Summer Intern - Distribution Substation Redraw
We're looking for detail-focused students to join us over summer and help check the redraw of our distribution substations in our new GIS. This opportunity could suit a student who wants practical experience working with GIS, data and the electricity network.
About us
Passionate, curious and innovative are a few words that describe our people. We are powering the future, connecting communities and igniting innovation. Orion owns and operates the electricity distribution network that provides power to central Canterbury. We are community owned, and working here means doing work with purpose that makes a difference in your own neighbourhood.
About the project
Orion has replaced its Hexagon GIS with an Esri Geographic Information System (GIS) through its Geospatial Programme. The new platform gives us a more spatially accurate, interactive map of our network, where users can select assets and view detailed information.
Some of the data migrated from Hexagon has already been remediated and redrawn. All distribution substations (about 12,000 sites) still need to be redrawn, and we're looking for students to help check this work.
The role
You'll carry out first-level quality checks (QA/QC) on automated redraw outputs for the Distribution Substation Redraw project. Using an agreed checklist, you'll review each site, record the outcome, and identify which sites are ready to progress and which need further review by other teams. Your focus will include:
- Check automated redraw outputs and error messages against the QA/QC checklist and acceptance criteria.
- Compare outputs with reference information to spot obvious errors, inconsistencies or exceptions.
- Record outcomes accurately in Excel trackers.
- Triage sites into:
- Pass: meets the agreed criteria and is ready to progress; or
- Exception: needs review or manual correction by other Orion teams.
- Clearly document exceptions so the right team can follow up.
- Escalate unclear cases rather than making assumptions or changes outside the QA/QC rules.
- Keep progress and outstanding exceptions up to date.
About you
You'll enjoy this opportunity if you're detail-focused, comfortable with structured work and keen to learn. We're looking for someone who brings:
- Strong attention to detail, and comfortable with structured, repetitive work.
- Tech-savvy and quick to learn, with confidence switching between applications and data sources.
- Confident using Excel (lists, filters and trackers).
- Able to follow rules and checklists consistently and spot exceptions.
- Organised and able to work steadily through a queue of sites.
- Comfortable asking questions when something isn't clear.
It would be an advantage if you have:
- Some GIS or geospatial experience, especially with map-based applications.
- Basic understanding of electrical or power distribution networks.
- Familiarity with ArcGIS/Esri tools.
This is a full-time, three-month fixed-term summer role, running from November 2026 to early February 2027.
No prior experience with this work is needed. We'll provide:
- Training on the redraw process and automated outputs.
- A QA/QC checklist, screening principles and acceptance criteria.
- Examples of acceptable outputs and common exceptions.
- Clear guidance on when to refer a site to other teams for manual remediation.
- Technical support for unusual cases. You won't be expected to make engineering decisions.
- Hands-on experience with Orion's new GIS and the data behind our electricity network.
To apply
We encourage you to be yourself in your application. We are committed to diversity, inclusion and lifting our cultural capability. You do not need to be an expert in these areas, but you do need to be open to learning.
Please apply with your CV and a short cover letter outlining your interest and any relevant experience from study, projects, volunteering or paid work. Applications will be screened as they are received. You must have the right to live and work in New Zealand. Pre-employment checks are part of our recruitment process.
If you have questions about this role, please email lucy.lee@oriongroup.co.nz.
Applications for this job will close on 8 November 2026.
