Social Media & Content Creation Internship

Love wildlife? Live for creating content? Know your way around a camera, a trending audio clip, and a perfectly timed animal photobomb? We have the summer internship for you! The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center (AWCC) is seeking a creative, enthusiastic, and wildlife-loving Social Media & Content Creation Intern to join our team for summer 2027! If you've ever dreamed of spending your summer creating videos, capturing incredible wildlife moments, and telling stories that inspire audiences around the world, this might just be your place. Our content creators have some pretty remarkable coworkers, including moose, muskox, bears, bison, and the occasional camera-loving porcupine!

About the Role

The Social Media & Content Creation Intern will develop engaging digital content highlighting AWCC's wildlife, conservation efforts, educational programs, events, and visitor experiences. This position reports to the Director of Sales & Marketing and works closely with the Social Media Manager to plan, create, and share content across AWCC's digital platforms. This hands-on internship is designed for college students, recent graduates, and career-changing individuals interested in social media, content creation, marketing, or related fields, regardless of their degree or educational background. We value creativity, enthusiasm, and a willingness to learn just as much as formal education. From filming wildlife enrichment activities to hosting live broadcasts and creating entertaining short-form videos, no two days are quite the same!

Key Responsibilities

Video Production & Content Creation

• Film, edit, and produce engaging videos for TikTok, Instagram Reels, Facebook, YouTube, and other digital platforms.
• Capture wildlife behavior, animal enrichment activities, behind-the-scenes moments, educational programs, and guest experiences.
• Develop creative video concepts, storyboards, trending videos, and content series that align with AWCC's mission and brand.
• Create dynamic, visually engaging video content that showcases AWCC's wildlife, special events, and visitor experiences through creative storytelling.
• Organize and maintain digital photo and video libraries.

Social Media Management & Live Streaming

• Host, co-host, and assist with live broadcasts featuring AWCC wildlife, staff, and special events.
• Assist with planning, scheduling, publishing, and monitoring social media content.
• Write engaging captions and help respond to audience comments and questions.
• Monitor social media trends and recommend creative opportunities to reach new audiences.
• Assist with tracking social media engagement, audience growth, and content performance.

Copywriting & Creative Marketing

• Write engaging copy for social media, blogs, website updates, and marketing campaigns.
• Create graphics and promotional materials using Canva or similar design tools.
• Research wildlife facts and conservation initiatives to support accurate and engaging storytelling.

Events, Media & Special Projects

• Capture photo and video content during AWCC events, educational programs, and community activities.
• Assist with promotional content for tours, wildlife encounters, facility rentals, and special events.
• Support media visits, film crews, VIP site tours, and special content collaborations.
• Build relationships with AWCC team members to uncover behind-the-scenes moments and unique stories that inspire creative, engaging content highlighting our wildlife, staff, and conservation efforts.
• Assist with general marketing, administrative tasks, and other duties as assigned.

Required Skills & Qualifications

• Strong interest in social media, digital marketing, videography, photography, or communications.
• Demonstrated experience creating, filming, and editing engaging social media videos, including short-form content, trending videos, and Instagram Reels.
• Proficiency in using an iPhone to capture high-quality video and photography, edit content, and produce engaging, professional-looking social media posts.
• Experience using video editing tools such as Edits, CapCut, Adobe Premiere Pro, Final Cut Pro, or similar applications.
• Ability to identify emerging social media trends and creatively adapt them into original content that aligns with AWCC's mission and brand.
• Strong familiarity with Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, and YouTube, including short-form video trends, with an interest in exploring additional social media platforms.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, creativity, and attention to detail.
• Comfortable appearing on camera and speaking to audiences, or enthusiastic about developing these skills.
• Ability to work independently, manage multiple projects, and collaborate respectfully with team members.
• Positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to participate in fun, sometimes silly, team activities.
• Comfortable working near wildlife in human care while following AWCC safety protocols.
• Ability to work outdoors in changing Alaska weather conditions and walk or stand for extended periods over uneven terrain.
• Ability to lift and move up to 40 pounds.
• Flexibility to work weekends, early mornings, evenings, and special events as needed.
• Current driver’s license
• Must be able to pass background check
• Must be eligible to work in the United States
• Must have received or be willing to receive a tetanus vaccination by date of hire to be considered. Proof of vaccination required

