Education and Avian Husbandry Assistant
Sylvan Heights Bird Park
Public Service Fellows Program Overview
The Public Service Fellows (PSF) Program began in 2014 with support from the State Employees Credit Union (SECU) Foundation. Since its inception, over 200 students have completed internships in 85 organizations in 25 North Carolina counties. The goal of the program is to foster workplace experiences for undergraduates at ECU while helping rural communities build professional capacity to address public issues.
Up to 20 students will be chosen each year for SECU Public Fellow Internships (PFI). PFI participants will take part in 20 hours of leadership and professional development workshops in addition to the 330-hour PFI internship experience. Each student selected for the program will receive $17.50 per hour.
Students will be expected to attend a MANDATORY orientation on May 15, 2026, attend workshops scheduled throughout their internship, and at the end of their internship, and present at a State Employees Credit Union Advisory Board meeting either in summer or fall.
Position Summary
The Education and Avian Husbandry Assistant will be responsible for helping coordinate the summer programs that Sylvan Heights hosts during the summer. The intern will assist in daily set-up and break down for educational programs, assisting with daily educational programs as needed, and providing support to the avian husbandry staff. The individual will also supervise high school volunteers assisting with summer day camps. The intern will gain great experience with coordinating major events as well as communication skills with the fellow staff as well as the many visitors and attendees of the camp.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
Sylvan Heights Bird Park seeks to advance conservation of waterfowl and wetlands, to act as a local educational resource for avian biology and wetlands ecology, and to serve as an international center for avicultural training and research. Sylvan Heights is home to breeding populations of some of the world’s rarest waterfowl. In some cases, fewer than 250 individuals of these species remain in the wild, and the collaborative captive breeding programs taking place here may be their last barrier against extinction. The Park also plays host to many youth groups as a field trip destination. Over 20,000 students from across the state participate in educational programs at Sylvan Heights with the peak of students visiting between March and July. The student will directly work with Dustin Foote, General Curator. The site is located at 500 Sylvan Heights Parkway, Scotland Neck, NC. Typical work hours are 8:00am-5:00pm, with weekend or evening work as needed. This will be a fully face to face internship.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Applicants should have experience teaching or leading groups, enjoy working with children, be comfortable handling a variety of animals including birds and reptiles, must work outside, ability to lift up to 50 pounds, ability to work well in a fast-paced environment, can multi-task, demonstrate excellent written and verbal communication skills, maintain confidentiality, demonstrate time management skills, and work collaboratively in a diverse, team-based environment.
Start & End Dates
May 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026.
Majors Targeted
Biology, Education, Science, Pre-veterinary medicine, Recreational Studies
Application Process
Applicants must complete a PFI application and submit a resume to be considered. Applications are available here:
All students selected for the PFI program must have undergraduate status and meet the following eligibility requirements by the internship start date:
- North Carolina resident
- Good academic standing
- Completion of at least 60 semester credit hours (classified as upcoming Junior or Senior)
- Not graduating prior to the internship end date
East Carolina University is an affirmative action, equal opportunity employer and as such encourages applications from qualified women and minorities.
Individuals requesting accommodation under the Americans with Disabilities Act Amendments Act (ADAAA) should contact the Department for Disability Support Services at 252.737.1016 (voice/TTY).
Federal law requires proper documentation of identity and employability at the time of employment.