STUDENT - STREAM MONITORING ECOLOGIST

We’re looking for someone who

• Is passionate about our natural environment and keen to be out in the sunshine this summer!
• This is a 6-month entry-level position to support the innovative freshwater invertebrate monitoring programme at Waikato Regional Council.
• This is a great opportunity to apply study knowledge & gain practical experience.
• Kick-start your career in ecology by building on core skills in the field, data, reporting and networking while exploring the Waikato rohe.

Mō te tangata | About you

• Have an interest in freshwater ecology and a great sense of adventure!
• Currently pursuing or recently completed an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a scientific field or have experience in environmental work.
• Physically fit and able to work full days in challenging remote environments.
• A strong focus on working safely outdoors, a confident swimmer, and have a full driver’s licence.
• Available to work full time from 10 November 2025 until 8 May 2026, based out of our Hamilton office.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

Spend your summer with us as part of Waikato Regional Council’s dynamic Ecology Team. You will wade through streams teeming with macroinvertebrates—tiny but vital indicators of freshwater health. Highlights include discovering secluded waterholes in the tributaries of the Tongariro River and spending a week sampling streams in the stunning Coromandel Peninsula. Along the way, you will collect essential data to help assess and protect the health of our precious freshwater ecosystems.

As part of our dynamic team, you will:

• Work with scientists to monitor freshwater invertebrates for State of the Environment (SOE) monitoring.
• Conduct 150 stream surveys collecting macroinvertebrates and complimentary habitat information.
• Learn how to conduct freshwater fish surveys using electric fishing techniques.
• Communicate effectively with the public and landowners.
• Be mentored by industry experts, balancing independence and teamwork.
• Explore remote parts of the Waikato rohe, sometimes working long days in the field.
• Embark on overnight fieldwork trips with accommodation and food provided (e.g. a week in Coromandel, two nights in King Country and a week in Taupō).
• Prioritize a high level of health and safety, with training provided (e.g. first-aid course, swift-water training).
• Learn how to collect and analyse ecological data (e.g., QA/QC, council databases).
• Collaborate with other experts in freshwater and coastal monitoring (e.g. large river monitoring, freshwater mussel surveys; and river, lakes and coastal water quality runs).
• Guaranteed time off from 25 December - 4 January over the Christmas/New Year period.
• This is a 6-month fixed-term, full-time position, ending 8 May 2026.
• Waikato Regional Council offers you; mentoring and training opportunities, a safe culture, health & wellbeing benefits, great experiences and memories over the summer, a great social club to network and build connections, and an opportunity to make a difference to the environment & our communities.

Mōte tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 9 August.
• If you have any questions about the role, please contact Sign in to view email
• To apply for this job, please click ‘apply’ and include your CV & cover letter as a pdf.
• Apply now!