Summer Student | Aquatic Ecology Officer

Mō Ngā Manu Pīrere | About the Summer Student Programme Our 2026 Summer Student Programme offers a 3–4 month, full-time, fixed‑term opportunity for students wanting to gain meaningful, real‑world experience at Environment Canterbury. We offer a range of placements across our organisation for tertiary students who are currently studying or have recently graduated. Job Type: Summer Student Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Job Category: Environmental Services Connect with likeminded students Living Wage Supporter Summer Holidays – Fixed Term 3 Months – Nov 2026 – Feb 2027 About the Role This role combines both field and laboratory work, providing a unique opportunity to contribute to freshwater monitoring across Canterbury. Before the holiday break, you will undertake fieldwork at a variety of stream and river sites throughout the region. This involves travelling to monitoring locations, collecting macroinvertebrate samples, and completing habitat assessments. The role requires strong organisational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work efficiently in outdoor environments. Following the holiday break, the primary focus shifts to laboratory‑based work. Using a microscope, you will process the samples collected during the field season by identifying and counting macroinvertebrates. The information you gather contributes to Environment Canterbury’s long‑term stream health dataset, which is used by both internal staff and a range of external stakeholders to support environmental monitoring and decision‑making. The summer monitoring programme is a critical component of our freshwater monitoring work. The data collected helps us assess the health of waterways across Canterbury and informs evidence‑based environmental management decisions. Maintaining a high standard of accuracy while working efficiently is essential to the success of the programme. About You You’ll be currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in freshwater ecology, ecological science, or a related field. You’ll have an awareness and strong interest in the freshwater environment along with an understanding of the ecology of our waterways, primarily the macroinvertebrates that live in them. You’ll be able to work as part of a team and be comfortable working outside and around moving water as you are required to undertake fieldwork. Perseverance, an enthusiasm to learn, and the skill to maintain concentration during the prolonged hours required at a microscope will be indispensable in this role. It is also important that you are comfortable working outside around rivers, potentially in all types of weather. We can teach you how we do things here at Environment Canterbury – what’s important is: An understanding of stream sampling methodologies Experience or knowledge in the identification of freshwater macroinvertebrates Consistent attention to detail and the aptitude to remain focused A current full driver's licence and be comfortable driving long distances Ability to read maps and follow directions Ability to swim and make sound decisions around moving water Be available to work flexible hours throughout the summer period and be available for a few nights out of Christchurch Experience in data entry and data checking Working at Environment Canterbury Kaitiakitanga (stewardship) Pononga (integrity) Manaakitanga (people first) Whanaungatanga (collaboration) Māiatanga (can do) We value and embrace diversity and believe it enables us to better serve our people, communities, and our greatest taonga—the environment. Everyone’s contribution, perspective, and skills are valued here. We’re on a journey to becoming a Treaty partner of excellence. We encourage the use and development of kaupapa Māori, mātauranga Māori, and te reo Māori in our work and welcome you wherever you are on your personal te ao Māori journey. Additional Information For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Lucy Rust on 027 223 3837. Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter. Cover Letter Requirement As part of your cover letter, in 300 words or less, please tell us about a project, assignment, research topic or problem you worked on during your studies that you’re particularly proud of. What was your contribution, what did you learn, and how might those learnings be applied in a workplace setting? Applications close on Wednesday, 29 July . Applications will be reviewed as they are received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. We reserve the right to close advertising early. The Summer Student Programme will commence on Monday, 16 November . It is essential that all candidates are available to begin on this date and are fully available during the week to participate in required training and induction as part of the cohort. Eligibility Studying at a New Zealand University Be currently studying or graduating this current year Have the right to work in New Zealand Be available to work full‑time from November to February Shortlisted candidates will be required to complete an interview, reference checks, and a criminal record check. Additional background checks may apply depending on the role. #J-18808-Ljbffr