Veterinary Hospital Intern - San Diego Zoo

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.

HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
Are you passionate about wildlife and conservation? Join us for an immersive and educational summer internship at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance! This unique opportunity will provide you with hands-on experience in wildlife care and conservation. As an intern, you'll work alongside experienced hospital wildlife care specialists contributing to the well-being of the diverse wildlife we care for while learning about wildlife health, behaviors, habitats, and conservation needs. While this program does not guarantee you a position at San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance at the end of your internship, many of our former interns have successfully embarked on professional careers within wildlife care and conservation.

WHAT YOU WILL DO

• Assist hospital wildlife care specialists in daily care routines of hospitalized wildlife, including feeding, cleaning, habitat maintenance, and patient monitoring.
• Participate in the creation and implementation of strategies to promote species-specific natural behaviors.
• Participate in awake and anesthetized wildlife examinations
• Learn about various wildlife species and their specific care requirements.
• Collaborate with the veterinary services team to ensure the health and safety of wildlife we care for.
• Gain insight into conservation initiatives and participate in educational programs.
• Attend educational courses to enhance knowledge of wildlife care and conservation.

WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR

JOB EXPERIENCE

• Prior experience with animals or volunteering in animal-related organizations, particularly in the area of veterinary care preferred.
• All applicants must either be pursuing an undergraduate degree or plan on pursuing one. We do no accept applicants who will have earned a bachelor’s degree by the start of the program.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE

• Enthusiasm for wildlife healthcare, wildlife conservation, and wildlife welfare.
• Pursuing a degree in biology, zoology, wildlife management, or a related.
• Strong communication skills and ability to work as part of a team.
• Ability to perform tasks that involve lifting, bending, and working outdoors in various weather conditions.
• Ability to work with minimal supervision.

IMPORTANT DETAILS 

• Location: San Diego, CA 
• Position Type: 10-Week Internship 
• Stipend: $4,160 
  

About The Salary Ranges

The posted salary range represents the full compensation potential for this role over time. Initial hiring offers are typically made within the lower to mid portion of the range and are based on a combination of relevant experience, skills, qualifications, internal equity, and organizational considerations. Placement near the top of the range is generally reserved for individuals who demonstrate sustained performance, growth, and expanded responsibilities in the role over time.

Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.

If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org.  If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately. 

At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests’ experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status. 

If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying. 

As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.

San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace.

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