Environmental Hydrology Summer Student: Field & GIS

Job Details Job Type: Summer Student Location: Christchurch, New Zealand Job Category: Environmental Services Duration : 3‑4 months full‑time fixed‑term (Nov 2026 – Feb 2027) 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. Participants will undergo a tailored onboarding experience, including a comprehensive welcome and induction. You will connect with and learn alongside a cohort of fellow summer students, building networks, confidence, and capability while contributing to work that makes a difference for our region and environment. Positions Available Position One Primary responsibilities: mapping dry reaches within Canterbury’s intermittent rivers and streams, including the Waitohi, Hinds/Hekeao, Selwyn/Waikirikiri, Te Ngawai, and Hae Hae Te Moana catchments. Extensive fieldwork involving walking and driving along riverbeds to collect and record environmental data. Field data will be validated against satellite imagery to support monitoring and analysis activities. Experience with GIS software, spatial data analysis, and remote sensing imagery would be highly advantageous. Position Two Primary responsibilities: analysing river flow conditions in relation to annual macroinvertebrate monitoring data collected over the past 20 years from the Waipara River, Rakahuri/Ashley River, and Waikirikiri/Selwyn River. Project focuses on understanding hydrological drivers behind changes in macroinvertebrate communities. Predominantly office‑based with occasional fieldwork. Key Responsibilities (both roles) Supporting projects, analysis, or fieldwork relevant to your placement area Working collaboratively with team members and other summer students Applying theoretical knowledge to real‑world challenges Contributing to a positive, inclusive, and safety‑focused workplace About You You are currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in science and have a passion for Canterbury hydrology. You are motivated, curious, and eager to learn and contribute. You bring a positive attitude, willingness to ask questions, and interest in the work Environment Canterbury does. Experience or study in hydrology, freshwater ecology, environmental science, or integration of hydrological and ecological datasets is highly advantageous. The role may involve overnight travel and occasional work outside normal business hours. Confidence working independently, driving long distances, and undertaking fieldwork in and around waterways is required. Ability to adapt to a range of weather conditions is essential. Additional Skills A general awareness of environmental, community, or public sector work Organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities Clear communication and teamwork skills A desire to develop skills, knowledge, and professional networks Experience in planning fieldwork, GIS, or working within a field team is an advantage Eligibility Studying at a New Zealand university Currently studying or graduating this current year Have the right to work in New Zealand Available to work full‑time from November to February Application Information Applications close on Wednesday, 29 July. Applications will be reviewed as received, and interviews may take place prior to the closing date. The Summer Student Programme commences on Monday, 16 November. Candidates must be available to begin on this date and remain available during the week for training and induction as part of the cohort. Shortlisted candidates will undergo an interview, reference checks, and a criminal record check. Additional background checks may apply. As part of your cover letter, in 300 words or less, describe a project, assignment, research topic, or problem you worked on during your studies that you’re particularly proud of. Explain your contribution, what you learned, and how those learnings could be applied in a workplace setting. #J-18808-Ljbffr