Environmental Monitoring & Research Intern - Water Quality

• A paid 12-week summer internship at the Living Wage rate of $29.90 per hour with hands-on experience, support and development. 
• Work on real projects that matter, contributing to services and initiatives that help shape the future of Tāmaki Makaurau and improve outcomes for Aucklanders. 
• Learn and grow with exposure to a range of environmental monitoring research areas 

Spend your summer doing work that matters. Auckland Council’s Summer Internship Programme is from 23 November to 19 February and offers paid, hands-on experience at the Living Wage rate of $29.90 per hour. If you’re in your second-to-last year of study or continuing into a master’s programme, this is your chance to grow your skills, build your network and contribute to meaningful mahi for Tāmaki Makaurau.If you are in the last year of your study and/or have been part of EEMU’s summer intern programme before than this is a great opportunity to gain some more hands-on work experience.

He angitūtanga: The opportunity 
We have multiple opportunities for students with an interest in environmental monitoring and research to join the Water Quality team in Auckland Council’s Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit.  
 
You will spend most of your week in the field (3-4 days) supporting the delivery of the freshwater ecology and water quality monitoring programmes. The work is spread widely across the Auckland Region and will allow you a chance to experience many unique environments, landscapes and seascapes the region has to offer. Office-based tasks such as data management and (organising) equipment maintenance will also be part of your work. 

During the placements, there will be the opportunity to see how all the environmental programmes undertaken in EEMU are conducted across the teams. 

What you’ll be doing during your internship 
Grow your skills and start your career. Our internship programme ensures you get to do real work that matters and learn from experts in your field. You'll engage in meaningful work, contributing to the development of Auckland as a world-class city.  
 
We offer a supportive environment, with mentorship and networking opportunities. You’ll be part of our internship whānau and will be supported every step of the way by a team who want you to succeed, including a buddy, intern liaison, Careers Team, and the wider intern cohort. 
 
This role offers you a brilliant summer job that is related to your degree and will give you valuable work experience to help propel your career in the future. You’ll have the opportunity to work across different environmental specialisations in the Environmental Evaluation and Monitoring Unit and gain first-hand experience of environmental monitoring and research. 

He kōrero mōu: About you
For all our roles, you have a collaborative approach but can undertake tasks independently and proactively where required. You have a passion for the environment and managing and analysing data and understand the value of turning data into information and knowledge. For the field monitoring roles, enjoy working outdoors and are comfortable working outside in all weather conditions, sometimes for long days, with an excellent attitude towards health and safety. 

To be eligible for this opportunity: 

• Be enrolled in a degree for environmental/biological/natural science or similar and completing your penultimate year or last year of study 
• Preference will be given to students completing their BSc and intending to progress to a PGDipSci, BSc (Hons) or MSc. 
• Be eligible to work in New Zealand full-time from 23 November 2026 – 19 February 2027 
• Hold a clean, full New Zealand driver’s license and be prepared to drive Utes (for field roles only) 
• Ability to swim confidently and safely, as some activities may involve working in or around water
• A current first aid certificate, day skippers and/or water safety qualification would be beneficial but are not essential 
   

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You’ll gain hands-on experience, build practical skills and get a real insight into the mahi Auckland Council does for Tāmaki Makaurau. Throughout the 12-week internship, you’ll be supported by your team, connected with other interns and given opportunities to learn, grow your confidence and explore future career pathways in local government. 

We are proud to be recognised for our commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion. We are accredited by GenderTick, a signatory of the Pride Pledge. These commitments reflect our ongoing efforts to create a workplace where all staff feel valued, respected, and empowered to thrive.  

How we’ll support you as a candidate
We aim to provide an experience where you feel comfortable, supported, and able to be yourself. 

• We value whakapapa, reo, and tikanga as strengths - bring your whole self to mahi. 
• If you prefer a virtual interview or would like whānau support included, just let us know during the recruitment process. 
• We’ll work with you on any access needs so you can show your best self. 

For more information about the Internship programme, please visit our careers page.   

Te Tukanga Tono: Application process 

• Online application – CV + a few quick questions 
• One-way video interview  
• Formal interview with a 2-person panel – in person or virtual 
• Pre-employment checks  
• Offer – Nau mai ki te whānau! 

Together, we can create a Tāmaki Makaurau we can all be proud of. Nau mai, uru mai, your journey starts here. 

Me Tono Ināianei!: Apply Now! 
Your application should accurately reflect your own work, writing, and skills, even where AI tools have been used for support

Applications close: 11:59pm, Sunday 26th July 2026.
We will be reviewing and progressing applications as they are received. As applications may close earlier than the advertised closing date if a suitable candidate pool is identified, we encourage you to apply early. 

Find a copy of the position description here: Environmental Monitoring and Research Intern 

This role is deemed safety-sensitive and in line with Auckland Council policy, you will be required to complete pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. 

Auckland Council is an equal opportunity employer (EOE) and we are committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. If you have any support or access requirements, we encourage you to advise us at the time of application to assist you through the recruitment process.