Trainee Baader Technician - Fishing Vessel

Sanford Limited; Timaru; On-site; NZD 55,000 - 83,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hands-on training

Rotation schedule

Sea‑day rate

Job summary

Sanford Limited seeks a Trainee Baader Technician aboard the 67‑metre frozen‑at‑sea factory trawler based out of Timaru. You will receive hands‑on training in the maintenance, repair and operation of Baader processing equipment while working with an experienced technician.

The role follows a trip‑on/trip‑off pattern, typically up to six weeks at sea then six weeks off, with travel costs reimbursed within New Zealand.

Qualifications

• Experience or qualification in general engineering, mechanical maintenance, fitting and turning, electrical, hydraulics, welding.
• Hands-on engineering experience welcomed.
• Willingness to learn and adapt to working at sea.

Responsibilities

• Assist with setup, maintenance and repair of Baader machinery and conveyors.
• Support fault-finding across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic systems.
• Carry out planned maintenance to minimise downtime.
• Assist with light fabrication, welding and workshop repairs.
• Maintain spare parts inventories and maintenance records.
• Support safe operation of factory machinery.
• Collaborate with teams to keep processing operations running smoothly.

Skills

Mechanical aptitude

Problem-solving

Teamwork

Safety-conscious

Education

General engineering qualification

Mechanical maintenance qualification

Tools

Baader processing machinery

Welding equipment

Hydraulic tools

Job description

Trainee Baader Technician - Fishing Vessel

Jump on board our deep-water fleet, a league of 13 fishing vessels operating year-round from Cape Reinga to the Ross Sea. Our deep-sea trawlers can be at sea for up to 12 weeks at a time, catching, processing, and packaging seafood onboard - delivering premium New Zealand seafood to tables worldwide.

We’re looking for a Trainee Baader Technician to join the San Granit, a 67-metre frozen-at-sea factory trawler. Working alongside an experienced Baader Technician, you’ll receive hands‑on training in the maintenance, repair and operation of specialised seafood processing equipment.

The successful applicant will be required to join the vessel scheduled for January - February 2027 (dates subject to change). This vessel is based out of Timaru port - Sanford will reimburse you for your travel costs each trip.

This is an Independent Contractor opportunity, offering a trip‑on/trip‑off rotation, typically up to six weeks at sea followed by six weeks off.

About the opportunity

As a Trainee Baader Technician, you'll work closely with the lead Baader Technician to keep the onboard factory machinery running safely and efficiently. It's a varied, hands‑on role covering multiple engineering disciplines, with plenty of opportunity to learn and develop your technical skills.

Your responsibilities will include:

• Assisting with the setup, maintenance and repair of Baader processing machinery, conveyors and automated freezing systems
• Supporting fault‑finding and repairs across mechanical, electrical, hydraulic and pneumatic equipment
• Carrying out planned and preventative maintenance to minimise equipment downtime
• Assisting with light engineering, fabrication, welding, machining and general workshop repairs
• Helping maintain spare parts inventories, maintenance records and equipment work lists
• Supporting the safe and correct operation of factory machinery
• Working alongside the wider factory and engineering teams to keep processing operations running smoothly
• Following all onboard health, safety and operational procedures

Full on‑the‑job training will be provided, making this an excellent opportunity to build specialist experience in an industry where these opportunities don't come around often.

About you

We're looking for someone mechanically minded, practical and keen to learn. You don't need previous Baader experience, but some hands‑on experience in engineering, maintenance or a related trade would be a great starting point.

Ideally, you'll bring:

• Experience or a qualification in general engineering, mechanical maintenance, fitting and turning, electrical, hydraulics, welding or a similar field
• Good mechanical aptitude and an interest in learning how complex machinery operates
• Strong problem‑solving skills and a willingness to get stuck in
• A safety‑conscious approach and attention to detail
• The ability to follow instructions, take feedback and work well within a team
• A positive attitude and the ability to adapt to working and living at sea for extended periods

Most importantly, we're looking for someone reliable, motivated and genuinely interested in developing a career in this specialist area.

What's on offer

• Hands‑on training and development alongside an experienced Baader Technician
• Trip‑on/trip‑off rotation, typically up to six weeks on and six weeks off
• Daily sea‑day rate plus additional tonnage‑based earnings linked to catch performance
• Travel within New Zealand to and from the vessel reimbursed
• The opportunity to develop specialist technical skills while working in a unique offshore environment

You must be eligible to work in New Zealand. Our recruitment process includes pre‑engagement checks, including a criminal history check, drug and alcohol testing, and a medical assessment.