Summer Assistant Vacancy - Biosecurity (Fixed term - 12 weeks)
- Applications are now open for our Toi Moana Summer Experience Programme, running from 17 November 2025 to 4 February 2026.
- Opportunity to gain valuable paid work experience in local government.
- A 12 week Programme with opportunities to contribute to our projects and help Toi Moana deliver our community outcomes.
Te Tūranga - The Role:
Our Biosecurity Team is working on trialing machine learning techniques to identify pest plants… and we need your help!
Duties will include:
- Learning distinguishing features of pest plant species.
- Create tags on photo oblique imagery for pest plant species and waterbodies.
- Assist in developing the methodology to aid machine learning.
- Assist with general GIS tasks as required.
You’ll be joining the Biosecurity Team in our Tauranga Office where your work will contribute to tackling the problem of the invasive plant species in the Bay of Plenty region. This unique position will offer invaluable experience in both biosecurity management and the GIS field. The team is passionate about protecting the Bay from the devasting impacts of invasive plants by using spatially intelligent tools to help make that happen.
Ngā Pūkenga, ngā wheako - Your Skills & Experience:
Ideal applicants for this role should:
- Be interested in biosecurity, environmental science or GIS.
- Be able to identify some common weed species.
- Enjoy exploring different methodologies.
- Have had some exposure to ESRI GIS tools.
- Have sound Microsoft office skills.
- Be studying or plan to commence studying towards Environmental Science or GIS or 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 30 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 paid Summer Experience Programme with full induction and ongoing learning opportunities.
- 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 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 16 September 2025.
- 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 2025/26 Summer Assistants and find out more about working at BOPRC.
- As this position is designated as being “safety sensitive”, the preferred candidate will be asked to undergo a pre-employment drug and alcohol check prior to an offer of employment.
If you have any queries or require any further information on what the position involves, please phone Shane Grayling - Biosecurity Team Leader on 0800 884 880.
Applications close 12pm, Monday 15 September 2025 and will be accepted online only.
