Description

The Living Desert (TLD) is seeking a qualified candidate to join the Veterinary Care and Animal Care Teams as a Zoo Veterinary Intern. This intern veterinarian assists in the administration of the zoo’s animal health program with the support of two (2) full-time veterinarians and three (3) full-time veterinary technicians. The successful candidate will support TLD in our mission of, “Desert conservation through preservation, education and appreciation,” and will help TLD achieve a forward-thinking vision of a modern zoo and inclusive culture.

The Veterinary Care Team: 

- Practices high quality medicine and maintains exceptional professional standards. 

- Has great enthusiasm for the profession of zoological medicine. 

- Adheres to the highest animal welfare standards and works as a team.

- Performs all job assignments with a positive attitude that will move TLD into the future.

Program Description:

The Living Desert (TLD) and Western University of Health Sciences (WesternU) are partnered in a unique one (1) year post-graduate veterinary internship in zoological medicine. This position is designed to provide initial training in zoological medicine and leadership through clinical practice and student instruction. Graduate veterinarians with at least one year of prior clinical veterinary experience are encouraged to apply. 

The intern will assist and learn from TLD’s two (2) full-time veterinarians in all aspects of veterinary care for the zoo collection. Specific duties include performing preventive medical exams, attending to clinical cases and animal medical emergencies, medical record keeping, participating in clinical rounds and veterinary/Animal Care team case discussions, mentoring and teaching veterinary students, and developing a research project with the intent of publishing the results in a peer-reviewed journal. 

Through a partnership with the Western University of Health Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, the intern will learn and practice group facilitation teaching techniques as an instructor for first and second-year veterinary students. This partnership provides the intern with additional opportunities for mentorship, research, and clinical case support. Other potential opportunities for shadowing local veterinary specialist practitioners may exist depending on intern interest. 

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

· Basic knowledge of zoo animal and wildlife husbandry

· Ability to handle and restrain a variety of animals

· Excellent observational skills, active listening, and strong organizational skills

· Knowledge of contemporary practice standards of zoo veterinary care particularly as established by the AAZV and as practiced in AZA accredited institutions

· Knowledge of zoonotic diseases that may affect the collection animals, personnel and guests 

· Ability to work with potentially dangerous animals and exercise sound judgement in emergency situations

· Ability to communicate effectively both orally and written, and maintain open communications with both the Veterinary Care and Animal Care Teams

· Able to interact with guests courteously and effectively while representing TLD at the highest standard of professionalism

Requirements

Qualifications: 

· Graduation from an AVMA-accredited school of veterinary medicine

· Minimum of 1 year of clinical veterinary practice experience

· Must obtain a valid California driver’s license within 3 months of hire

· Must be insurable on The Living Desert’s automobile policy

· Must provide proof of COVID-19 vaccination and booster

· Must be eligible to work in the United States

Equipment Used:

PC computer, general office equipment, radio, vehicles, medical equipment, pharmaceuticals, standard capture equipment, small hand-held power tools.

Physical Position Description: 

Essential Physical Tasks: Standing, walking, twisting, climbing, crawling, kneeling, reaching motions, lifting (up to 50lbs). 

Typical Working Conditions: Exposure to extreme heat, chemicals, and dust/airborne materials. Works with potentially dangerous animals (carnivores, venomous animals) and potential for zoonotic disease exposure.

Holiday Work: Holiday, evening and weekend work required. Available on an as needed basis for emergencies. 

Travel: Occasional off-site travel. Continuing education conferences and workshops, as required to maintain licensing.