Summer Student | Regional Biodiversity

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

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

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.

Kōrero mō te Tūranga | About the Role

Environment Canterbury's Biodiversity & Biosecurity team is looking for two Summer Students to contribute to a range of biodiversity and biosecurity projects. You'll support the delivery and monitoring of initiatives focused on protecting and enhancing wetlands, braided rivers, and fish habitats across the region, as well as supporting biosecurity initiatives such as monitoring and surveillance of pest species.

Key Responsibilities May Include

• Weed mapping and vegetation assessments, research and management plan development
• Undertaking fish habitat and fish passage assessments
• Biodiversity project management
• Ground-truthing GEOAI imagery
• Physical searching for pest species
• Supporting projects, analysis, or fieldwork relevant to your placement area
• Assisting with research, data collection, reporting, or administration
• 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

You'll enjoy a balance of office and field-based work, with opportunities to spend time outdoors supporting biodiversity and biosecurity projects. Some flexibility is required, as field activities may occasionally take place outside normal office hours and may involve overnight stays.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in environmental science or a related field. You’ll have an awareness and interest in freshwater and terrestrial biodiversity

You’ll have fantastic communication skills as you’ll be working with a range of people, from council employees to grant recipients and landowners.

You’ll bring a positive attitude, a willingness to ask questions, and an interest in the work we do at Environment Canterbury.

We can teach you how we do things here at Environment Canterbury, what’s important is:

• A general awareness of environmental, community, or public sector work
• Be organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities
• Communicate clearly and work well with others
• Be eager to develop skills, knowledge, and professional networks

Ngā hua o te Mahi i te Kaunihera Taiao ki Waitaha |

Working at Environment Canterbury

Our Mahi Is Underpinned By Our Values

• 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.

Ko ētahi atu kōrero | Additional Information

Apply directly by completing the online application form and submitting your CV and cover letter.

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.

T he 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.

Me mahi tahi tātou – Together we can