At the Otago Regional Council (ORC), our mission is protecting, connecting and enhancing Otago's environment, now and for the future - Mou, moku, mo tatou, For you, for me, for us. To be sure we can deliver on our responsibilities, we are evolving as an organisation, and we're not overstating when we say we have some really big targets to reach. We need the right people, in the right roles, to help us to get there.

We think Otago's a pretty special place. It covers a vast area - the third largest local government region in New Zealand. Those who call Otago home enjoy access to mountains, coastal lowlands, dramatic rivers, and wild beaches. Our environment here is part of who we are, and at ORC, we work each day to look after it.

The Opportunity

We are looking for a Environmental Technical Assistants to join our Environmental Monitoring team on a fixed-term (approx. 6 months), full time (37.5 hours per week) basis, in our busy Dunedin or Alexandra offices.

The purpose of these positions is the collection of water samples, for biological and cyanobacteria sampling from bathing beaches, to assist with State of the Environment electric fishing, water quality assessments, biodiversity monitoring, and general field work in the Coastal and Central areas during the summer period. You will be required to work during the period between Christmas and New Year statutory days.

As an Environmental Technical Assistant, you will be responsible for:

• Collecting, validating, and archiving environmental data
• Collecting samples for analysis
• Assisting with service and maintenance of environmental monitoring stations
• Supporting the development and maintenance processes for data validation and archiving

If you like working in the outdoors and want to make a lasting impact on the Otago region, this is the role for you!

About You

Our ideal candidate will have:

• Completed environmental monitoring work at a Regional Council previously
• Studied or be studying towards an Environmental Science degree or similar tertiary degree
• Full and clean drivers’ licence
• Proficient computer skills and accurate data entry
• Good observational skills with attention to detail

A full job description can be found here - Environmental Technical Assistants PD 2026.docx

What we offer

We recognise and celebrate diversity within Team ORC and are committed to providing a work environment that supports inclusion and equal opportunities. We actively encourage applications from anyone who will live our values of MANA- We influence with respect and integrity, TIKA- We do the right thing and do things right and AROHA- We show that that we care.

To support our diverse and capable team, we're pleased to offer enhanced benefits such as:

• Flexible work opportunities
• Life Insurance
• 5 weeks annual leave
• Superannuation
• An annual wellbeing programme
• Competitive remuneration packages
• Development opportunities

How to Apply

If you meet the above criteria, we welcome your application, including your CV and cover letter outlining why you are the person for this role via the Apply button.

Please note: We don't always work to fixed closing dates and may start considering and interviewing candidates as their applications are received, so we encourage you to apply early.

At ORC, we value diversity, and the different strengths people bring. We can provide flexible recruitment options such as virtual interviews, online kōrero, or whānau-inclusive interviews. If you would like to have whānau support with you during your interview, just let us know—we welcome it!

Learn more about who we are — join our online whānau! Check out our website -Managing Otago’s environment | Otago Regional Council to see what life at ORC is like.

All candidates require the right to work in New Zealand.

Applications close: Monday, 21 September 2026

For further information, please contact human.resources@orc.govt.nz