Special Activities Intern
North Carolina Aquariums
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 efforts of the Special Activity Education Intern will be concentrated in either summer camps or daily indoor/outdoor programs. Summer Camps run M-F, most weeks, for ages 6/7, 8/9, 10/11, or 12/13. Daily public program tasks include promotion, preparation, and instruction of activities such as fishing, crabbing, kayaking, stand-up paddleboarding, behind-the-scenes tours, interpret live animal ambassador-based programs, and marsh/beach ecology trips. Interns will also provide educational interpretation at exhibits, touch pools, and discovery stations. Additional daily tasks may include developing and facilitating camp activities and promoting programs. The intern will gain teaching experience with families and/or summer campers, improved communication skills, customer service skills and experience, increased environmental conservation knowledge, practical work experience, marine and freshwater ecology and biology information, and exposure to skills in an Association of Zoos and Aquariums accredited marine science facility. Visitors and campers will benefit from additional staff who can safely provide more public programming in a coastal rural community.
Internship Location & Supervisor Information
The mission of the North Carolina Aquariums is to inspire appreciation and conservation of our aquatic environments. This mission is achieved by attracting, retaining, and developing a world class team of professionals; providing visitors with outstanding exhibits, experiences, and customer service; practicing sustainability, internal customer service and fiscal responsibility; and working to save and restore aquatic species and habitats. The student will work directly with Dana Thomason, Lead Special Activities Instructor/Camp Coordinator. The North Carolina Aquarium on Roanoke Island is located at 374 Airport Road, Manteo, NC 27954. This internship will be fully face to face on site. The intern’s work schedule will primarily be weekdays (Monday-Friday) but may include weekend work and possible holiday assignments. The intern should expect to commute more than three times per week to the site. The Aquarium does not provide intern housing, but will share leads for local housing opportunities when available and encourage interns to research local housing options online.
Desired Knowledge, Skills, Abilities
Applicants should be enthusiastic, have a strong work ethic and be excited to work with children. Experience working with the public and in camps, and an ability to work well with others in a rigorous schedule are preferred. This intern should be flexible, able to work outdoors for an extended period of time, possess strong customer service skills, demonstrate good time management and organizational skills, and be able to adapt to a fast-paced schedule. Some weekend work may be required. Background check is required prior to placement.Start & End Dates
May 15, 2026, through August 14, 2026.Majors Targeted
Education, Science Education, Biology, Marine Biology, Environmental Studies, Coastal and Marine 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.