Summer Student | Contaminated Sites Officer (Waste)

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 will give you experience and a chance to work closely with our nationally recognised multi-disciplinary contaminated land and waste team. The summer project will be to help the district councils in South Canterbury (Timaru, Waitaki, Waimate and Mackenzie) to progress the development a disaster waste plan. You will get the opportunity to work with the waste managers, civil defence staff and other staff at the relevant district councils and civil defence to develop the plan. The intention is for the plan to be suitable to be used in the event of a disaster within the South Canterbury districts, and will determine the management of waste during response and recovery.

You’ll Use Your Skills To Conduct The Following

• A literature review of national, and regional disaster waste guidance, including the Disaster Waste Management Plan Template Tool and Workbook (2019) and the National Disaster Waste Management Guidelines 2026.
• Use your relationship building skills to link in with the relevant council staff and compile local information relevant to disaster waste planning.
• Review existing disaster waste planning undertaken within the Canterbury region, and apply any learnings to help progress a South Canterbury plan.
• Develop a disaster waste plan for South Canterbury drawing from the relevant literature and information gathered during the project, in coordination with the ECan Contaminated Land and Waste team, the regional waste projects facilitator, the South Canterbury waste managers and civil defence staff.

This role is predominantly office based but will involve some travel to South Canterbury.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in environmental science or related area along with an interest and enthusiasm for waste management/research. You’ll be able to work as part of a team and have a proven ability to communicate with various stakeholders. You’ll need to be able to draw together research and guidance and to summarise the pertinent information into a readable plan.

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

• Communicate clearly and work well with others
• Consistent attention to detail and the aptitude to remain focused
• Demonstrated ability to conduct literature reviews
• Self-driven and motivated
• Enthusiasm for waste management
• An awareness of Mātauranga Māori is also desirable
• A general awareness of environmental, community, or public sector work
• Be organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities
• GIS skills would be an additional advantage

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

Jack Grinsted - 027 276 2556.

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