Veterinary Preceptorship

Veterinary Preceptorship

Department: Veterinary Health

Classification: Seasonal Non-Exempt (Hourly)

Reports To: Director of Veterinary Health

Direct Reports: N/A

Starting Pay: $15.00/Hour

Purpose: The veterinary preceptorship program at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers junior or senior veterinary student's unique opportunities in the field of exotic animal medicine and surgery. The preceptor will be incorporated into the daily routine of Zoo & Aquarium veterinary medicine including rounds, animal management orientation, medicine, and surgery. The program is designed for hands-on experience in phlebotomy, anesthesia, medicine, surgery, and various veterinary disciplines in zoological medicine.

The Zoo & Aquarium has a 14,000 square foot veterinary hospital and holding building, which includes separate surgery, radiology, laboratory, treatment, and necropsy spaces. It comes equipped with digital radiography, electrocautery, stem cell processing, video laparoscopy, video flexible fiber endoscopy, cavitron, standard 2-deminsional and digital ultrasound, pulse oximetry, ultralow freezer, steam, and gas sterilizers. CT and MRI scanning is also routinely performed through our consultants. The Zoo & Aquarium encompasses over 200 developed acres, making it one of the largest zoological parks in the United States. Students will gain not only experience in the veterinary care of the animal collection, but also the new aquarium complex which opened in 2023.

Key Responsibilities:

• Become familiar with veterinary care and support the Veterinary Health Department with clinical procedures, including but not limited to:
• Assist veterinary staff with daily clinical evaluations, medical procedures, and treatment of collection animals.
• Monitor the health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals.
• Perform animal necropsies.
• Assist with immobilization procedures.
• Support animal quarantine procedures.
• Assist with record maintenance necessary for the health of animal collection.
• Maintain the hospital with duties that include cleaning and sanitizing, equipment care, stocking supplies etc.

Length of Appointment: This preceptorship is scheduled five days per week for a period of five to eight weeks. The program is limited to one preceptor per session.

Time Commitment: Five days per week (Monday Friday) eight hours per day (8:00-5:00pm). Preceptors may be expected to work additional hours as needed.

Qualifications:

• Must be a junior or senior student at an AVMA accredited school of veterinary medicine.
• Must be willing to work in all weather extremes.
• Able to lift 75 pounds and stand for extended periods of time.
• Must pass a background screening.
• Must have or be able to obtain negative TB test, prior to commitment.
• Responsible for own transportation and housing. Some housing may be available upon request but is not guaranteed.

Dress Code: Neutral colored pants or shorts, navy polo or provided uniform shirt, comfortable shoes (steel toed recommended, but not required), and weather appropriate outerwear.