Summer Student Science and Environment | Tauira - Pūtaiao

LiveHire Limited; Nelson; On-site; NZD 28,000 - 34,000; Full time

Job summary

Nelson City Council is seeking an enthusiastic environmental science student for the 26/27 summer period to gain hands‑on field experience and help protect Nelson’s natural environment. You will monitor local ecosystems, manage data, and assist water quality and hydrology programmes, spending time in streams and rivers while learning how our data collection and analysis systems work.

This role offers opportunities to develop practical field skills and contribute to meaningful environmental

Qualifications

• You will be a student in your second year or above studying towards a degree in physical and/or environmental science.
• Availability to work throughout Nov–Feb, 40 hours per week, Mon–Fri, with some dates around Christmas/New Year.

Responsibilities

• Monitor Nelson's environment and manage related data.
• Assist in water sampling, hydrological/flow gauging, and habitat surveys.
• Support the team in water quality and hydrology summer programmes and fieldwork.

Skills

Teamwork

Self-motivation

Computer skills

Data collection

Education

Student in environmental/physical science degree

Job description

We’re looking for an enthusiastic environmental science student keen to gain practical field experience while helping protect and monitor Nelson’s natural environment.

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

Our vision for Whakatū Nelson is a creative, prosperous and innovative city. Our community is inclusive, resilient, and connected - we care for each other and our environment.

About the role | Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

We are seeking a student to join our talented and expert Science and Environment team over the busy 26/27 summer period, as a unique opportunity for students to gain hand-on experience while contributing to our community’s environmental initiatives.

You will be responsible for; monitoring Nelson’s unique environment and managing resulting data, and working with our community to maintain and enhance our environment. You will assist in our water quality and hydrology summer programmes- spending plenty of time in Nelson's streams and rivers, as well as learning about the process and systems we use to manage and analyse the data we collect.

Assist our team with;

• Water sampling
• Hydrological/ flow gauging
• Fish monitoring and habitat surveys

About you | Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

You will ideally be a student in your second year or above studying towards a degree or related qualification in a physical and/or environmental science subject, with a genuine interest in environmental monitoring and field-based science.

• Be available to work throughout the holiday period (Nov-Feb; we can be flexible around your term dates), working 40 hours per week Monday to Friday
• Be available to work between Christmas and New Years
• Be physically fit, have a current full driver licence
• Enjoy working as part of a team
• Be self-motivated regardless of the task
• The ability to build positive working relationships and continuously improve your skills and knowledge
• Good computer skills and an interest in environmental data collection and management

What we offer | Ko ngā painga mōu

At Nelson City Council we believe that taking care of Nelson starts with taking care of our people. As a member of the Science and Environment Business Unit, you will be part of a talented team who you can learn from and collaborate with.

We also offer:

• Wellbeing platforms and initiatives
• Learning and professional development opportunities
• Access to various employee benefits and discounts
• Opportunities to contribute to meaningful projects that shape our community’s wellbeing and future
• Mountains, beaches and national parks at your doorstep

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 11 October 2026.

For further enquiries | Ina he pātai anō, whakapā mai

Please reach out to Stefan Beaumont, Team Leader - Water/ Air on [e-mail].