Veterinary Externship - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium

Veterinary Student Externship

Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is presently accepting applications from veterinary students who are interested in gaining more experience with zoo and aquatic animal medicine. Applications will be due December 31, 2026 for the January 2027 January 2028 cycle. Only students who will be completing their final year of veterinary education (at the time of the rotation) from an accredited veterinary college will be considered.

PDZA's veterinary team includes a Head Veterinarian, two Associate Veterinarians (one full-time, one shared with Northwest Trek), a Veterinary Fellow (full-time, shared with Northwest Trek), as well as three Veterinary Technicians and a Hospital Manager. The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington.

All students accepted for this position must provide proof of a negative TB test (administered within the last year) and proof of tetanus vaccination within the previous 5 years. All students are considered unpaid volunteers, and as such, the zoo does not provide medical coverage for on the job injuries or incidents. Students must be available for a minimum of 4 weeks to be considered for placement.

Essential Duties

Goal of Externship: Familiarize veterinary student with all aspects of animal health care at a zoological facility. Externship Offers:

• Introduction to basic husbandry and nutrition of zoo animals
• Opportunities to aid in sample collection and laboratory processing
• Exposure to a variety of immobilization techniques (including dart systems)
• Opportunities to assist with anesthesia/surgical procedures and exotic animal treatments
• Introduction to diagnostic radiographic techniques
• Instruction in medical record data entry on ZIMS
• Opportunities to assist with hospital and medical equipment maintenance in a modern 8,000 square foot health care facility
• Involvement with necropsy procedures (when applicable)
• Observation of animal training techniques
• Half-day rotation with keeper staff in an animal area of choice (pending area approval)

Minimum Qualifications

• At time of externship, must be a fourth year veterinary student enrolled in a veterinary program at an accredited university
• Must fulfill college credit requirements
• Be available for at least 4 weeks
• Provide proof of a TB test (current within the last year)
• Provide proof of tetanus vaccination within the last 5 years

Additional Information

This is a non-paid learning experience for fourth year veterinary school students. Placement dates may be flexible depending upon the needs of the student and the PDZA Health Care staff. This position is competitive and not all applicants will be accepted. To apply for this externship, you must submit your online application with the following attachments:

1. A letter of intent (with availability & preferred season included)
2. A concise resume
3. Three letters of recommendation.

Benefits

There are no benefits provided during this externship.