Deckhand - Vessels - Niwa

We have a great opportunity for a suitably qualified and experienced deckhand to join Research Vessels New Zealand and the team on the RV Kaharoa II, based out of Wellington.

About us

Earth Sciences New Zealand is a new entity created from the merger of NIWA and GNS. We’re proud of our contribution to science and innovation in Aotearoa and you’ll be part of a collaborative and purpose-driven organisation where your work has impact To deliver the science needed to achieve meaningful change, we are committed to providing the best for our people, strengthening domestic and international collaborations, partnering with Māori, supporting Pacific resilience, leveraging advanced technologies, and investing wisely in essential assets and infrastructure. We also uphold our environmental responsibilities and maintain a strong focus on financial sustainability, ensuring our work continues to make a lasting difference.

Research Vessels New Zealand (RVNZ) is a subsidiary of Earth Sciences New Zealand. RVNZ operates a fleet of three research vessels from the Port of Wellington that provide word-class environmental monitoring and research platforms.

** About the position**

The RV Kaharoa II is a new vessel equipped with the latest technologies that can accommodate six crew members and up to nine research staff. This position reports to the Mate under the Master and is responsible for undertaking a variety of deck duties to assist with our scientific research programmes.

This position sits within the NIWA business unit of Earth Sciences New Zealand.

** Key responsibilities include**:

- Performing a variety of deck duties in a collaborative team environment.
- Safe operation of the vessel including maintaining a clean and safe condition on board.
- Operating equipment used in the collection of data and samples.
- Maritime duties in accordance with Maritime NZ regulations and company standards.

** What you’ll bring**
- At least two years’ experience in a similar role
- Good physical fitness and aptitude for multi-week voyages
- Trawl fishing and net mending experience
- STCW Basic Training including Seafarers Security Awareness, and Survival Craft & Rescue Boats other than fast rescue boats (or Proficiency in Survival Craft & Rescue Boats).
- Experience working in a team, with strong interpersonal and communication skills
- An ability to pass pre-employment criminal conviction checks and drug and alcohol testing.

** What we offer**
- Varied, challenging and important work with talented colleagues in an organisation devoted to earth science.
- A high performing organisation with a focus on employee development and wellbeing
- Generous leave entitlements and employee benefits

Job DetailsCrown research institute
- NIWAReference #
- 59719Posted on
- 07 Nov 2025Closes on
- 30 Nov 2025 23:55Location(s)
- Central WellingtonExpertise
- SeafaringJob level(s)
- ExperiencedWork type(s)
- PermanentMore details (document)
- Deckhand Kaharoa II - Nov 2025.pdf