Bonus Skills (Not Required, but Nice to Have)

• Photography or DSLR/mirrorless camera experience.
• Familiarity with Canva, Adobe Creative Suite, or social media analytics.
• Experience with live streaming, interviewing, or on-camera presenting.
• Interest in wildlife conservation, nonprofit marketing, or Alaska tourism.
• First Aid and CPR certifications.
• Fluency in multiple languages.
• A sense of humor, preferably one that pairs well with animal puns!

Compensation & Internship Details

• Pay: $15 per hour.
• Duration: 16-week paid summer internship.
• Preferred Dates: Mid-May through mid-September 2027. Shorter internship periods may be considered.
• Schedule: Full-time, 40 hours per week, including some weekends and evenings.
• Location: On-site at AWCC in Portage, Alaska.
• Housing: Seasonal employee housing is available.

This internship provides hands-on experience in social media strategy, digital content production, nonprofit marketing, and wildlife conservation communications, with opportunities to develop professional portfolio pieces.

Area Specifics & Employee Benefits

Living and Working in Portage, Alaska

Imagine spending your summer surrounded by towering mountains, glaciers, lush forests, and some of Alaska's most incredible wildlife! The Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center is located in beautiful Portage Valley, approximately 45 miles southeast of Anchorage and 10 miles beyond Girdwood, a charming mountain town.

Nestled within the Chugach Mountains near Turnagain Arm, Portage Valley offers endless opportunities for outdoor adventure. Hiking, biking, kayaking, wildlife viewing, and exploring nearby glaciers are just a few ways to enjoy Alaska's long summer days. Whether you're an outdoor enthusiast, an aspiring photographer, or simply looking for an unforgettable summer experience, this is a pretty spectacular place to call home!

While the scenery is extraordinary, Portage is a remote location with limited services. Nearby Girdwood offers a small grocery store, restaurants, and local amenities, while Anchorage provides the closest major shopping, medical services, and other city conveniences. Transportation options are limited, so applicants should be comfortable living and working in a rural environment.

Alaska's weather is also part of the adventure! Summer days can bring sunshine, rain, wind, and cooler temperatures, sometimes all in the same afternoon. A flexible attitude, appropriate outdoor gear, and a love of adventure will go a long way toward making the most of your summer at AWCC.

Seasonal Employee Housing

Housing is available for seasonal team members. Accommodations are dormitory-style, with multiple shared bedrooms, shared bathrooms, a kitchen, living room, laundry facilities, and Wi-Fi. The ability to live courteously and respectfully with fellow team members is essential.

Employees residing in staff housing who possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record have limited access to an AWCC vehicle for commuting.

Uniforms & Employee Benefits

• AWCC provides required logo uniform items, including a jacket, rain jacket, mid-layer, and shirts.
• Employees are responsible for additional outdoor clothing and gear in designated colors, as well as personal clothing for non-working hours.
• Free AWCC admission for friends and family.
• Employee discounts at the Be Wild Gift Shop.

To Apply

Interested applicants should submit the following:

• Resume: A one-page resume highlighting relevant education, experience, and skills.
• Cover Letter: A one-page cover letter explaining your interest in the internship, how it aligns with your career goals, and your understanding of AWCC's mission.
• Creative Portfolio: Links to videos, photography, social media accounts, or other digital content you have created. Academic and personal projects are welcome!
• Professional References: Contact information for three professional references, including phone numbers, email addresses, job titles, and working relationships.
• Availability: Your earliest available start date, latest available end date, and any anticipated scheduling conflicts.

Application Deadline: Sunday, January 31, 2027, or until position is filled. Applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis, and this position may be filled before the deadline. We encourage interested candidates to apply early.

Come create something WILD with us!