Hatteras Island Ocean Center

Challenge Personal Growth with an Internship!

Hatteras Island Internship Program 2026

Internship Description

The Hatteras Island Internship Program provides students with career-developing opportunities to learn by doing. The Hatteras Island Ocean Center (HIOC) has three primary goals:

1. Provide interdisciplinary research and educational opportunities to students through experiential learning and service projects.
2. Provide students and opportunities to lead educational programs that demonstrate the importance of wildlife, conservation, and public history.
3. Partner with local organizations and schools, and provide opportunities for students and volunteers to collaborate with them in citizen science projects and community outreach events.

Six summer interns will join in the HIOC mission as they lead educational nature programs and complete all tasks related to daily operations of the Ocean Center. Interns should be prepared to work as team-players in a fast-paced atmosphere, and will finish the internship having gained broad experience in environmental education and various aspects of running a nonprofit organization. This internship will begin on May 11, 2026 (with move-in to the HIOC beginning May 9). The end date is August 7, 2026. Occasional weekend work will be required.

Tasks & Responsibilities

• Lead educational nature programs for kids and adults  
• Assist with the daily operations of the Center – this includes but is not limited to greeting visitors, retail operation, operating scheduling software and POS software, handling program fees, and working on projects related to the interns’ interests and professional goals that will benefit the Ocean Center or Hatteras community
• Help maintain the building and property – this includes but is not limited to lawn work, cleaning the apartment, supplies & equipment, and general building maintenance

Qualifications

• Passion for environmental education and/or public history (open to all majors)
• Outgoing temperament capable of encouraging conversations with visitors of all ages
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Ability to work multiple hours outdoors exposed to high temperatures, biting insects, and high wind
• Experience working in and around water and on watercrafts, such as kayaks and canoes
• GPA of 3.0 or higher preferred
• Completion of at least 2 years in college preferred­­­­­­­
• Current and valid CPR & First Aid Certification preferred (training will be provided if needed)

Additional Information

• Free housing provided on site, including kitchen, living/dining area, 2 bedrooms & 2 baths with all utilities and services included.
• Interns will receive a stipend to help cover summer expenses; jobs on Hatteras Island outside of working hours are permitted if they do not conflict with internship requirements. If you are interested in employment, please email HVCA at hatterasevents@yahoo.com with kinds of work you are interested. Most opportunities for summer jobs involve restaurant work, cleaning rentals and retail but sometimes, other opportunities arise.
• Possible opportunities to volunteer with Cape Hatteras National Seashore, assisting biologists in their efforts to protect nesting sea turtles and hatchlings.   

How to Apply – If interested in applying for this internship, send a letter of interest and resume with ­­­names and contact information for at least two references, including one academic reference, to the HI Ocean Center: HatterasIslandOC@gmail.com or have them submit references directly to us.

                                               Application Deadline: April 24­­­­­, 2026.

                              Contact Shirley Wicker (hatterasislandOC@gmail.com) with questions.