Summer Student Harbours | Tauira - Ahu Moana

Nelson City Council; Nelson; On-site; NZD 30,000 - 60,000; Part time

Job summary

A local government organization in Nelson is offering a part-time Summer Student position with the Harbourmaster's Team. You'll work outdoors and support maritime safety, gaining valuable hands-on experience. Applicants should be capable swimmers and have basic knowledge of navigation and safety awareness. This is a great opportunity to kick-start a maritime career in a stunning environment.

Benefits

Hands-on maritime experience

Supportive team environment

Work outdoors in beautiful surroundings

Qualifications

• Must be a capable swimmer.
• Current driver's license (manual) required.
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or equivalent) preferred.
• Coastguard Boating Education Day Skipper (or equivalent) preferred.
• Minimum VHF Operator's certificate is needed.

Responsibilities

• Conduct daily water patrols.
• Remove navigation hazards like logs and mussel floats.
• Support emergency callouts and routine maintenance checks.
• Help with safety surveys and vessel registrations.
• Educate the public on safe boating practices.
• Keep working areas tidy.

Skills

Strong interpersonal and communication skills

Ability to work with independence and initiative

Confidence in the water

Basic knowledge of navigation

Basic knowledge of meteorology

Basic knowledge of engineering

Rope skills

Safety awareness

Job description

• $23.50 per hour

• 20 hours per week + 3 days on-call

• Fixed term: 1 November 2024 - end of March 2025

Make Waves This Summer - Join the Harbourmaster’s Team!

Love being out on the water? Interested in maritime safety? Here’s your chance to turn your passion into experience! The Nelson Harbourmaster is offering one part-time Summer Student position - a rare opportunity to support the safety of our harbour, port, and waterways while building your skills for the future.

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. We care for one another and for our pūahatanga harbour, creating a vibrant, safe, and supportive place for everyone.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a summer student, you’ll be at the heart of harbor operations, working alongside our Harbourmaster to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys the water - from commercial operators to weekend boaties. You’ll:

• Conduct daily water patrols
• Remove navigation hazards (logs, mussel floats, etc.)
• Support emergency callouts and routine maintenance checks
• Help with safety surveys, vessel registrations, and record keeping
• Educate and engage with the public on safe boating practices
• Keep working areas tidy and ship-shape

No two days are the same - one day you might be clearing a hazard, the next helping with an urgent callout. It’s hands-on, practical, and meaningful work.

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

We’re looking for motivated students with:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work with independence and initiative
• Confidence in the water (you must be a capable swimmer)
• Basic knowledge of navigation, meteorology, engineering, rope skills, and safety awareness
• In your cover letter, please confirm you meet these criteria:
• Current driver’s license (manual)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or equivalent)
• Coastguard Boating Education Day Skipper (or equivalent)
• Minimum VHF Operator’s certificate

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

As part of Te Ahu Moana o Whakatū | Nelson Marina, you’ll join a team that values mahi tahi - collaboration and teamwork - and a Manager who is committed to supporting you to grow and thrive.

• A chance to kick-start your maritime career with practical, hands-on experience
• Work outdoors in one of Aotearoa’s most stunning harbours
• Join a supportive and passionate tīma who care about our community and marine environment

Good to know

• Part-time, 20 hours per week, November 2024 – March 2025
• On-call 3 days per week
• Safety-sensitive role - pre-employment drug & alcohol testing applies
• Applications are reviewed as they are received - so get in quick!

For more information about this role please contact Pete Carmichael, Deputy Harbourmaster - [e-mail].
Please ensure that you submit your application via the link to ensure it is received.