Mountains to Sea Volunteer Internship Opportunities 2026/27

Konrad Kurta
4 days ago
3 min read

Are you passionate about marine and freshwater conservation? Do you enjoy connecting communities to nature? Well, we have the internship for you!

Mountains to Sea Conservation Trust (MTSCT) is looking for three Interns in the Auckland region. In your internship role you will be working alongside our Coordinators and helping to support the delivery of Mountains to Sea programmes, such as Experiencing Marine Reserves and Whitebait Connection. You will be a key part of our team and the successful delivery of our programmes. You will receive on-the-job training, gaining valuable skills and experience working in the water and with people. From community days and school programmes to outreach and monitoring, there are a wide variety of opportunities for people in both marine and freshwater spaces.

Role descriptions

Marine Intern: As a marine intern you will be trained in and focus on the delivery of our Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme. Your day to day will involve snorkeling, marine & estuarine education, and community snorkel days.

This internship is from September 2026 - April 2027 for 2-3 days a week, expectations of 1 weekend day and 1 week day. There will be a 2-3 week break over Christmas and new years (you must know how to swim and be confident in the water!).

Freshwater Intern: As a freshwater intern you will be trained in and focus on the delivery of our Whitebait Connection (WBC) programme. Your day to day will involve exploration of streams & rivers, freshwater education and macroinvertebrate identification. This internship is from November 2026 - June 2027 for 2-3 days a week, expectations of 2 days per week, there will be more weekday work than weekend work. There will be a 2-3 week break over Christmas and new years.

General Intern: As a general intern you will be trained in the delivery of our Whitebait Connection (WBC) programme and our Experiencing Marine Reserves (EMR) programme. Your day to day will involve educational programmes, monitoring, and the best of both worlds - snorkelling and macroinvertebrates.

What's in it for you?

An accessible opportunity for conservation experience
Skills to create and deliver conservation programmes
An understanding of the H&S requirements to work in the marine and freshwater environment.
Access to a network of other conservation organisations in New Zealand.
A pathway to new jobs/career opportunities
Potential to have further training paid for by the trust (such as a freediver certificate or first aid).
The chance to attend the MTS wānanga, where all the regions get together for training and networking
Increase in-water experience - working underwater, learning weather patterns, rescue skills, etc.
Lots of fun!

What will you bring to the role?

All of the following are necessary for the internships:

A passion for the environment and for sharing this knowledge
with other people.
Outdoor enthusiasm and willingness to get involved
Curiosity and openness to new experiences, skills and types of knowledge
Good communication skills with different demographics
Comfortable public speaker.
Experience in freshwater and/or marine environments
Marine and General Intern: Must know how to swim and be confident in water in open ocean
Ability to pass police vetting.
Aware of Health and Safety issues and willing to promote excellent health and safety practices.

All of the following are preferred but not necessary, please do not let these deter you if you believe you have the passion and skills for the role!

A car and valid drivers license
Experience delivering talks or education programmes
Experience working with young people ie. school children
Experience in snorkel/dive/swimming instruction
First aid certificate

SOUND LIKE YOU?

Please email your application to our Internship Coordinator grac@mountainstosea.org.nz in the following format:

Subject heading: Internship Application

Attached file name: firstname_lastname_MTSCT_Internship.pdf

Please include:

Cover letter outlining:
- Why have you chosen to apply
- What can you bring to the role
A resume outlining:
- Previous relevant work experience
- Certificates ie. First Aid, Health and Safety, Diving, Drivers License.
- Relevant qualifications
Two relevant referees.