Animal Health Veterinary Technician Intern

Animal Health Veterinary Technician (Unpaid)

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is hosting an internship program for veterinary technicians or senior students enrolled and in good standing at an AVMA accredited veterinary technology program that are interested in pursuing a career in the zoo and wildlife field. The veterinary technician internship will provide extensive hands-on training, from a highly respected veterinary team, on a wide variety of exotic species.

The Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is an AZA accredited facility that is home to over 2000 animals. The hospital team consists of two full-time veterinarians, two full-time veterinary nurses, two hospital keepers, an administrative assistant, and an animal health department manager. In addition to the hospital team, the Animal Health Department encompasses the Animal Nutrition Center and Manatee Critical Care Center.

Skills, Experiences, and Duties:

Under the supervision and direction of the veterinary staff, Veterinary Technician Interns will participate in all aspects of the veterinary department including but not limited to:

-           Functioning field and lab technician

-           Assisting in surgical and preventative procedures, including set up and take down, immobilizations, exams, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance

-           Diagnostics to including in house blood work, outside lab submission preparation, fecal examinations, radiology, cytology, urinalysis, & post mortem exams

-           Neonatal care

-           Hospital maintenance to include cleaning, equipment servicing and maintenance, stocking, and inventory

-           Records to include medical records, filing, data entry & organizing

-           Provide husbandry care for hospitalized animals

Duration of the program:

A minimum time commitment will be 3 days per week with days of availability Tuesday-Saturday, 8am -5pm for a minimum of 6 weeks (open to some negotiation depending on program). Additional hours or days as required.

Eligibility Requirements:

1. Candidates must be graduates or students of an AVMA accredited Veterinary Technology program, with preference given to Certified Veterinary Technicians (CVT’s).

2. Preferred Applicants should have at least 1-year experience as a licensed technician in a veterinary practice and a working knowledge of veterinary principles; anatomy, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, radiology, anesthesiology, urinalysis, clinical, and surgical techniques.

3. Candidates should be self-motivated, able to work well alone and with others, and willing to learn new skills and make the most of the internship experience.

4. Candidates must be able to lift 50 lbs., climb in and out of truck beds, remain bending/standing/stooping for long periods of time, and work in adverse weather conditions.

RABIES VACCINATION POLICY

Rabies is a dangerous zoonotic disease. Although the risk of rabies exposure varies from region to region, working directly with animals increases the risk for exposure to rabies. JZG interns are encouraged to get vaccinated if they are concerned about possible exposure to rabies during their internships. Interns should also discuss this with their personal physician to make the best decision for their health.

Please be aware that while you are not required to get a rabies pre-exposure vaccination series to participate in the program, you will not be permitted to handle unvaccinated animals, or animals with an unknown vaccine status, while in your internship if you are not vaccinated. Of course, even vaccinated interns are encouraged to only handle animals of known vaccine status to reduce their risk of exposure to rabies. If you elect to obtain the pre-exposure rabies vaccination series, remember that it is up to you to arrange for the vaccinations and that you are also responsible for their cost.

Please note: If selected for an internship, candidates must adhere to reference checks, proof of a negative TB test within the past year (at intern’s expense), level 2 background fingerprints, and drug screening. An internship fee of $50 will cover the fingerprint and drug screening. A current tetanus vaccine as well as pre-exposure rabies vaccines are recommended.

To Apply:

Please e-mail your cover letter, resume, and intern information sheet to maddoxd@jacksonvillezoo.org and copy volunteer@jacksonvillezoo.org.

 

Information Sheet for Unpaid Internships – Animal Health Veterinary Technician

 

Name   __________________________________________________ Date _____________

 

School ______________________________________________________________________

 

Major _____________________________Minor (If, applicable) ________________________

 

Do you plan on completing a general Zoo internship or an internship with a research project? (requires formal proposal and approval)

 

____________________________________________________________________________

 

If so, do you have a specific research project in mind?

 

__________________________________________________________________________

 

Internship Availability:

Please note: Intern’s scheduling is based upon the needs of the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens.

If accepted, all scheduling requests will be considered, but not necessarily granted.

 

Internship Semester (circle one):     Fall                Spring           Summer

 

This position is a very physical one- it requires the ability to lift up to 50 lbs. without difficulty, traverse zoo grounds on foot, be able to sweep, rake, bend, do light maintenance repair work, stand, kneel, climb and work in adverse weather.

 

Will you be able to do these tasks? ___ Yes _______No

 

All Veterinary Technician Interns must supply proof of negative TB test to the Volunteer Supervisor before beginning initial internship.

 

Can you provide proof of negative TB test? ________Yes ________No

 

You may also be required to submit a transcript to the Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens for review.

 

                                                           

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