What are the responsibilities and job description for the Externship - Veterinary Student (Jan - May 2028) position at Texas State Aquarium?
The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) provides an exciting opportunity for veterinary students to gain experience in clinical medicine and rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species. The Texas State Aquarium, located on the Corpus Christi waterfront, is an AZA-accredited facility that focuses on species found in the Gulf and the Caribbean Sea. The animal collection consists largely of aquatic species but also includes terrestrial birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few terrestrial mammals. The Wildlife Rescue Center operated by the aquarium serves to rehabilitate mostly sea turtles and on occasion marine mammals.
Veterinary externs will work closely with the TSA’s veterinary staff, which includes two full-time veterinarians and two licensed veterinary technicians, in the medical management of a large captive display collection, as well as stranded animals presenting to the wildlife rescue center. The extern’s schedule will generally be Monday through Friday, 8a-5p, but there may be times when procedures will be scheduled outside of these hours depending on the medical needs of the collection or rescue program. Students should be flexible if asked to help on the weekend.
The veterinary student externship program is open to students that will be in their 3rd, or more preferably, 4th year of veterinary school at the time of their stay at TSA. Each position is a minimum of 2 weeks and a maximum of 4 weeks depending on the student's availability. The number of available positions will depend on the externship length for each student that year. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in aquatic animal medicine and/or those interested in pursuing a related field post-graduation. There is currently no stipend available for this position. All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation. Parking at the aquarium is provided.
Positions are available from January to May 2028. Externship blackout dates include the IAAAM conference week in May. The application period is from September 1 – December 1, 2026. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by December 31, 2026.
Applicants are required to submit the following:
- Curriculum vitae/resume
- Letter of intent reflecting the applicant’s externship goals, future career goals and any prior zoo/aquatic/exotic experience
- Proof of enrollment in a veterinary school through an electronic copy of a veterinary school transcript (unofficial is acceptable)
- 2 letters of reference
- 3 sets of available dates in order of preference during the period between January 1 - May 31, 2028
For additional questions or inquiries, please e-mail to vet@txstateaq.org