Research Assistant - Swim Spot Monitoring
The role
Do you have a passion for the environment? Take part in our summer swim spot monitoring programme, and help make the Horizons’ Region a great place to live, work and play!
Ensuring our rivers, lakes and beaches are suitable for swimming and bathing is an important part of the monitoring and research Horizons undertakes. With summer just around the corner, we are now seeking two Research Assistants to work alongside our team of scientists to collect, collate and manage data from our favourite swimming and recreation spots across our large and diverse region. You’ll also be helping out with our wider water quality monitoring programmes and learning some practical field skills along the way.
Based in Palmerston North, and working across the region, these seven month, full time, fixed-term positions will have you out and about throughout our beautiful region from late October 2025 through until May 2026. Applicants must be willing and available to work on weekends on occasion, ensure delivery of field work over the Christmas period, and stay overnight in Taumarunui on occasion. If you enjoy working outdoors in all types of weather, are approachable and comfortable engaging with the public, and enjoy being part of a young and dynamic team - this just might be the role for you.
About you
Suitable candidates should have a passion for the natural environment, particularly freshwater, and would ideally hold or be working towards a post-graduate qualification, Bachelor of Science or similar degree in a relevant natural science. Knowledge of freshwater chemistry, environmental management or ecology is preferred, as is an ability to confidently communicate scientific information to the public. Skills and experience in water quality monitoring (sample collection) are preferred, but not essential, as we will provide training for the right candidates. Successful candidates will require a full driver’s license, and be confident working safely in and around water.
There is an expectation that you will actively uphold the values of Te Tiriti O Waitangi (Treaty of Waitangi) and be aware of the cultural significance of the regions waterways to local iwi, hapū, whānau and tangata whenua corporations especially when working in the awa of our region.
Why join us?
When you join us, you can look forward to a rewarding career full of opportunities to develop a positive and supportive work environment. We do this through:
- Positive focus on employee health, wellness and wellbeing initiatives across the organisation including your birthday off, a wellbeing day, life insurance for all permanent staff and 5 weeks leave after 2 years of service.
- Flexible family friendly work environment.
- Ongoing development and opportunities across the organisation to grow, specialise or diversify your skills.
- Working together for a better environment across our region.
- A supportive and social work environment across the organisation.
About us
The Horizons region extends over 22,200km2 – from Ruapehu in the north and Horowhenua in the south, to Whanganui in the west and Tararua in the east. We work with and for our community in the use and protection of our environment, managing our precious resources of land, air and water; as well as public transport and a key role in emergency management. At Horizons Regional Council we work to make our region a healthy environment where people are thriving, including our staff.
Applications close at 5pm on Sunday 7 September 2025. Please note, interviews for those who are shortlisted are likely to be held on 11 & 12 September 2025.
Horizons are an equal opportunity employer and are committed to ensuring we have a diverse and inclusive workplace so our people reflect the diversity of our region.
