STUDENT - BIOSECURITY PLANT PEST AND FRESHWATER

We’re looking for someone who

Enjoys working outdoors and engaging with the public to help promote “Check Clean Dry” at local boat ramps in the Waikato region. You’ll also support our corbicula clam monitoring programme and assist with pest plant surveys, helping protect our New Zealand freshwater ecosystems. This is a hands-on role ideal for someone keen to gain practical field experience in biosecurity and has a high level of independence.

Mō te tangata | About you

• Studying towards or have recently completed a tertiary qualification in Environmental management, Ecology, Marketing, Science or a related discipline.

• Ideally you will be passionate about protecting our NZ freshwater environment.

• You are someone who has great people skills and works well within a team.

• You are physically fit and able to work long days in the field if required.

• A confident swimmer and comfortable around boats.

• You have a full NZ drivers’ license.

• Able to work independently and with little supervision.

• You have a good level of computer literacy including the suite of Microsoft products.

Mō te tūranga | About the role

• This is a full-time role for a fixed term of 13 weeks, based in Hamilton, starting mid-November until mid-February.

• You will be working a 40-hour week - Wednesday to Sunday.

• This role requires you to work during the Christmas period, which includes stat days. (Christmas day excluded).

• Engaging with the public at boat ramps to help spread the message of Check Clean Dry – the MPI run campaign the help reduce the spread of aquatic pests.

• You will be assisting our freshwater biosecurity team to help carry out aquatic pest surveillance and collect samples.

• Part of this role will involve processing collected samples in our lab.

• Help our pest plant team with terrestrial plant surveys.

• This role will be mainly in the field with some time spent in the office. Occasionally, you might be required to spend some nights away from home for field work.

Mō te tuku tono | How to apply

• Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 9 August 2026.

• 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!