What are the responsibilities and job description for the Harlan Family Veterinary Internship - Full Time position at Indianapolis Zoo?
Candidates are now being considered for a one (1) year veterinary internship in zoological medicine at the Indianapolis Zoo. The deadline for applications is December 15, 2025.
The one - year appointment begins approximately July 1, 2026 and ends June 30, 2027. This position is eligible for the Zoo's benefits including medical and dental coverage.
This program has been made possible by the generous philanthropic gift of the Harlan Family Foundation. The Polly Horton Hix Animal Care Complex is a 12,000 square foot fully equipped veterinary hospital featuring a dedicated surgery suite, treatment room, clinical pathology lab, diagnostic imaging room, hospital and quarantine wards, and necropsy. The veterinary department consists of the following full-time positions: four veterinarians (including one ACZM Diplomate), three registered veterinary technicians, hospital area manager, senior keeper, nutrition center area manager, nutrition center technician, and a part-time clerical assistant.
The Zoo itself is located on a beautiful 64-acre campus in the heart of Indy's downtown area. The Indianapolis Zoo has a diverse animal collection of over 1500 specimens representing 230 species including mammals, birds, reptiles, fish and invertebrates.
The Indianapolis Zoo has developed into a global leader in animal conservation. We are the largest zoo in the country that receives no direct tax funding.
Position Summary:
The intern will assist the staff veterinarians in all aspects of veterinary care including but not limited to:
- Preventative medicine
- Management of clinical and surgical cases
- Participation in approved research projects
- Medical record keeping
- Participation in clinical rounds
- Participation in multi-institutional journal club sessions and topic rounds
- Compiling data and initiating actions to resolve recurrent clinical problems within the collection
- Contributing to the ongoing development of the preventative medicine program
- Keeper education
- Mentoring of 3rd and 4th year veterinary students, veterinary technician students, and undergraduate students
Management of the clinical caseload requires:
- Proficiency in history collection
- Conducting physical examinations
- Diagnostic testing (includes sample collection, radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy)
- Administering medical treatments, anesthesia, performing surgeries, and postmortem examinations
- Liaison for consulting veterinarians
The intern is encouraged to conduct an independent research project and to submit a manuscript for publication in a peer-reviewed journal.
Position Requirements:
- Must possess a DVM degree
- Eligible for licensure to practice veterinary medicine in Indiana
- Demonstrate a strong interest in zoological medicine
- Qualify for DEA registration, as well as federal and state accreditation.
- At least one (1) year of clinical experience.
Application Process:
- Provide a cover letter stating areas of interest in zoo veterinary medicine and professional goals.
- Thoroughly complete an on-line employment application at http://www.indianapoliszoo.com/contact/employment-and-volunteers/zoo-staff-employment , attach a current curriculum vitae, your cover letter, and veterinary school transcripts to the on-line application. In the "Position Desired" section of the application, please put "Harlan Family Veterinary Intern."
- Three (3) letters of professional reference, preferably from a professional who has supervised your work. These letters may be emailed to Dr. Fayette at mfayette@indyzoo.com and should be sent directly from your references.
Employment at the Indianapolis Zoo is contingent upon the successful completion of pre-employment testing including a background check, motor vehicle check (if applicable) and a drug test.
