Citizen Scientists: Stream Assessment Monitoring

WAI Wānaka is a community organisation working to accelerate local action for our fresh water. Their vision is to maintain healthy ecosystems and community wellbeing for future generations. Their team works with local individuals, catchment groups, landowners, councils, businesses, community groups and schools to improve ecosystem health, reverse biodiversity loss and keep our waterways healthy.

As part of the citizen scientist crew, you will:

• participate in collecting stream assessment data using Wai Wānaka’s laboratory instruments
• work with the WAI Wānaka team to test variables (pH, conductivity, turbidity, nitrogen)
• collect benthic macroinvertebrate samples (small bugs that live in the streams which indicate information about water quality).

If you're wondering - what are all these words?! Don't you worry! A huge part of this role is what you will learn:

• How scientists capture stream data information
• How to use laboratory instruments to sample microplastics and perform testing
• What relevant markers there are for stream assessment quality
• What benthic macroinvertebrates are
• How to collect them as well as local freshwater flora and fauna.
• Environmental knowledge on litter and storm drains

There is usually tea and kai available for some chit-chat at the end of the sessions to connect with your fellow citizen scientists community! This is a great way to socialize with like-minded people while learning new skills and contributing to the environmental health of local waterways.

Requirements

• An interest in the health of local waterways
• Motivated to learn how you can make a difference
• Able to follow basic instructions on instrument use and sampling methods
• No specific physical requirements
• Wear appropriate shoes for uneven terrain and gumboots if you plan to go in the water.

Time commitment

• Stream assessment days typically happen every few months at various sites across Wānaka, typically in the afternoon.
• If you are interested, they are also on the lookout for people to potentially take over various streams for longer-term monitoring projects.
• The next stream assessment day is March 3rd at 4:30pm, Stoney Creek Bridge

Getting started

The first step is to express your interest by filling out the form below. We will then put you in touch directly with the organisation for more information on the role and how to proceed.

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