About the Internship
The Education Department at the North Carolina Zoo is seeking a Citizen Science Education Intern to join our team. This internship provides hands-on experience in nonformal education and youth engagement, along with professional mentorship. Interns will assist with the summer Zoo Futures program, facilitating citizen science projects with teen participants while developing skills in teaching, interpersonal communication, and leading hands-on science activities. Interns will gain insight into conservation research methods and the variety of careers supported by a major zoological institution, while directly impacting teens in our community and helping shape their understanding of the Zoo as a place, resource, and potential career pathway.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with citizen science data collection and project implementation on Zoo property
- Facilitate educational programs and hands-on science activities for teen participants with assistance from the lead educator
- Create and lead team-building and collaborative exercises to support teen engagement
- Support learning and interpersonal skill development in a nonformal education setting
- 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
- Applicants should have an interest in formal or nonformal science education, youth engagement, or conservation careers
- Experience preferred with citizen science data collection
- Experience preferred leading group activities, workshops, or educational programs
- Effective communication, teamwork, and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work with teens in a positive, supportive, and engaging manner
- Familiarity with basic data management or analysis
- Willingness to work outdoors and adapt to varying weather conditions
- Reliable transportation to and from the Zoo
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 Citizen Science Education Internship
Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.