• Connect with Likeminded Students
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• 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 supports Resource Management Officers and their administrative teams by monitoring and reporting on water-use compliance, ensuring the accurate collection, management, and delivery of high-quality data.

Through this role, you'll develop knowledge of the Resource Management Act and related legislation, while collaborating with consent planners, technical experts, and officers from across the organisation.

The Water Data Summer Student position will support the compliance team with:   

• Assisting the creation and delivery of monitoring projects  
• Detailed and methodical reporting  
• Carrying out desktop compliance monitoring checks   
• 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 environmental science or related area along with knowledge covering either legislation, data analysis or project delivery.    

This role offers an excellent opportunity to gain practical experience in a professional environment while making a meaningful contribution to our organisation's success.

We're looking for someone who is self-motivated, enjoys working independently, and can deliver high-quality results in a timely manner. Ideally, you'll have experience leading student projects, presenting insights and recommendations to others, and analysing and interpreting data to support informed decision-making.

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

• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal  
• Confident in learning and using multiple systems simultaneously  
• Strong analytical skills and attention to detail  
• Prior experience of interpretating the RMA is advantageous but not required  
• Be currently studying or recently graduated in a relevant tertiary discipline
• 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