About the Internship
The Valerie H. Schindler Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the North Carolina Zoo is seeking multiple Wildlife Rehabilitation Interns to join our team. This internship provides hands-on experience in caring for sick, injured, 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.
This internship is part of the International Wildlife Rehabilitation Council’s Practicum Accreditation Program, and interns will receive a certificate upon successful completion of the program. Preference will be given to candidates pursuing a career in animal care, such as wildlife rehabilitation, veterinary medicine, or zoo and aquarium sciences.
Key Responsibilities
- Assist with the daily care of wildlife patients and resident animals
- Prepare diets and clean enclosures
- Admit wildlife patients and maintain detailed records
- Feed animals and provide supportive care
- Assist with medical tasks under veterinary supervision, including treatments, radiographs, and surgeries
- Participate in special projects, training, tours, animal rescues, and cage building/maintenance
- Provide supervision and guidance to volunteers and unpaid interns
- Act as a liaison to veterinary staff
- Additional responsibilities as needed
Qualifications & Skills
- Currently enrolled undergraduate juniors or seniors, or recently graduated undergraduates (within one year) from a relevant field of study (e.g., wildlife rehabilitation, pre-vet, veterinary technician, zoo and aquarium sciences, animal science)
- Effective communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills
- Ability 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
- Ability to read and follow instructions, communicate clearly, and perform basic calculations
- Rabies vaccination required for handling adult self-feeding and education mammals (unvaccinated interns may assist with hand-rearing orphaned mammals, caring for birds and reptiles, and performing all other duties)
- This position may not be suitable for individuals who are immune-suppressed and/or pregnant
Schedule and Additional Information
Fall and Spring Internships
- 10 Week Part-time Internships:
- This internship is a minimum of 10 weeks, 200 hours, 3 6-hour shifts per week, plus 2-hour trainings every Wednesday
- Must be available to work a set schedule alternating between opening and closing shifts, weekends including holidays
- No stipend available
- Onsite housing is available for reduced fee (limited availability)
- 12 Week Part-time Internships:
- This internship is a minimum of 12 weeks, 360 hours, five 6-hour shifts per week plus 2-hour trainings every Wednesday
- Must be available to work a set schedule alternating between opening and closing shifts, weekends including holidays
- No stipend available
- Housing is provided for no fee
Spring internships will occur mid-March to May. Start dates are flexible and will be determined after acceptance into the program.
Fall internships will occur mid-August to October. Start dates are flexible and will be determined after acceptance into the program.
Summer Internships
- 10 Week Full-time Internship (Summer)
- 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
- 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 between May 25-31.
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 spring internships!
The deadline for all 2026 spring internships is November 16, 2025 at 5 pm.
Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.
