Resilient Infrastructure Research Assistant x4

Environment Southland; Invercargill City; On-site; NZD 40,000 - 43,000; Full time

Job summary

Environment Southland is offering four summer roles for Resilient Infrastructure Research Assistants. The positions involve field-based data collection across the Mataura catchment, developing and running surveys and focus groups, and subsequent data input and analysis in the office.

Roles require initiative and confidence to engage diverse public audiences. Ideal applicants study or have an interest in humanities or environmental sciences (e.g., geography, sociology, environmental management).

Qualifications

• Studying or have an interest in humanities and environmental sciences disciplines (e.g. geography, sociology, environmental management).
• ArcGIS experience is beneficial but not essential.
• A full NZ driver’s licence is required.
• Ability to engage with a wide range of public audiences.

Responsibilities

• Field-based qualitative data collection across the Mataura catchment.
• Develop and administer surveys and focus groups in different settings.
• Input and analyse data when in the office.

Skills

Qualitative data collection

Survey administration

Focus groups

Data input/analysis

ArcGIS

Education

Humanities & Environmental Sciences studies

Tools

ArcGIS

Job description

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

Resilient Infrastructure Research Assistant x4

Reference: 6930659

We have four exciting opportunities over the summer for you to develop social research and analytical skills and tools, working alongside a range of experts on a large-scale flood risk reduction and resilience programmes in Southland. The role will be primarily field based, carrying out qualitative data collection activities across the Mataura catchment.

You will be developing and administering survey and focus group activities in different settings, inputting and analysing data when you are in the office.

This is a fantastic chance to experience cross-disciplinary work carried out by local government, where you will gain exposure to council functions like natural hazards, asset management, river operations work, social sciences and strategic planning.

These roles will suit people who can demonstrate high initiative and confidence, capable of engaging with a wide range of public audiences. We are looking for students who study or have an interest in humanities and environmental sciences disciplines (e.g. geography, sociology, environmental management), where transdisciplinary interests are valuable. Experience with Arc GIS is beneficial, but not essential. A full NZ driver's licence is required. The roles will test your ability to negotiate different social situations, providing invaluable skills for future studies or employment in these areas.

These positions are available from November 2026 - 25 March 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. All Summer Student roles are offered at a rate of $29.90 per hour and a 37.5-hour week, and may include some weekends and public holidays.