Aquaculture Farm Boat Skipper - Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island, Southland Region
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Sanford

Aquaculture Farm Boat Skipper - Big Glory Bay, Stewart Island

  • Posted Today
  • On Site
  • Full Time

Southland Region

Job Description

Live and work in one of New Zealand's most unique coastal locations.

If you're looking to swap traffic and city life for fresh sea air, incredible scenery and a close-knit community, this could be the opportunity you've been waiting for.

Based on Stewart Island, you'll work Sunday to Thursday, with accommodation provided, giving you the chance to fully immerse yourself in island life while enjoying your weekends to explore everything the region has to offer. Travel to and from Stewart Island can also be supported aboard Sanford's vessel, the Hauraki, from Bluff when required, making the commute easier.

As Farm Boat Skipper, you'll play an essential role in supporting Sanford's mussel farming operations, ensuring a consistent supply of mussels to our Havelock Processing Plant. Working alongside an experienced aquaculture team, you'll combine vessel operations, farm maintenance and harvesting activities to help keep our farms operating safely and efficiently.

What you'll be doing

No two days are exactly the same, but you'll be responsible for:

  • Skippering the farm line boat in accordance with Safe Ship Management (SSM) requirements.
  • Supporting daily harvesting, reseeding and spat seeding operations.
  • Maintaining farm infrastructure, including farm lines and mooring systems.
  • Completing vessel maintenance and basic engineering tasks.
  • Identifying and reporting equipment or vessel issues.
  • Working alongside the wider aquaculture team to ensure safe, productive operations.
  • Providing support across other marine farming activities when required.

What we're looking for

You'll bring practical experience, a strong safety focus and enjoy working in a hands-on outdoor environment. Ideally you'll have:

  • Commercial Launch Master (CLM) qualification
  • Basic Engineering Ticket
  • Experience skippering commercial vessels
  • Aquaculture or marine farming experience
  • Strong mechanical aptitude and vessel maintenance skills
  • A commitment to safe work practices
  • The ability to work in a marine environment and adapt to changing weather conditions
  • A positive, team-first attitude

Why Sanford?

This is more than just another skipper role. It's an opportunity to build your career while enjoying a lifestyle that's difficult to find elsewhere. You'll join a supportive team, work in New Zealand's world-class aquaculture industry, and experience everything Stewart Island has to offer, from incredible fishing and hunting to native wildlife, untouched landscapes and a genuine sense of community.

Accommodation is provided while you're based on Stewart Island, with a Sunday to Thursday roster allowing you to enjoy your weekends.

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

Desired Hard Skills

  • Aquaculture Experience
  • Basic Engineering Ticket
  • Commercial Launch Master
  • Mechanical Aptitude
  • Vessel Maintenance

Desired Soft Skills

  • Teamwork
  • Adaptability
  • Positive Attitude
  • Safety Focus

Benefits & Perks

Culture

  • ACCOMMODATION_PROVIDED
  • 🌐 INZ Accredited Employer

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