Internship Opportunities

To be considered for an internship, applicants must submit all required materials electronically in the official application link provided below.   

Internship Program Timeline 

* Note: The date range shown reflects the overall window during which internships may take place. For details about specific timeframes, please visit the page for each individual internship program (linked below). 

Important Note: Students are responsible for arranging school credit if required by their institution. 

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

• Skill Development - Each internship is unique. Depending on the areas of service interns 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 fellow interns
• Stipends & Housing – Potential for stipends for select internships; on-site housing offered at a reduced fee (limited availability)
• Zoo Perks - Free guest passes, discounts on retail and food venues  

• Reliable transportation is required
• 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  

• Who is eligible to apply for an internship?
  • 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.
• I'm in high school. Can I apply?
  • These internship opportunities are for college and graduate-level students only.
• Can I apply for more than one internship?
  • Yes! You may apply to as many programs as you feel qualified for, but a separate application must be submitted for each one.
• 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 internship, 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. 

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 5 pm on November 16, 2025.