North Carolina Zoo Internship Application

North Carolina Zoo Internship Application

Summer 2026
Interns are an integral part of the Zoo’s mission to connect people with wildlife and nature. Internships offer opportunities to develop new skills, explore career paths, and learn alongside of professionals in the Zoo world.
BEFORE YOU BEGIN

Important Information

The application deadline is Sunday, March 1 at 5:00 p.m. (EST). Incomplete or late applications will not be considered.

You may save your progress and return at any time before the deadline.

The North Carolina Zoo does not accept external attachments. Please do not email application materials; all required information must be entered directly into this form.

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Ability to fully commit to a 40-hour per week schedule from May 25 through August 7, with availability that may include weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays. Schedules will be determined after the start of the internship.
- Applicants must fall into one of these categories to be considered:
- Rising college undergraduate junior or senior
- Current graduate student
- Individuals who have graduated within the past year from a post-secondary institution
• Review each position description carefully, as some internships require specific skills or prior experience.

• Have reliable transportation.

Questions

If you have questions, please email Volunteer@NCZoo.org.
Please confirm that you have read everything above.*

I have read and understand all of the information above and confirm that I meet the minimum eligibility requirements.

Personal Information:
Name*

First NameLast Name
Address*

Street Address

Street Address Line 2

CityState / Province

Postal / Zip CodeCountry
Email*
example@example.com
Phone Number*
Please enter a valid phone number.
If you are accepted into the program, the NC Zoo will provide uniform shirts. Please indicate what adult size unisex shirt you wear.*
Summer interns receive a modest stipend of $1,500 intended to help offset basic living expenses during the program. Interns may choose one of the following housing options:
- Free on-site housing (limited availability), or
- A $600 housing allowance (equal to the value of on-site housing) for those who prefer to commute or arrange their own accommodations
If accepted into this program, would you be interested in onsite housing?*
Onsite housing includes dormitory-style rooms, accommodating up to four interns per room. Room assignments are gender-specific (co-ed rooms are not available). If requesting onsite housing, please indicate room type:*

Additional Information:
Have you previously participated in a NC Zoo program as an intern, volunteer, AmeriCorps member, or college work-based learning participant?*

YesNo
This does not include single-day events, short-term projects, or one-time service. Only individuals who had a Volgistics profile and formally tracked their service hours online should answer yes.
If yes, please provide your role and the dates you participated.
Where did you hear about this internship? Check all that apply.*

NC Zoo WebsiteSocial Media (Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn, etc.)School/University (Career Center, Professor, Advisor, etc.)Job/Internship Board (Idealist, Handshake, Indeed, etc.)Word of Mouth (Friend, Family, Previous Interns, etc.)Other

Education Information:
Eligibility: Applicants must be rising undergraduate juniors or seniors, current graduate students, or individuals who have graduated within the past year. Applications from individuals outside these categories will not be considered.
CURRENT Academic Level*
Note: Select the academic level you are in right now, at the time you submit this application.
College/University Name*
Degree Program*

Application Materials:
LETTER OF INTENT: Outline career goals, what you hope to gain from the internship, and what skills you will bring to the position.*
CURRENT RESUME: List up to THREE relevant experiences (such as jobs, internships, fellowships, clubs, or volunteer roles). Include the same details you would list on a resume (organization, role, dates, and key responsibilities).*
Please only list up to three experiences. If you include more than three, only the first three will be reviewed and considered.
QUALIFICATIONS: List up to THREE additional qualifications you would like to highlight such as certifications, honors/awards, leadership roles, extracurricular activities, or special skills.*
Please only list up to three qualifications. If you include more than three, only the first three will be reviewed and considered.
SCHOOL TRANSCRIPT: List up to FIVE college courses you’ve completed that are relevant to the internship position you are applying for. Include the course name, term, and a brief description of applicable skills or knowledge gained. *
Please only list up to five courses. If you include more than five, only the first five will be reviewed and considered.
If selected for an interview, you may be asked to provide a copy of your transcript, so please make sure to have one available.

REFERENCES: Provide TWO references from work or educational settings (no personal references). *

	Name	Relationship	Email	Phone Number
Reference 1
Reference 2

Declaration:

By submitting this form, I certify that all information provided is accurate and truthful to the best of my knowledge.
Electronic Signature*

First NameLast Name
Date Signed*

MonthDayYear
Due to the great interest in the internship program, late or incomplete submissions will not be considered. Please ensure all questions are completed before submitting your application. If you have any questions, feel free to email Volunteer@NCZoo.org.

When you’re ready to submit your application, click the Review Answers button. Then, on the next page, click the Submit button at the bottom.
Should be Empty:

	1st Choice	2nd Choice	3rd Choice
Animal Behavior/Record Keeping
Animal Welfare/Research
Citizen Science Education
Volunteer Services
Wildlife Rehabilitation
Zookeeper

	1st Choice	2nd Choice	3rd Choice
African Primates – gorillas, baboons
Animal Ambassadors – reptiles, birds, small mammals (emphasis on guest messaging and programming)
Avian Propagation – avian species
CCL – lions, chimpanzees, lemurs
Desert – reptiles, amphibians, mammals, birds
Elephant – African elephant herd
Forest Edge – zebra, ostrich, giraffe
Grasslands – rhinoceros, antelopes
Prairie – wolves, bears, elk, bison
Rocky Coast – polar bear, seabirds, Arctic fox
Streamside – reptiles, river otters, bobcat
Swamp – alligators, cougars, amphibians

North Carolina Zoo Internship Application

Personal Information:

Additional Information:

Education Information:

Internship Details:

Application Materials: