Summer Assistant - Water Compliance & Science

Summer Assistant - Water Compliance \& Science (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.

Te Tūranga - The Role:

Our compliance and science teams are working on water compliance and groundwater science, and we need your help!

This unique role is both practical and interesting - you will need to:

Carry out site visits to ground and surface water takes, recording water use information.

Assist with the water meter verification program and continue to map water use areas in our GIS database.

Alongside this you will work with scientists to help set up monitoring sites to support case studies, support verification of models with real-world data.

You’ll be joining the compliance team that specialises in water compliance and the science team responsible for monitoring and reporting on our groundwater resources.

Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako - Your Skills \& Experience:

We’re looking for a self-motivated professional with:

• A keen eye for detail with experience in water compliance or water resources.
• Proven ability working with and updating GIS databases.
• Experience, or the aptitude to quickly develop expertise in inspecting and understanding water take infrastructure, including water meters, bore headworks and associated monitoring equipment.
• Ability to interpret technical information relating to water meter accuracy and verification and apply this information to compliance assessments.
• Be studying or plan to commence studying towards environmental management, environmental science, geography, hydrology or geology related qualification.
• Hold a current driver's licence.

This position will be located in Tauranga.

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 Stuart Standen - Compliance Team Leader 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/342fzc6x

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.