Experienced Fisher – Shape the Future of Commercial Fishing with Maidenfleet
Location: Nelson, New Zealand – The Heart of Australasia’s Largest Fishing Port
Salary: Competitive + Equity + Career-Defining Opportunity
Start Date: ASAP
About Maidenfleet
Maidenfleet is building the future of fishing. For over a century, commercial fishing has remained largely unchanged—but we’re here to change that. Our AI-powered autonomous harvest system is set to revolutionize sustainable seafood harvesting, optimize efficiency, and eliminate waste.
To make this vision a reality, we need a seasoned commercial fisher to bring real-world expertise into our crew. If you've spent your life on the water, know the ins and outs of New Zealand’s inshore fishery, and want to be part of the most exciting innovation in seafood, this is your chance.
The Role – Experienced Fisher
We are looking for an experienced, hands-on fisher who knows the inshore fishery of New Zealand like the back of their hand. Your knowledge of fish behaviour, longline techniques, gear setup, and real-world fishing conditions will be essential as we develop and refine our cutting-edge autonomous harvesting technology.
You’ll be working directly with our engineering, AI, and robotics teams to ensure our system is built by fishers, for fishers—applying your deep knowledge to help fine-tune catch efficiency, fish handling, and system integration.
What You'll Be Doing
-
Providing first-hand fishing expertise to help shape the development of our autonomous harvesting system.
-
Testing, trialling, and refining new fishing technologies on the water.
-
Working closely with engineers and AI specialists to develop a system that truly works for fishers.
-
Advising on fish behaviour, gear deployment, catch handling, and operational best practices.
-
Helping to optimize longlining techniques for efficiency and sustainability.
-
Bringing decades of on-the-water knowledge to the next generation of commercial fishing.
Who We’re Looking For
-
A lifetime of fishing experience in New Zealand’s inshore fishery.
-
Extensive knowledge of longlining—gear, techniques, species behaviour, and best practices.
-
Strong understanding of fish behaviour, ocean conditions, and commercial fishing operations.
-
Experience in commercial jigging and/or the squid fishery (a big bonus but not required).
-
Passion for innovation and willingness to work alongside engineers and AI developers.
-
Open-mindedness to new technologies and a drive to help shape the future of sustainable fishing.
We need someone who thinks like a fisher, works like a fisher, and has the deep, hard-earned experience that only comes from a lifetime at sea.
Why Nelson?
This role is based at our headquarters in Nelson, New Zealand—home to Australasia’s largest fishing port and the beating heart of the seafood industry. Nelson isn’t just a workplace—it’s a lifestyle.
-
Marine Innovation Hub – Be at the centre of the region’s rich maritime and seafood industry.
-
Outdoor Paradise – With world-class hiking, mountain biking, and water sports right on your doorstep.
-
Sunniest City in New Zealand – Enjoy stunning beaches, national parks, and a vibrant community.
-
Great Food & Wine – Nestled between renowned vineyards and fresh local seafood markets.
If you want to stay connected to the sea while being part of something cutting-edge, Nelson is the perfect place to be.
Why Maidenfleet?
-
Industry Revolution – Disrupting a multi-billion dollar industry with next-gen fishing automation.
-
Fisher-First Innovation – Work alongside engineers to build a system that works for real-world fishing.
-
Hard Problems, Big Impact – Help redefine how seafood is harvested globally.
-
Competitive Pay + Equity – Be part of our long-term success.
-
Once-in-a-Lifetime Opportunity – This is not just a job—it’s a career-defining moment.
Ready to Build the Future of Fishing?
If you want to bring your fishing expertise into a cutting-edge project, work with some of the smartest, most driven people in the industry, and help shape the next era of commercial fishing, we want to hear from you.
Apply Now!