Student - Terrestrial Ecologist

**We’re looking for two students who**:

- Are passionate about biodiversity conservation in our region and keen to be outside this summer
- Are available to work a 5-month entry-level position that plays a key role in Waikato Regional Council’s (WRC) terrestrial biodiversity monitoring programme.

**Mō te tangata | About you**:

- You are self-motivated and can demonstrate an ability to complete tasks to a high standard.
- You have recently completed or are currently working towards an undergraduate or postgraduate degree in a scientific field; or have relevant experience in environmental work.
- You will have excellent communication skills - written and verbal and will work well both in a team and on individual tasks.
- You are physically fit, we spend long days in the back country, sometimes in challenging terrain.
- You prioritise safety in an outdoor working environment and hold a full driver's licence.
- You are prepared to spend some nights away from home working in locations like Taupo, Kaiaua, Awakino.
- You are committed to work full time from early November 2025 until 27 March 2026, based from our Hamilton office.

**Mō te tūranga | About the role**:
Join the Ecology Monitoring Team at Waikato Regional Council (WRC) for an action-packed summer As part of our team, these two roles are full time fixed for five months from November 2025 until May 2026. While based in our Hamilton office, you will spend your summer exploring the diverse terrestrial landscapes of the Waikato Region. You will find yourself immersed in our native bush on the Coromandel one day and the next day surveying pest species on a local dairy farm.

As part of our dynamic team, you will:

- Work with Scientists to monitor terrestrial biodiversity across the Waikato rohe.
- Learn various different biodiversity monitoring techniques, i.e 5-minute bird counts, vegetation surveys, pest monitoring.
- Communicate effectively with the public and landowners, including identifying hazards and coordinating site access.
- Undertake all-encompassing field work, including long days in the field, remote back country monitoring sites, overnight stays (food and accommodation provided).
- Prioritise a high level of health and safety. Training will be provided (e.g first-aid course).
- All roles are based in our central Hamilton office.
- Each role is fixed-term, full time for 5 months, commencing early November 2025 and ending 27 March 2026. There is a Christmas shut down period, 25 December - 4 January.

**Mō te tuku tono | How to apply**:

- Applications will be reviewed as they come in, and this role will close on Sunday 17 August. For a copy of the role description, please click here.
- 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.