Marine Biosecurity Assistant

Environment Southland; Invercargill City; Hybrid; NZD 52,000 - 63,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

None

Job summary

Environment Southland is seeking a Marine Biosecurity Assistant for the summer program. The role combines office tasks with field work across Murihiku Southland, Fiordland, and Rakiura. Duties include identifying marine pests, performing GIS mapping, and supporting education and community engagement initiatives.

Applicants may join the marine dive team for suitably qualified candidates, with medical clearance and CO C diving qualifications as needed. 37.5-hour weeks at NZ$29.90/hour.

Qualifications

• Marine or coastal science background preferred.
• Experience with GIS and mapping is desirable.
• Available for weekend/public-holiday work.
• Eligible student or recent graduate

Responsibilities

• Identify marine pests and species in field and office tasks.
• Perform GIS mapping and data analysis for projects.
• Assist with education and community engagement activities.
• Support the Marine Biosecurity Ambassador Programme.
• Participate in field work; dive work may be required

Skills

GIS & mapping

Marine biology

Education outreach

SCUBA diving (potential)

Education

Enrolled in tertiary institution

Tools

GIS software

Job description

See more about the role below, including the responsibilities and skills we are looking for.

Marine Biosecurity Assistant

Reference: 6930662

We're seeking a Marine Biosecurity Assistant to support our busy marine biosecurity programme for the summer. The role involves office‑based tasks and the opportunity to partake in field and possibly dive work across Murihiku Southland, including Fiordland and Rakiura. Core duties include marine pest and species identification, GIS and mapping work, preparing education and community engagement activities, and supporting the Marine Biosecurity Ambassador Programme.

Weekend and public‑holiday work may be required. Outgoing applicants with marine or coastal science experience are preferred, and for the right person there is potential to join our scientific dive team, subject to qualifications (scientific COC required for scuba diving), medical clearance, ability to pass swim and skills tests, and ideally owning personal dive gear. Flexibility is available, so applicants who meet most, but not all criteria are encouraged to get in touch.

This position is available from 30 November 2026 - 28 February 2027. You are eligible to apply if you are currently enrolled in a tertiary institution or have graduated this year. All Summer Student roles are offered at a rate of $29.90 per hour and a 37.5-hour week.