Fellowships

• 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  

• 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  

Minimum Eligibility Requirements

Applicants must meet all of the following requirements:

• Ability to fully commit to a full-time schedule starting September 1, 2026, serving 1,700 hours (40 hours per week) over an 11-month term of service. The typical working schedule is 5 days per week, 8 hours per day, which includes some weekends, early mornings, and evenings, and possibly an occasional holiday.
• Applicants must fall into one of these categories to be considered:
  • Bachelor’s degree in education, environmental studies, communications, natural sciences, or early childhood education is preferred.   
    Or high school diploma/GED and at least one year of education experience working with a variety of audiences in a role such as: camp counselor, schoolteacher, or non-formal educator (e.g. Zoo, Aquarium, Museum, Park, or Nature Center). 
• Review the position description carefully, as the fellowship requires specific skills or prior experience.
  • Full description is available on the North Carolina Zoo's website at www.nczoo.org/fellowships
• Have reliable transportation.

Our fellowship program goes beyond daily tasks, it’s a stepping stone for your career!  

• Skill Development - Each fellowship is unique. Depending on the areas of service fellows can expect to receive hands-on training in animal care, education program delivery, research, graphic design, and more.
• Networking Opportunities - Connect with zoo professionals, industry leaders and other interns.
• Stipends - the fellowship stipend is fixed at $2,880 per month. Please note: additional compensation is not available during the program.
• Housing - Onsite housing is available (with limited available) on request.
• Zoo Perks - Free guest passes, discounts on retail and food venues  

• Reliable transportation is required
  • The Zoo is in a rural area with no public transportation. While walking to the Zoo is technically possible, it is not advised. Also, a car is needed for basic needs such as groceries, appointments, and personal time on days off. 
• Availability to work a flexible schedule that includes weekdays, weekends, and/or holidays
• Adhere to the Dress Code & Appearance Policy
• Reasonable accommodations will be considered on a case-by-case basis in accordance with applicable laws and policies
• Responsible for all expenses associated with the internship, including housing, transportation, and food  
• All applicants who require onsite housing must be 18 years old by January 1, 2026.

• Who is eligible to apply for a fellowship?
  • Applicants must be one of the following:
    • Rising undergraduate junior or senior
    • Current graduate student
    • Individuals who have graduated within the past year from a post-secondary institution (undergraduate or graduate)
  • Applications from individuals outside of these categories will not be considered.
• I'm in high school. Can I apply?
  • These internship opportunities are for college and graduate-level students only.
• Where can I upload my letter of intent?
  • The application form will prompt you to share your career goals, what you hope to gain from the fellowship, and the skills you will bring to the position. We do not accept external attachments and ask that you do not email them to the Zoo.
• Where can I upload my resume?
  • The application form will guide you to enter your information directly, including up to five relevant work experiences. We do not accept external attachments and ask that you do not email them to the Zoo.   
• I have letters of recommendation from my professor. Can I send them to you?
  • You will be asked to provide contact information for two professional or academic references directly on the application form. We do not accept letters of recommendation and ask that you do not email any to the Zoo.  
• Do I need to provide my school transcript?
  • The application will ask you to list up to five college courses you have completed that are relevant to the internship you are applying for.
  • If you are selected for an interview, you will be asked to provide a copy of your transcript, so please keep one available. Since we do not accept external attachments, we ask that you do not email them to the Zoo unless requested to do so.
• I submitted my application but haven’t heard back about an interview. What should I do?
  • Interview and acceptance timelines vary by season, so please check the timeline chart above for when you can expect to hear back. If you don’t hear from us by the listed acceptance date, unfortunately that means you were not selected. No need to reach out.