4th Year Vet Student Externship

Nashville Zoo Veterinary Department is offering an externship for 4th-year Veterinary School Students, both international and domestic, working towards a career in exotic animal medicine. This internship is posted May 1 st through September 15 th of every year with interviews in October.

The Veterinary Intern assists in every aspect of the medical care of the Nashville Zoo’s animals, including veterinary procedures, clinical lab work, and care of hospitalized/quarantined animals.

• Work with three full‑time veterinarians, three full‑time licensed veterinary technicians, and two full‑time hospital keepers.
• Assist with day‑to‑day operations of the zoo’s medical procedures including preventative and emergency care including examinations, clinical procedures, surgery, and necropsy.
• Assist doctors in keeping thorough records of all medical cases and procedures.
• Assist with animal husbandry (cleaning, feeding, and medicating) of hospitalized patients and quarantine animals.
• Provide laboratory support for veterinary medical technicians, including hematology, parasitology, and cytology.
• Responsible for researching and studying about upcoming and current cases.
• Assist with tasks that keep the hospital function smoothly including stocking of medical supplies, wrapping surgical equipment, and maintaining the cleanliness of the hospital.
• Responsible for presenting a 25 to 30‑minute presentation towards the end of their externship to the animal care staff on either a current, pertinent topic or on a research project performed by the student.

Minimum of 4 weeks

• Must be enrolled in clinical year of Veterinary school.
• Internship requires a minimum commitment of 40 hours a week.
• Applicants for this position must apply and are required to submit to a criminal background check as well as show recent proof of a negative TB test.

• Ability to perform duties without direct supervision.
• Ability to function as a team with both paid and volunteer staff.
• Ability to follow both oral and written direction.
• Ability to adhere to the schedule agreed upon.
• Ability to interact positively with the public, especially to give them information about the animals and the zoo.
• Ability to responsibly use and maintain zoo equipment and tools.
• Willingness to work with a large variety of animals.
• Ability to lift 30 pounds.
• Ability to perform duties outdoors in all weather conditions, as needed.

• Gain professional, hands‑on experience at an AZA accredited Zoo.
• Meet new and exciting people.
• Gain knowledge of Nashville Zoo’s history.
• Be an ambassador for animal and conservation education.
• Enhance personal creativity and portfolio.
• Volunteer hours for organizational benefits.
• Letters of reference for future job opportunities.

Note:

Nashville Zoo Externships are
unpaid
. We are, however, able to provide housing. We are not able to provide reimbursement for travel expenses. Academic requirements for institution credit are the responsibility of the student intern to fulfill. Nashville Zoo will make every effort to support the student in their academic goals as they relate to the internship position outlined in the provided position description.

• Resume
• Contact information for two references

Applications are open May 1 to September 15.

Interviews will be conducted October for the following school year.

Nashville Zoo is a 200‑acre institution accredited by the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA) whose mission is to inspire a culture of understanding and discovery of our natural world through conservation, innovation and leadership. Located in the heart of Nashville, the zoo has an extensive animal collection and attracts more than one million visitors annually and serves a diverse community through outreach programs within greater Nashville and mid‑Tennessee.

For more information, visit (Use the "Apply for this Job" box below)..

We are an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.