Vet Tech Internship

Dakota Zoo

Vet Tech Internship

Veterinary Technician Internship Program

The Dakota Zoo's Veterinary Technician Internship Program allows participants to gain invaluable experience in providing medical, surgical, and husbandry care for our exotic and domestic zoo residents. The program provides exposure to all aspects of zoological medicine and allows for the development of many technical skills. Internships are available for motivated individuals who are striving to gain experience in the zoo field and/or or college graduates seeking on-the-job experience.

Internships provide practical experience in a zoological environment, provide some of the experience needed to be considered for positions working in zoological facilities, and may help the intern to decide on their final career choice. Internships offer a modest stipend upon successful completion. Housing is not provided.

Duties and Responsibilities

Under the supervision of Dakota Zoo's Licensed Veterinary Technician and Zoo Veterinarians, interns will focus on all aspects of zoo medicine which includes assessment, treatment, preventative medicine, parasitology, radiology, laboratory techniques, anesthesiology, and pathology. Interns will be expected to interact with guests, communicate with animal care staff, and assist in other day to day responsibilities.

* Case Management

* Interns will participate in the assessment, implementation, and monitoring of zoo medical cases. This includes the development of keen observation skills with a focus on thorough follow-through.

* Lab and Technical Skills

* Interns will learn a variety of technical skills through scheduled lab work, routine fecal exams, routine vaccinations, general physical exams, prescription dosing, and more.

* Clinic Organization

* Cleanliness and tidiness are essential to good medical care. Interns will participate in clinic cleaning, disinfecting, and organizing on a weekly basis.

* Record Keeping

* Interns will learn how the zoo maintains thorough recordkeeping for every zoo resident through ZIMS Medical. Interns will be involved in record input and organization.

* Interaction with the Public

* Interns are expected to be a friendly and welcoming presence during working hours. Education is integral in the zoo's mission and is expected at every level, by every person working at the zoo. This includes zoo camp presentations, scheduled medical tours, and other impromptu guest interactions that can be used to educate the public and/or foster empathy for wildlife.

Applicant Requirements

* Students pursuing a degree as a veterinary technician or recent college graduates. Must have maintained a GPA of 2.5 or higher.

* Must be able to work in all weather variants, able to walk and stand for long periods of time, and able to lift at least 50 lbs.

* Must be able to tolerate hay, dust, animal hair and dander and, if allergic to a particular type of animal or other allergy, have medicines that allow them to function normally.

* Must have a current tetanus vaccination and test negative for TB upon acceptance of internship.

* Must be flexible with their schedule and have the ability to work weekdays, weekends and holidays as needed.

* Must strictly adhere to all zoo policies and procedures, including maintaining the utmost confidentiality about sensitive information due to the nature of the position

The Dakota Zoo:

The Dakota Zoo is an AZA and ZAA accredited facility located in Bismarck, North Dakota. This 90-acre facility houses around 400 mammals, birds, reptiles, and fish representing 125 species. The Dakota Zoo participates in over 16 Species Survival Plan programs for endangered or threatened species and has served as a rehabilitation facility for injured and orphaned raptors for over 50 years.

The Dakota Zoo is proud to be involved with numerous conservation initiatives both locally and globally.

How to Apply

To Apply:

Please send Application & Questionnaire, Cover Letter, and Resume to:
Allison Malkowski, Assistant Director lication and questionnaire can be found on our website.

Deadlines:

Summer (May - Aug) Deadline March 15th

Dakota Zoo

602 Riverside Park Road

Bismarck, ND 58504

Phone:

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