Summer Internship Programme
Introduction
A summer internship is your chance to bring what you've learned in your study to a real-life work situation, playing a part in our conservation work.Summer Internship Programme 2024/2025
Due to organisational changes, we have paused our Summer Internship Programme for the 2024/2025 summer period.
We will keep this web page updated with plans for future programmes.
For more opportunities with DOC, keep an eye on our DOC Careers Centre.
The team you join will trust you to complete tasks and they’ll provide you with opportunities to use your analytical skills, creativity, and initiative. Our internship is a paid summer job.
Dates
Internships take place in the university summer break, usually between November and February for 14 weeks.
Who can apply
To be eligible for an internship you’ll need:
- at least one year of completed tertiary study for a degree in any discipline
- to be a New Zealand citizen, permanent resident or hold a valid visa that contains conditions for work
- to be a full-time student at a New Zealand tertiary institution (or have completed your degree in the last six months)
- to be available to attend an induction in Wellington for the first 3 days of the internship.
You can’t apply for an internship if you’re studying outside of Aotearoa, New Zealand. If you’re not eligible for an internship, you can still gain experience by volunteering.
How to apply
Apply online through the DOC Summer Internship Programme advertisements on the Careers web page.
Available roles
Roles vary from year to year depending on which teams have suitable projects. We’ve previously placed interns in teams including Biodiversity, Legal, Marine, Geographical Information Systems (GIS), Organisation Development, Transformation and Threats, Partnerships, Policy, Marketing, Recreation and Historic, Visitor Monitoring, Risk and Assurance, and more.
How we choose interns
Our recruiting teams set their own criteria and select applicants for interviews. You may be interviewed face to face, or by phone or video call.
Tip: If you’re applying for more than one position, tailor each application to the skills required and make sure you list what positions you're applying for.
What’s in it for you
You’ll gain work experience and you’ll:
- apply theory to real-life work situations
- enhance your work-ready skills, showing you can communicate and adapt to meet the requirements of a real business
- contribute to DOC's conservation role in Aotearoa, New Zealand
- earn some money over the summer break.
The Department of Conservation, Te Papa Atawhai was voted second Most Attractive Employer at the 2019 and 2018 Randstad Awards and first place in the 2017, 2016 and 2015 Randstad Awards.