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
- 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.
- Pursuing a degree from a relevant field of study (e.g., wildlife rehabilitation, pre-vet, veterinary technician, zoo and aquarium sciences, animal science)
- Strong teamwork, problem-solving, and communication 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 follow instructions accurately and perform basic calculations
- This position may not be suitable for individuals who are immune-suppressed and/or pregnant
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
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
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
Program Dates
- 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.
Stipend & Housing
- Stipends are unavailable for fall and spring
- 10 week internships: Onsite housing is available for reduced fee (limited availability)
- 12 week internships: Onsite housing is provided for no fee
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 Wildlife Rehabilitation Internship
Summer 2026 internship applications will be open January 1 and will close March 1.
