Summer Student | Aquatic Ecology Officer

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

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.

Mōu │ 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 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 that are required to be spent 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 drivers’ 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

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

For a confidential chat about this role, please contact Lucy Rust on 0272233837.

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.

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.

Me mahi tahi tātou – Together we can