Summer Student - Harbours | Tauira - Ahu Moana

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 23,000 - 32,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Career-launching internship

Inclusive workplace culture

Application support

Job summary

Nelson City Council in New Zealand invites motivated interns to join the Harbours team and gain hands-on maritime experience while contributing to community safety and waterways wellbeing. The role includes daily harbour patrols, emergency response when needed, safety checks, and public education initiatives to help communities stay safe on the water.

These positions are 20 hours per week on a two-week roster, with some weekend work and on-call responsibilities, offering a clear pathway to a

Qualifications

• Motivated and driven individuals looking to build a long-term maritime career.
• Outdoor environment suitability and a positive impact mindset.
• Commitment to safety and continuous learning in a dynamic setting.

Responsibilities

• Daily patrols across harbour environments.
• Emergency response operations where quick thinking matters.
• Safety checks to keep waterways secure and compliant.
• Public education initiatives to help communities stay safe on the water.

Skills

Patrol operations

Public engagement

Job description

Are you passionate about the sea and ready to launch an exciting career in the maritime industry? Conduct on-water patrols, engage with the public, and gather information at boat ramps and beaches.This is your chance to dive in and make a real difference on the water!

About Nelson City Council | E pā ana ki te Kaunihera o Whakatū

We are Wakatū Nelson, a city where creativity, prosperity, and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive, resilient, and deeply connected. Here we prioritize caring for one another and our city, building a vibrant and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

Join the Harbours team and immerse yourself in a dynamic, hands-on role where no two days are the same. You'll be right at the heart of the action, contributing to the safety and wellbeing of our waterways and the communities that depend on them.

As part of our team, you'll get involved in a wide range of exciting and meaningful activities, including:

• Daily patrols across our stunning harbour environments
• Emergency response operations where your quick thinking truly matters
• Safety checks to keep our waterways secure and compliant
• Public education initiatives that help communities stay safe on the water

These roles will work 20 hours per week, on a two week roster, including some weekend work.These roles will also be expected to take part in the on-call roster.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

We want to hear from motivated, driven individuals who are serious about building a long-term career in the maritime space. If you're someone who thrives in an outdoor environment, loves a challenge, and is committed to making a positive impact — you could be exactly who we're looking for.

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

This isn't just any internship — it's a career-launching opportunity backed by four consecutive years of success. Our programme has an outstanding history of opening doors, with previous interns going on to secure roles across a broad spectrum of the maritime field, both here in New Zealand and internationally. When you join us, you're not just gaining experience — you're stepping onto a pathway that has already shaped the careers of many talented maritime professionals.

At Nelson City Council, we are committed to fostering a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace where everyone feels safe, valued, and has a true sense of belonging. We welcome applications from people of all backgrounds, including those from diverse ethnicities and cultures, LGBTQ+ communities, neurodivergent individuals, and people with disabilities. If you require any assistance with your application, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.

Applications close | Rā whakakapi

Midnight Sunday 04 October 2026.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Steve Bull, Deputy Harbourmaster on [e-mail].