Summer Student Harbours | Tauira Ahu Moana

• $24.50 per hour

• 20 hours per week 3 days on-call

• Fixed term: 1 November 2025 - end of March 2026

Make Waves This Summer - Join the Harbourmasters Team!

Love being out on the water Interested in maritime safety Heres your chance to turn your passion into experience! The Nelson Harbourmaster is offering one part-time Summer Student position - a rare opportunity to support the safety of our harbour port and waterways while building your skills for the future.

We are Wakatū Nelson - a city where creativity prosperity and innovation thrive. Our vision is to foster a community that is inclusive resilient and deeply connected. We care for one another and for our pūahatanga harbour creating a vibrant safe and supportive place for everyone.

About the role Kō tēnei tūranga mahi

As a summer student youll be at the heart of harbor operations working alongside our Harbourmaster to ensure the safety of everyone who enjoys the water - from commercial operators to weekend boaties. Youll:

• Conduct daily water patrols
• Remove navigation hazards (logs mussel floats etc.)
• Support emergency callouts and routine maintenance checks
• Help with safety surveys vessel registrations and record keeping
• Educate and engage with the public on safe boating practices
• Keep working areas tidy and ship-shape

No two days are the same - one day you might be clearing a hazard the next helping with an urgent callout. Its hands-on practical and meaningful work.

About you Ko ngā pūmanawa ō

Were looking for motivated students with:

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• The ability to work with independence and initiative
• Confidence in the water (you must be a capable swimmer)
• Basic knowledge of navigation meteorology engineering rope skills and safety awareness
• In your cover letter please confirm you meet these criteria:
• Current drivers license (manual)
• RYA Powerboat Level 2 (or equivalent)
• Coastguard Boating Education Day Skipper (or equivalent)
• Minimum VHF Operators certificate

What we offer Ko ngā painga mōu

As part of Te Ahu Moana o Whakatū Nelson Marina youll join a team that values mahi tahi - collaboration and teamwork - and a Manager who is committed to supporting you to grow and thrive.

• A chance to kick-start your maritime career with practical hands-on experience
• Work outdoors in one of Aotearoas most stunning harbours
• Join a supportive and passionate tīma who care about our community and marine environment

Good to know

• Part-time 20 hours per week November 2025 March 2026
• On-call 3 days per week
• Safety-sensitive role - pre-employment drug & alcohol testing applies
• Applications are reviewed as they are received - so get in quick!

For more information about this role please contact Pete Carmichael Deputy Harbourmaster -
Please ensure that you submit your application via the link to ensure it is received.