Summer Student | Surface Water Resources

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

Position One

Will primarily be responsible for mapping dry reaches within Canterbury’s intermittent rivers and streams, including the Waitohi, Hinds/Hekeao, Selwyn/Waikirikiri, Te Ngawai, and Hae Hae Te Moana catchments. This role involves extensive fieldwork, including walking and driving along riverbeds to collect and record environmental data.

The information gathered in the field will be used alongside and validated against satellite imagery to support monitoring and analysis activities. Experience with GIS software, spatial data analysis, and remote sensing imagery would be highly advantageous.

Position Two

Will primarily be responsible for analysing river flow conditions in relation to annual macroinvertebrate monitoring data collected over the past 20 years from the Waipara River, Rakahuri/Ashley River, and Waikirikiri/Selwyn River.

This project will help improve our understanding of the potential hydrological drivers behind observed changes in macroinvertebrate communities, including the frequency, duration, and extent of low-flow and high-flow events. The role will be predominantly office-based, focusing on data analysis and interpretation, with occasional opportunities for fieldwork.

Key Responsibilities For Both Roles May Include

• Supporting projects, analysis, or fieldwork relevant to your placement area
• 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 science and have a passion for Canterbury hydrology.

You’ll be motivated and curious students who are keen to learn and contribute. You’ll bring a positive attitude, a willingness to ask questions, and an interest in the work we do at Environment Canterbury.

You’ll have a genuine interest in Canterbury hydrology (and instream ecology for position 2) so some knowledge of hydrological and instream ecological processes would be an advantage. Experience or study in hydrology, freshwater ecology, environmental science, or the integration of hydrological and ecological datasets would be highly advantageous.

This role may involve overnight travel and occasional work outside normal business hours. To be successful, you’ll need to be confident working independently, driving long distances, and undertaking fieldwork in and around waterways. You’ll also be comfortable working in a range of weather conditions and adapting to the challenges that come with outdoor environmental monitoring.

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

Any experience in planning fieldwork, GIS, or working within a field team would be an 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 Suzanne Gabites 0276030179

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