum MEC 5 or MEC 4 Certificate of Competency (or equivalent). Proficiency in marine engineering systems is essential, with preferred experience in diesel-electric propulsion and trawl winch operations.
You should also have demonstrated experience in maintaining and repairing marine vessels, including ammonia or refrigerant-based freezing systems. A good understanding of New Zealand maritime and operational regulations, including MOSS, HSWA, the Fisheries Act, and MPI food safety, is required. Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to perform effectively in isolated and challenging sea-based environments are also important.
About the Fleet
Sanford operates a diverse fleet of deep-water and scampi vessels, delivering premium seafood to international markets. Our deep-water fleet includes six vessels—San Waitaki, San Enterprise, San Discovery, San Granit, San Aspiring, and San Aotea II—primarily operating in the Southern Ocean on voyages lasting up to six to eight weeks. These vessels target species such as hoki, orange roughy, squid, ling, and Antarctic toothfish. They are highly versatile, processing and freezing products onboard to export standards, including H&G, fillets, squid tubes, fishmeal, and fish oil.
Additionally, we operate a scampi fleet of seven smaller deep-sea trawlers—Albatross II, Drysdale, Venture K, San Tangaroa, San Aramand, San Tongariro, and San Koura Rangi. These vessels target scampi across New Zealand waters, freezing and packaging product at sea before delivering it to Bluff, Timaru, or direct export from Tauranga.
Eligibility
Candidates must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre-engagement checks such as a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.
