About the Internship
The Research Department at the North Carolina Zoo is seeking an Animal Welfare and Zoo Science Research Intern to join our team. This internship provides hands-on experience in zoo-based research along with professional mentorship. Interns will work with PhD-level curatorial staff to learn about research in zoos, gain experience collecting behavioral data, and develop skills in data management, analysis, and professional dissemination of scientific findings. Results from these projects are used by zookeepers and curators to inform management decisions and enhance animal welfare.
Key Responsibilities
- Research project conception and design
- Behavioral data collection
- Manage and analyze research data
- Participate in meetings and discussions on research findings
- Create a final written report on major findings to inform animal care programs
- Present major findings to zoo staff at term’s end via a power point presentation
- Additional responsibilities as needed
Qualifications & Skills
- Currently enrolled undergraduate juniors or seniors, recently graduated undergraduates (within one year), or graduate students with an interest in animal behavior research
- Completed relevant coursework (e.g., statistics, animal behavior) and/or applied research experience
- Ability to walk on variable terrain and stand for extended periods, including multiple 30-minute intervals during evaluations
- Capable of working in all climatic conditions
- Effective analytical and problem-solving skills
- Ability to work independently and meet deadlines
- Experience with data collection, management, and analysis preferred
Schedule and Additional Information
Summer Internships
- 10 Week Full-time Internships:
- This internship is 10 weeks, full-time (40 hours/week), totaling 400 hours
- Must be available to work a full-time schedule, which may include weekends and holidays
- Hybrid schedule spending 8-hour days on-site at the Zoo collecting behavioral data and at least 8 hours per week remotely for data analysis, report writing, and meetings.
- Additional details about funding for stipends and housing will be available on January 1, 2026
2026 summer internships will occur May 25 to August 7. Start dates will be determined after acceptance into the program but interns can expect to start during the week of May 25.
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
Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.
