About the Internship
The Animal Welfare Department at the North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Animal Behavior & Record Keeping Intern to join our team. This internship provides opportunities to work alongside animal keepers, curatorial & recordkeeping staff to learn a variety of aspects in animal care, welfare and management at an AZA accredited zoological facility. This intern will learn about behavioral management and welfare through observation and hands-on application of operant conditioning, goal-based enrichment and behavioral research. They will also learn about data management and recordkeeping that supports the Zoo’s ability to maintain appropriate local, state & federal licensing. Interns will also help review, enter & analyze historical records in Species360 ZIMS.
Key Responsibilities
- Participate in animal behavioral research using data collection software systems such as ZooMonitor and Microsoft Forms
- Review and enter historical animal management records into Species360 ZIMS
- Discuss modern behavioral management science, skills, and techniques including training, goal-based enrichment, and welfare
- Analyze modern care expectations and behavioral data to develop goal-based enrichment
- Additional responsibilities as needed
Qualifications & Skills
- Applicants must be one of the following:
- Rising undergraduate junior or senior
- Current graduate student
- Recent graduate (within the past year) from a post-secondary institution (undergraduate or graduate)
- Applications from individuals outside of these categories will not be considered
- Ability to read, listen to, and follow instructions accurately
- Strong organizational and time-management skills
- Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, and other data entry software
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Ability to bend, stoop, stand for extended periods (including 30-minute intervals), and walk on variable terrain
- Willingness to work outdoors in a variety of weather conditions
Schedule and Additional Information
Summer Internships
10-Week Full-Time Internships
- Internships run for 10 weeks, full time (40 hours per week), for a total of 400 hours
- Interns must be available to work a full-time schedule, which may include weekends and holidays
Program Dates
- Summer 2026 internships run from May 25 to August 7. Start dates will be determined after acceptance into the program; however, interns can expect to begin during the week of May 25.
Stipend & Housing
- 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
Ready to Apply?
Don’t miss your chance to be part of an exciting, hands-on internship at the North Carolina Zoo! Gain experience, make connections, and take the next step toward a rewarding career in the Zoo and conservation field.
Apply Now for the Summer Animal Behavior & Record Keeping Internship
Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.