Local recruitment: Summer Assistant - Environmental Monitoring x2 (Fixed Term, 12 weeks)

Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council

Whakatāne, New Zealand 🇳🇿

Summer Assistant – Environmental Monitoring x2 (Fixed term – 12 weeks)

Ngā āhuatanga o te tūranga – Role Highlights:  

  • Applications are now open for our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme, running from 16 November 2026 – 5 February 2027.
  • Opportunity to gain valuable work experience in local government.  
  • A 12 week paid programme with opportunities to contribute to our projects and help Toi Moana deliver our community outcomes. 
  • 2x positions available.

Te Tūranga – The Role:

Our Environmental Monitoring team is working on delivering environmental data collection programmes across the region, and we need your help!

You’ll be working on:

  • Sediment plate monitoring – looking at sediment loading in our harbours.
  • Water quality sampling and flow gauging experience. 
  • Helping to maintain and operate continuous monitoring stations.
  • Data administration tasks.

You’ll be joining the Environmental Monitoring team. We collect many forms of environmental data. We run a network of continuous monitoring sites recording hydrological data (river and lake levels, river flows, rainfall and groundwater), water quality and air quality data, plus collect discrete samples or measurements for various other monitoring programs.

Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako – Your Skills & Experience:

Ideal applicants for this role should:

  • Have an aptitude for numbers and problem solving.
  • An understanding of physical processes.
  • Be fit, active and able to swim.
  • Able to work alone in remote conditions.
  • Manage time and schedules to deliver on required outcomes.
  • Be able to work in a team, take direction, and request assistance when required.
  • NCEA Level 3.
  • Be studying or plan to commence studying towards a science or engineering related qualification.
  • Hold a current full driver’s licence.

This position will be located in Whakatāne.

Ko wai mātau? He aha te kaupapa nei? – About Us & Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme:

At Toi Moana Bay of Plenty Regional Council (BOPRC) we guide and support the sustainable development of the Bay of Plenty, now and into the future. A major focus of our work involves looking after the environment, but we also have a broader responsibility with others for the economic, social and cultural well-being of our regional community.

Our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme has been running for more than 35 years because we believe one of the best ways to learn is on the job. Each year our Summer Assistants play an important role by supporting our teams and completing important pieces of work around the Bay of Plenty. There is no better place to contribute to your community and the environment you live in, while working alongside passionate and professional experts in their fields

He aha tā Toi Moana? – What’s on Offer?

  • An incredible Summer Experience Programme with full induction and on the job support and mentoring to get you started.
  • Support and mentoring on the job.
  • Diverse working environment and friendly team atmosphere.

Next Steps:

To apply for this role, click the ‘Apply Now’ button at the top right of your screen and complete the application form.  

Please note that if this is the first time you are applying for any role at BOPRC, you will first need to create a profile and register on our recruitment website.  Once registered, you can then log in to apply for the specific role/s you are interested in. 

  • Applications will be automatically acknowledged, via email upon receipt.
  • Applications will be screened and shortlisted candidates will be contacted for next steps – this may include a phone screen prior to interview.
  • Interviews will be held over the phone or via MS teams/ Zoom from Tuesday 15 September 2026 onwards.
  • All candidates will be notified once the position is filled.
  • Successful candidates will attend an Induction Day on the first day of the Programme so that you can meet your fellow 2026/27 Summer Assistants and find out more about working at BOPRC.

If you have any queries or require any further information on what the position involves, please phone Craig Rowson – Team Leader, Environmental Monitoring on 0800 884 880.

To access a copy of Te Tūranga Mahi (Job Description) please click on the following link or copy and paste it into your web browser: https://tinyurl.com/bdhzhra5

NB: To apply for this job, you must have the legal right to be able to work in New Zealand.  As this position is designated as being “safety sensitive”, the successful candidate will be asked to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol check as part of the recruitment.

Applications close 12pm, Monday 14 September 2026 and will be accepted online only.

12 days remaining

Apply by 13 September, 2026

POSITION TYPE

ORGANIZATION TYPE

EXPERIENCE-LEVEL

IHE Delft - MSc in Water and Sustainable Development