Summer Student | Knowledge Management 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 provides a unique opportunity to gain broad exposure to the organisation while working within the Digital Solutions team. You’ll gain experience in how to use your base theoretical tertiary knowledge in a professional and diverse organisation.

You’ll be undertaking quality assurance for and processing archival information into the electronic document and records management system (Content Manager). Your work will involve quality assurance, developing import spreadsheets containing the required metadata, the appropriate management of the master, and preservation images, as well as the access copy.

This role will give you the experience and insight into the information, records and knowledge management sector and potentially give a jump start on your career as it has students before you.

Key Responsibilities May Include

• Develop appropriate metadata into import files for archival items, and current records.
• Create records in the EDRMS from the import files that include the electronic item.
• Cross-check imported items against the import file, and directory of electronic files to ensure all items have been imported.
• Support the Knowledge Management team with day-to-day imports, and with the maintenance of full-size, master items.
• 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

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in Information Technology/Knowledge Management Systems.

You’ll have had some exposure to and be comfortable with, Information Systems, have excellent communication skills and analytical thinking to help solve problems, inform decision making and add value to our service delivery.

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

• Excellent time management and organisational skills
• Confidence with Windows-based computer software
• A working understanding of information and records management principles and practices, in particular digitising archival items to preservation level
• An eye for detail to ensure correct digitising and metadata capture
• Ability to communicate well and in a professional manner
• Advanced level of use of Microsoft Excel, specifically bulk manipulation of data
• An interest in information management and how it intersects with technology
• Have 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.

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