Cleveland Metroparks Zoo Veterinary Externship

The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo sustains some of the earth's rarest species through innovative training, research, and education that contribute to securing a future for wildlife. The Cleveland Metroparks Zoo currently houses approximately 2,500 individual animals representing 600 species. Our Veterinary Technician Externship provides a post-graduate, continuing education opportunity for veterinary technicians pursuing a career in zoo and wildlife medicine. The externship will provide extensive hands-on experience working clinically with a wide variety of exotic species within an AZA accredited zoological setting with a highly respected veterinary staff.

Details

Externship description

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

  • Assisting in surgical and preventative medicine procedures- Including procedure preparations, immobilizations, exams, anesthetic monitoring, and surgical assistance
  • Assisting with Animal Husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantined animals
  • Diagnostics – blood, lab, fecal, radiology, cytology, urinalysis, & postmortem exams
  • Assist with procedure preparation and planning
  • Hospital maintenance
  • Records-medical records, filing, data entry & organizing

Requirements

  • Candidates must be an upcoming third or fourth year student currently enrolled in an accredited college for a graduate degree in Veterinary Medicine.  
  • Applicants must have a working knowledge of veterinary principles, anatomy, pharmacology, parasitology, hematology, radiology, anesthesiology, urinalysis, clinical, and surgical techniques.
  • Candidates should be self-motivated and willing to learn new skills and make the most of the externship experience.
  • Candidates must have the ability to perform duties assigned to them without direct supervision, function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff, and follow both oral and written direction.
  • 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.
  • Candidates must have proof of a valid driver’s license and proof of valid health insurance.
  • All housing and transportation are the responsibility of the extern.
  • Candidates must have and provide proof of a negative TB test within 6 months of start date.
  • Candidates must have and provide proof of a Rabies vaccine (or adequate protective titer) within the year prior to starting the internship.
  • Professional appearance: Khaki pants (no denim), closed toe shoes, scrub top or polo shirt.  Candidate must provide any additional clothing to accommodate adverse weather conditions. 
  • The Cleveland Metroparks reserves the right to terminate externships at any time.

Application Details

The veterinary externship is a one- time, 2-4 week, non-paid experience. Externs are scheduled to work 40 hours a week which may include working weekends and assisting with after-hours emergencies. Applications, including a resume and letter of intent clearly stating externship date spans requested, will be reviewed August-September of the preceding year that the externship is sought.


Externship blocks are available April-June and October- mid December (excluding holidays).

Please email a complete application to Sharon Yahnert ([email protected]) to be considered.