The North Carolina Zoo offers a diverse range of internship opportunities for individuals fervent about wildlife conservation, education, and zoo operations. Internships at the NC Zoo provide experience and professional development in various fields, including animal care, education, horticulture, veterinary services, marketing, and more.
Internship Programs
Education Internships:
- Focus Areas: These internships are designed for those interested in environmental education, public outreach, and interpretation.
- Duties: Interns assist with developing and presenting educational programs, leading guided tours, creating educational materials, and engaging with visitors.
- Learning Opportunities: Interns learn about educational program development, public speaking, and effective communication strategies.
Horticulture Internships:
- Focus Areas: Ideal for individuals interested in botany and landscape management.
- Duties: Interns assist with maintaining the zoo’s extensive plant collections, designing and implementing landscape projects, and conducting plant propagation and care.
- Learning Opportunities: Interns gain hands-on experience in horticulture practices, landscape design, and plant conservation.
Veterinary Services Internships:
- Focus Areas: These internships are for those pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, specifically in zoo and wildlife care.
- Duties: Interns assist with medical procedures, animal health assessments, laboratory work, and record-keeping.
- Learning Opportunities: Interns gain exposure to veterinary practices, diagnostic techniques, and wildlife health management.
Marketing and Communications Internships:
- Focus Areas: For those interested in media, public relations, and marketing.
- Duties: Interns assist with creating marketing materials, managing social media accounts, coordinating events, and developing promotional campaigns.
- Learning Opportunities: Interns learn about strategic marketing, brand management, and communication strategies.
Wildlife Care Internships:
- Focus Areas: Interns can work with a variety of animals, including mammals, birds, reptiles, and amphibians. Specific areas may include African animals, North American animals, and aviary species.
- Duties: Responsibilities include assisting with daily care routines, preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, observing animal behavior, and helping with enrichment activities.
- Learning Opportunities: Interns gain knowledge in animal husbandry, behavior observation, and the principles of environmental enrichment.
Application Process
Eligibility:
- Applicants should be at least 18 years old and currently enrolled in or recently graduated from a relevant academic program.
Application Materials:
- A completed application form, a resume, a cover letter, and letters of recommendation.
Deadlines:
- Application deadlines vary depending on the specific internship program and session (spring, summer, fall).
Selection:
- The selection process includes an evaluation of application materials and, in some cases, interviews.
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