Summer Student | Water Quality Officer

Job Type: Summer Student

Location: Christchurch, New Zealand

Job Category: Environmental Services

• Connect with like-minded 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 sits within the Water Quality and Ecology Monitoring Team and offers an excellent opportunity to gain hands-on experience supporting Canterbury's environmental monitoring programmes.

As part of our team, you will assist with a range of data collection and processing activities that contribute to our surface and groundwater programmes. Depending on programme requirements, the field component may include water quality sampling, habitat observations, flow measurements, water level monitoring, or other environmental monitoring activities. You will also help maintain monitoring equipment, undertake quality assurance checks on environmental data, and investigate anomalies to ensure the integrity of our datasets.

Working alongside other students, you will also help monitor popular recreational sites and assess their suitability for swimming and other contact recreation activities. This includes collecting data that supports our predictive water quality models for Lyttelton and Akaroa Harbours. You will assist with monitoring microbial water quality, harmful cyanobacteria, and planktonic algal blooms in both freshwater and coastal environments, helping to identify potential risks and provide timely information that supports public health advice and community safety.

This is a fantastic opportunity for someone who enjoys working outdoors, has a passion for the environment, and is eager to build practical skills and experience in water quality or quantity monitoring.

Mōu │ About You

You’ll be currently studying or have recently graduated from a tertiary qualification (degree or diploma) in environmental science or a relevant field. You’ll bring a positive attitude, a willingness to ask questions, and an interest in the work we do.

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

• Are capable and safety conscious when working in the field
• Are organised, reliable, and able to manage competing priorities
• Learn quickly and are eager to develop skills and knowledge
• Have attention to detail and a methodical nature
• Are self-motivated and adaptable
• Able to identify data issues and inform others
• Communicate clearly and work well with others
• Contribute to a positive and inclusive team environment

You will have a full driver’s licence and be comfortable driving long distances. You’ll be a competent swimmer in various environments and demonstrate sound decision making when working around water.

You’ll need to be available to work flexible hours, including between Christmas and New Year and some rostered weekends during targeted environmental conditions.

Experience in water quality or other environmental monitoring techniques, data entry and dealing with the public 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 Rachel Herbert on 027 223 3836.

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 Sunday 2 August. 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