Title Experienced Deep Sea Trawler Deck Hand (2026)

Sealord Group Ltd; Nelson; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Meals provided

Job summary

Sealord Group Ltd in Nelson, New Zealand, is seeking an experienced Deep Sea Trawler Deck Hand to join our deck team. You will require solid experience on a deep sea trawler, a safety-focused mindset, and the ability to work in rotations.

This permanent role offers 2-6 week trips on/off with retainer plus bonus, meals provided by our cooks, and ongoing crew development under a skilled Skipper and mates.

Qualifications

• Minimum of one year experience working on deck on a deep sea fishing trawler.
• Preferably hold a current deck hand certificate (QDFH ticket).
• Must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand.

Responsibilities

• Deckhands operate and maintain deck and fishing gear, handle and stow the catch, repair damaged nets, maintain on deck equipment.
• Work on bridge watch duties and support factory processing operations as needed.

Skills

Deck experience

Safety mindset

Teamwork

Stamina

Education

QDFH deck hand certificate

Job description

Experienced Deep Sea Trawler Deck Hand (2026)

Date: 24 Sept 2026

Location: NZ

Company: Sealord Group Ltd

Sealord is the largest seafood company in the Southern Hemisphere. And with more than 60 years of fishing experience, farming, processing, and marketing operations, our business consistently delivers quality seafood to our customers around the world.

Established in 1961, Nelson Sealord is half owned by the Māori people of New Zealand, through Moana New Zealand (Aotearoa Fisheries Ltd), and half owned by global seafood company Nippon Suisan Kaisha, Ltd (Nissui). Sealord is one of the largest quota holders in New Zealand with partners and subsidiaries around the world through Nissui’s global links. Sealord Group has fishing operations, which include all deep-water fishing activities as well as international and joint venture deep fishing activities, in New Zealand and Australia.

The Senior Deckhand position is a pivotal role in the vessels deck team. You will require a good understanding of fishing deck/trawl deck safety and have previous experience working on a deep-sea fishing trawler.

• Nelson Based


• 2-6 weeks trip on/ 2-6 weeks trip off - paid / retainer + bonus


• This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced Fisher B or Fisher A who is looking to take the next step in their career development. You will require a minimum of one years' experience working on deck on a deep sea fishing trawler + preferably hold a current deck hand certificate (QDFH ticket).


• You will receive ongoing career development and support from your Skipper, Mates and crew of 36


• Shifts are in rotations of 8 hours on / 8 hours off with meals provided by our experienced cooks.

A classic story of commitment and determination, our people play a significant role in making Sealord a proud New Zealand company and the country's best-known seafood brand. With operations in New Zealand and Australia we're one of the largest seafood companies in the Southern Hemisphere. And with nearly 60 years of fishing experience, our business consistently delivers quality seafood to our customers around the world.

At Sealord, we encourage an innovative, safe working environment and a positive culture. Our people are engaged, motivated and likely to tell you that Sealord is their employer of choice. Coaching, career development, succession planning and promotion from within, are aspects of every employee's career journey at Sealord. We have a performance-based culture and pride ourselves on reward and recognition initiatives that recognise top talent and outstanding performance. Currently, we're looking to add to our team of 1,200 employees, and have opportunities for experienced Trawler Deckhand crew positions. Passionate about the sea, fishing, and developing your career in the industry, including gaining qualifications while you work ...then this opportunity is not to be missed!

Deckhands - experience in operating and maintaining deck and fishing gear, handle and stow the catch, repair damaged nets, maintain on deck equipment, work on bridge watch duties and support factory processing operations as needed.

If this sounds like the right job for you, then impress us with your positive can-do attitude, teamwork, safety focus, and the ability to follow instructions and rules. While out on the water, resilience is a life skill that is critical, as is respect for each other and the environment. Being committed to your team and tasks is imperative for the whole crew to be successful.

Being at sea is a way of life; unique and exhilarating! This is a lifetime career opportunity with a company committed to its people and their training and development to help you fulfil your potential; offering stability and a great work-life balance.

A satisfactory pre-employment drug test and a physical medical assessment will be required to be considered for this role. Applicants must have legal entitlement to live and work in New Zealand.

This is a permanent role therefore you will need to be residing in New Zealand on a permanent basis. Crew drive/fly from throughout New Zealand to join our vessels.