From summer student to science technician
If you had asked Ed Heenan what he wanted to do when he left Roncalli College, the answer would always be “something to do with water” - reflecting his passion for science and the great outdoors.
Exactly what that was remained unclear until he joined our summer student programme.
Every year, several budding students help to test waterways and recreational swimming sites throughout Canterbury to ensure the regular monitoring and reporting of water quality - something Ed carried out for two seasons while studying a Bachelor of Science and Geography with the University of Otago.
It was here the then-21-year-old got his first practical insight into the world of surface water science - hydrology, more specifically - and everything that came with it. Aha, he thought - this could be it!
Fast forward the clock, and some three years later, Ed is lining up to become a permanent staff member with the hydrology/surface water team in Timaru – first joining the team in late 2023 as a science technician.
A Day in the Life of Ed
Mixing his time between the field and paperwork in the office, Ed loves the variety his role offers. From checking rainfall gauges, water levels and river flows to measuring flood flows - Ed is enjoying the opportunity to put his skill set to use, and adding to it as he goes.
“It's been such a great move for me - especially coming back to Timaru, I'm enjoying what the role throws up daily. There's a whole different side to the job than what we get told theory-wise and it's about gaining an understanding of the programmes, objectives and why things are being done.
“Looking at the bigger picture, it's important to know where things fit in and it's been great to take these learnings on. It's also been nice to come into the job already having some important skills, knowing people's names and faces and having a familiarity with the region, too - that helped me settle in and hit the ground running.”
Outside of work, Ed enjoys playing cricket in the summer and hockey through the winter - two sports that keep him active for most of the year. Not one to idle for too long, Ed has also recently picked up the bike and is trying his hand on the local cycling scene - just another challenge he is keen to front.
Ed's advice
For any school leavers, or university students studying science-related fields, Ed encourages them to get involved with the right organisations early.
“If anyone is genuinely interested in pushing themselves forward, my advice is to try and get involved in the summer programmes at the earliest opportunity. This helps get a foot in the door early on and it helps with your studies, too.
“On top of that, you get to go out and do some cool work with a purpose - knowing that one day, that work experience is going to help shape your career foundations. It's all good experience and who knows, it may give you that insight you've been looking for.”