Summer Student | Water Quality Officer

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 As part of the programme, you’ll take part in a tailored onboarding experience, including a comprehensive welcome and induction. You’ll 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. This is a great opportunity to apply what you’ve learned, develop practical skills, and explore future career pathways. The focus of this work is tomonitorpopular sites for their suitability for swimming and other contact activities. This involves taking microbial water quality samples from freshwater and marine environments and notifying territorialand public health authorities if results exceed guideline values. We alsomonitorfor harmful Cyanobacteria and planktonic blooms so we can inform authorities when health warnings are needed to protect our communities. The work is fieldbased, visiting beaches,riversand lakes around the region each week, with approximately one day in the office to enter data, verify its accuracy and archive to databases which can publish to LAWA.There may also be the opportunity to support the wider field team by carrying out a variety of monitoring techniques to support our other programmes. This role is based in Timaru. You’llbe currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) inenvironmentalscienceora relevant field, andyou’llunderstand surface water environments. You’ll bring a positive attitude, a willingness to ask questions, and an interest in the work we do. We can teach you how we dothings here at Environment Canterbury,what’simportant is you: Are capable and safety conscious when working in the field Are organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities Have attention to detail and a methodical nature Are self-motivated and adaptable Able toidentifydata issues and inform others Communicate clearly and work well with others Contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment Are eager to develop skills and knowledge Have a general awareness of environmental and community issues You will have a full driver’s licenceandbe comfortable driving long distances.You’llbe a competent swimmer in various environments anddemonstratesound decision makingwhenworking around water. You’llneed to be available to work flexible hours, including between Christmas and New Year and some rostered weekends during targeted environmental conditions. Experience in water quality and algal sampling techniques, data entry and dealing with the public would be an advantage. Our mahi is underpinned by our values: 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. Applications close on Sunday 2 August . 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. 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