4th Year Vet Student Externship

4th Year Vet Student Externship

Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students, both international and domestic, working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This internship is posted May 1st through September 15th of every year with interviews in October.

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 include working with three full-time veterinarians, three full time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full-time hospital keepers. Assisting with day-to-day operations of the zoo's medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy. Keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures. Assisting with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals. Providing laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology. Researching and studying about upcoming and current cases. Assisting with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital. Presenting a 25 to 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 include Dr. Louden Wright, Associate Veterinarian and Kristen Nettleton, Hospital Keeper II. Duration is a minimum of 4 weeks. Qualifications include being enrolled in clinical year of Veterinary school, a minimum commitment of 40 hours a week, and applicants for this position must apply and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test.

Desired skills include the 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, ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools, willingness to work with a large variety of animals, ability to lift 30 pounds, and ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed.

Benefits to intern include gain professional, hands-on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo, meeting 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, and letters of reference for future job opportunities.

Note: Nashville Zoo Externships are unpaid. We are, however, able to provide housing. We are not able 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, you will need to include a cover letter stating your interest in zoological/wildlife medicine, resume, and contact information for two references. Applications are open May 1 to September 15. Interviews will be conducted October for the following school year.

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.