About the Opportunity
The North Carolina Zoo’s Wildlife Rehabilitation Center is seeking multiple Junior Wildlife Assistants to join our team this summer. This teen volunteer program provides hands-on experience in caring for sick, injured, and/or orphaned native wildlife with the goal of returning them to the wild in optimal condition, offering exposure to real-world projects and professional mentorship.
The center is a teaching facility that emphasizes rehabilitation, research, and education, fostering compassion, civic responsibility, and environmental stewardship and is recognized by the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council.
Junior Wildlife Assistants help with the daily care of wildlife patients and resident animals, including preparing diets, cleaning enclosures, and feeding animals. They assist with admitting wildlife patients and learning medical record keeping, observe veterinary tasks such as treatments, radiographs, and surgeries, and participate in special projects, training, tours, animal rescues, and cage building or maintenance.
Preference will be given to candidates who have a strong interest in animal care, such as wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, or zoo and aquarium sciences.
The Junior Wildlife Assistant program is a summer-only opportunity that runs from June 17 to July 31.
Who Can Apply
Students who are currently in 10th–11th grade (at the time they apply for the position) will volunteer on their own, without a parent or legal guardian.
Applicants should be:
- Strong in their teamwork, problem-solving, and communication skills
- Able to lift a minimum of 50 lbs., bend, stoop, stand for at least 30 minutes, and walk on variable terrain
- Capable of working in all climatic conditions
- Able to follow instructions accurately and perform basic calculations
- Close enough to reliably commute (within 90 miles of the Zoo)
- This position may not be suitable for individuals who are immune-suppressed and/or pregnant
- Able to complete all required steps listed below
Time Commitments
The Junior Wildlife Assistant program is a summer-only opportunity. This program will take place June 17 through July 31. Start dates will be determined after acceptance into the program.
- This volunteer opportunity is 6 weeks, part-time (13-15 hours/week)
- Must be available to work a part-time schedule, which may include weekends and holidays
- In addition to the time commitment listed above, Junior Wildlife Assistants must attend a minimum of two Zoo Pathway Series events (dates below).
Zoo Pathways Series
The Zoo Pathways Series is made up of fun, interactive learning events for teens from all Zoo volunteer programs. These sessions offer a great way to explore different career pathways, hear from Zoo professionals, and build skills for personal and professional growth.
It’s also a chance to meet other like-minded teens, make connections across programs, and learn in a relaxed, social setting. The goal is to help teens feel more connected to the Zoo community and more confident as they explore future career opportunities in a Zoo setting.
As part of the program commitment, participants are expected to attend at least two Zoo Pathways sessions. Teens are welcome to attend all four if they’d like. If you’re unable to attend at least two sessions, we encourage you to consider a different teen volunteer program that may better fit your schedule.
Dates: July 9, July 23, August 6, and August 13
More details, including locations and times, will be shared closer to summer.
Steps to Becoming a Junior Wildlife Assistant
We’re excited about your interest in joining our volunteer team and being part of our Zoo community!
To participate as a Junior Wildlife Assistant this summer, all steps listed below must be completed within the required timeframes. Please review the timeline carefully to make sure you’re able to complete everything on time.
If you’re unable to complete one of the required steps, we encourage you to consider joining another teen volunteer program that better fits your schedule.
We look forward to welcoming you to the Zoo this summer!
Step 1: Submit Application
Submit a Junior Wildlife Assistant Application (the link will open on March 1). Please visit this page again during that time to apply.
- The deadline for submitting the application is April 22 at 5 p.m.
Step 2: Phone Interview
Phone interviews will be conducted (dates to be determined). Each interview lasts about 20 minutes.
Think of this as a casual conversation where we get to know you, your interests, and why you want to volunteer at the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center. It’s low-pressure and fun, and it’s also a great way to practice skills you’ll use in the future - like talking about yourself, answering questions clearly, and showing enthusiasm. These are exactly the kinds of skills that help in college applications, jobs, internships, and other volunteer opportunities!
Applicants will receive notification of program acceptance by (date to be determined).
Step 3: Orientation
After you’re accepted for the position, orientation materials will be emailed to you. You’ll need to complete these materials on your own before your first shift.
Step 4: Begin Volunteering
After completing all the steps above, Junior Wildlife Assistants may begin volunteering in their scheduled weeks. The program takes place from June 17 through July 31.