The North Carolina Zoo offers a variety of exciting and unique internship opportunities. A zoo environment offers a fun, yet challenging atmosphere to gain valuable career building knowledge and experience. Most positions are unpaid, with on-site housing available for a nominal fee. All related expenses are the responsibility of the student. Jump-start your career with an internship at the North Carolina Zoo!
Internship Position: Research Internship
Students will work with PhD level curatorial staff to learn about research in zoos. Students will gain hands-on experience collecting behavioral data, learn to manage and analyze their data, and receive training in public speaking and professional dissemination of scientific findings. Results from these projects are used by zookeepers and curators to inform management decisions and provide insight into the welfare of the animals in our care. Students are responsible for all expenses associated with serving as an intern (i.e. housing, transportation, food, uniform, etc.). Depending on the timing, a stipend may be available to help off-set these costs.
Time Commitment:
Summer Internship: May - August
- Application packet due: March 1
Academic Year Internship: September - May
- Application packet due: June 1
A hybrid schedule with a minimum of 24 hours each week is required. Interns will serve a minimum of two, 8-hour days each week on site at the Zoo to collect behavioral data. A minimum of 8-hours each week is required remotely for data analysis, report writing, meetings, etc.
Who Can Apply:
Upper-level undergraduates (rising juniors or seniors) or graduate students with an interest in animal behavior research.
Competitive applicants will have a minimum GPA of at least 3.25, completed relevant course work (e.g. statistics, animal behavior), and/or have some applied research experience.
Application Packet Requirements:
- Letter of intent detailing what you hope to gain from the internship and what skills you will bring to the position
- Current resume (not to exceed one page)
- College transcript (unofficial copies are accepted)
- Two letters of recommendation written and dated within the last year (one must be a faculty member; both must be emailed separately, directly from the recommender to Research@NCZoo.org with Subject Line: Recommendation Letter for ‘Name of Applicant’)”
- Indicate which internship you are applying: Summer or Fall
Email all required documents to Research@NCZoo.org no later than the deadline indicated. Late or incomplete entries will not be considered.
Internship Position: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Summary: Wildlife rehabilitation is the care of sick, injured, or orphaned native wildlife for return back into the wild, in a condition that will optimize their chances of survival. The Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center believes that compassion, civic responsibility & environmental stewardship are lessons best learned in the company of leaders who embody & practice these values. The center is a teaching facility, scientific in their approach, compassionate in their care, and is involved in rehabilitation, research & education.
Primary Role:
Interns assist with the routine daily care of wildlife patients, as well as caring for the resident animal collection. Interns' duties include preparation of diets, cleaning cages, admitting patients, feeding animals, answering phones, and record keeping. Interns will also have the opportunity to assist with medical tasks, as ordered by Veterinary staff, such as administering treatments, helping with radiographs and assisting with surgeries. In addition, interns participate in special projects, tours, training, cage building/maintenance and animal rescues. The paid intern provides supervision and guidance to volunteers and unpaid interns and acts as liaison to the veterinary staff.
Requirements: Prospective interns must be in an undergraduate, associates program, or recently graduated (within one year) from a relevant field of study, be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs., bend, stoop, stand for periods of at least 30 minute intervals, walk on variable substrate, work in all climatic conditions, be able to read & follow instructions, communicate clearly, perform simple calculations and have dependable transportation. Interns must be rabies vaccinated to care for adult self/feeding and education mammals. Unvaccinated interns may assist with the hand-rearing of orphaned mammals, care for birds and reptiles, and perform all other responsibilities. This position may not be suitable for individuals who are immune suppressed and/or pregnant. Persons who are hearing, sight, or speech impaired should bring this to the attention of the supervisor so reasonable accommodations can be made.
This internship is part of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Councils’ Practicum Accreditation Program; interns will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program.
Applicants: Preference will be given to candidates pursuing a career in animal care (i.e. wildlife rehabilitation, pre-vet, veterinary technician, zoo and/or aquarium and animal science students, etc.).
Availability Application Deadlines
Summer Session
(Mid May - Aug.) - March 5
Fall Session
(Aug. - Mid Oct.) - June 5
Spring Session
(Mar. - Mid May) - January 5
Internships available:
10 Week Unpaid Internships:
- This internship is a minimum of 10 weeks, 200 hours, 3 6-hour shifts per week, plus 2-hour trainings every Wednesday.
- Must be available to work a set schedule alternating between opening and closing shifts, weekends including holidays.
- Housing available for ~$300/month; must have own transportation.
- Spring -3 positions available, Summer - 7 positions available, Fall - 3 positions available.
12 Week Unpaid Internships:
- This internship is a minimum of 12 weeks, 360 hours, five 6-hour shifts per week plus 2-hour trainings every Wednesday.
- Must be available to work a set schedule alternating between opening and closing shifts, weekends including holidays.
- Housing is provided, no fee; must have own transportation.
- Spring -1 position available, Summer - 1 position available, Fall - 1 position available.
This internship is part of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Councils’ Practicum Accreditation Program
To Apply: Please mail an application to Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 or email to nczoo.wildliferehab@nczoo.org. All items in the application packet must be submitted together by mail or email. Incomplete packets will not be considered. Please email us if you have any questions.
Junior Internship Position: Wildlife Rehabilitation Center
Summary: Wildlife rehabilitation is the care of sick, injured, and/or orphaned native wildlife for return back into the wild, in a condition that will optimize their chances of survival. Interns assist with the routine daily care of wildlife patients and resident animals. Intern duties include but are not limited to husbandry and feeding, admitting patients, answering phones & record keeping. Interns may have the opportunity to assist with medical tasks, as ordered by the Veterinary staff, such as administering treatments, helping with radiographs & assisting with surgeries. In addition, interns may participate in research, special projects, tours, training, building/maintenance & animal rescues.
Requirements: Prospective interns must be in high school and between the ages of 16-18 years old, a rising sophomore, junior, or senior. Applicants must be able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs., bend, stoop, stand for periods of at least 30-minute intervals, walk on variable substrate, work in all climatic conditions, be able to read & follow instructions, communicate clearly, perform simple calculations & have dependable transportation.
6 Week Unpaid Internships:
- This internship is a minimum of 6 weeks, 80 hours, two 6-hour shifts per week plus 2-hour trainings every week
- Must be available to work a set schedule alternating between opening and closing shifts, weekends and holidays included
Summer Only (mid-June through July), Application Deadline: April 5 --- 4 positions available
To Apply: Please mail an application to Wildlife Rehabilitation Center, North Carolina Zoo, 4401 Zoo Parkway, Asheboro, NC 27205 or email to nczoo.wildliferehab@nczoo.org All items in the application packet must be submitted together by mail or email. Incomplete packets will not be considered.
