VETERINARY EXTERNSHIPS & PRECEPTORSHIPS
Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an internship for 2nd and 3rd year Veterinary School students working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This Externship is offered in the Summer between student’s 1st and 2nd years of vet school or between the 2nd and 3rd years of vet school.
Purpose
The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized/quarantined animals.
Key Responsibilities
-Work with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers.
-Assist with day-to-day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy.
-Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures.
-Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.
-Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology.
-Responsible for researching and studying about upcoming and current cases
-Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital.
-Responsible for presenting a 25–30-minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student.
Reporting Relationships and Supervision
MJ Fehlhaber, Hospital Keeper
Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian
Duration
8+ weeks
Qualifications
- Must be attending an accredited college for a graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine.
- Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours per week
- Applicants for this position must submit an Application Packet and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test.
Desired Skills
- Ability to perform duties without direct supervision
- Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff
- Ability to follow both oral and written direction
- Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon
- Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo
- Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools
- Willingness to work with a large variety of animals
- Ability to lift 30 pounds
- Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed
Benefits to Intern
- Gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo
- Meet new and exciting people
- Gaining knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history
- Ambassador for animal and conservation education
- Enhance personal creativity and portfolio
- Volunteer hours for organizational benefits
- Letters of reference for future job opportunities.
Note: Nashville Zoo Externships are unpaid. Housing is available in the vet hospital free of charge, but we are unable to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the
provided position description.
TO APPLY:
Those interested in veterinary internships/preceptorships should apply at:
You will need the following:
1. Cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine
2. Curriculum vitae
3. Contact information for two references
Deadline for application is September 15th.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
We are an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.
ABOUT NASHVILLE ZOO
Nashville Zoo is a 200-acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually, as well as serving a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid-Tennessee. For more information, visit www.nashvillezoo.org
Nashville Zoo is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a Drug-Free Workplace. Weekend, holiday, and some evening work may be required.
