Ecology Technician Cadet

WSP; Palmerston North; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Financial support for course fees

Mentorship and hands-on experience

Paid study leave to attend exams

Tailored training and development

Job summary

WSP in Palmerston North is offering an Ecology Technician Cadet program that lets you earn while you study towards a Diploma in Science and Technology, while gaining hands-on experience with professional ecologists. You will explore native forests and wetlands, survey wildlife, and help deliver fieldwork and mapping tasks, balancing study commitments with real project work.

The cadetship includes financial support for courses, mentorship, and paid study leave to attend exams, with a clear

Qualifications

• Enthusiasm and willingness to learn.
• Eligible to enrol in University study (University Entrance).
• Love of nature and being outdoors.
• Ability to balance work and study commitments.
• Driver's licence or working towards one.

Responsibilities

• Exploring native forests and wetlands.
• Surveying birds, lizards, and other wildlife.
• Working outdoors collecting environmental data.
• Creating maps and assisting with project work.
• Helping deliver projects that balance development and environmental protection.

Skills

Enthusiasm to learn

Loves nature

Team player

Driver's licence

Education

Diploma in Science and Technology

University Entrance

Job description

Job Description

What if you could do the kind of work the world needs?

At WSP, you can access our global scale, contribute to landmark projects and connect with the brightest minds in your field. You can embrace your curiosity in a culture that celebrates new ideas and diverse perspectives enabling you to do the best work of your life. You can experience a world of opportunities to shape a career as unique as you.

WSP is one of the world’s top professional services firms, bringing together some of the brightest engineers, advisors and scientists from across the globe. We exist to shape communities to advance humanity. We see the world through a Future Ready® lens, fuelled by a shared commitment to making a positive impact—one project and community at a time.

Ecology Technician Cadet, Palmerston North

Love the outdoors – earn while you learn with WSP.

Turn your passion for nature into a career with WSP's Ecology Cadetship. Get paid while you study towards a Diploma in Science and Technology (or similar), gain real-world experience, and work alongside professional ecologists helping to protect New Zealand's unique environment.

As a WSP Ecology Technician Cadet, you’ll be supported every step of the way as you build your career. We offer:

• Financial support for course fees, learning materials, and more


• Ongoing mentorship and hands‑on practical experience alongside experienced professionals


• Paid study leave to attend courses and sit exams or similar as agreed


• The opportunity to tailor your training and development to align with your career goals

On successful completion, this role provides a clear pathway into an Ecologist career with WSP.

About the role:

• Full-time role (40 hours, Monday–Friday) in Palmerston North


• Work alongside experienced ecologists on real projects


• Gain fieldwork and technical experience while studying

What could your day look like?

• Exploring native forests and wetlands


• Surveying birds, lizards, and other wildlife


• Working outdoors collecting environmental data


• Creating maps and assisting with project work


• Helping deliver projects that balance development and environmental protection

What we’re looking for:

You don't need previous ecology experience just enthusiasm and a willingness to learn.

We're looking for someone who:

• Is eligible to enrol in University study (has University Entrance)


• Loves nature and being outdoors


• Is curious, motivated, and keen to learn new skills


• Can balance work and study commitments


• Enjoys working as part of a team


• Has a driver's licence or is working towards one

Imagine a better future for you and a better future for us all.

We are proud to have the blueprint of Aotearoa New Zealand in our DNA and our 2,000+ expert professionals in 24 offices are united by the common purpose of creating positive, long‑lasting impacts on the communities we serve.

Join our close‑knit community of talented individuals who share your passion for making a positive impact. Our global team includes more than 75,000 employees, working together to make a difference in communities both close to home and around the world.