Summer Student | Software Developer

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

Join our Integration and DevOps team and gain hands-on experience working with modern software development, cloud technologies, DevOps practices, and enterprise integrations. You will contribute to digital solutions that support critical services across Environment Canterbury while developing valuable technical skills in Azure and modern software delivery.

This role will support key digital initiatives across the organisation, including application modernisation, Azure integration development, and continuous improvement of our systems. Working alongside experienced developers, you'll apply your studies in a real-world environment while contributing to projects that support the delivery of services across Environment Canterbury.

Key Responsibilities May Include

• Assisting with the development and support of APIs and enterprise integration solutions.
• Supporting monitoring, troubleshooting, and optimisation of cloud-hosted applications and integrations.
• Contributing to DevOps practices including source control, automated testing, and deployment pipelines.
• Supporting application deployment activities using Continuous Integration and Continuous Deployment (CI/CD) practices
• Assisting with the migration of applications and services to Microsoft Azure
• Developing and configuring Azure-based integrations to replace legacy solutions
• Supporting the day-to-day maintenance and enhancement of business applications and integrations
• Working collaboratively with software developers, business stakeholders, and fellow summer students
• Applying theoretical knowledge to real-world challenges
• Contributing to a positive, inclusive, and safety-focused workplace

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be a motivated and curious student with a passion for technology and software development. You'll enjoy problem-solving, learning new technologies, and working collaboratively with others. This is an excellent opportunity for someone wanting to gain practical experience in cloud technologies, software development, and systems integration while contributing to meaningful projects.

Ideally, You'll

• Be currently studying towards a degree in Computer Science, Software Engineering, Information Technology, or a related discipline
• Have a foundational understanding of software development principles and programming languages such as C#, .NET
• An interest in software engineering best practices including version control, testing, and automation.
• Familiarity with Git, CI/CD concepts, or cloud-native application development.
• A desire to learn about enterprise systems, APIs, and system integration.
• Have an interest in cloud platforms, particularly Microsoft Azure, and modern development practices
• Be an effective communicator who can collaborate with both technical and non-technical stakeholders.
• Be organised, proactive, and eager to learn in a supportive team environment

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.

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