Meerkat

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Veterinary Medicine Internship

The Caldwell Zoo Veterinary Department is seeking a highly motivated, hard-working, professional minded student or recent college graduate interested in gaining on-the-job experience in wildlife/zoo medicine.

Under the supervision and direction of the veterinary staff, the veterinary medicine intern will participate in and/or become familiar with all aspects of the veterinary department, including but not limited to:

Animal assessments – physical/visual examination, immobilization equipment, procedure preparation, clinical skills, anesthesia, radiology
Lab/Diagnostic testing – sample collection/processing, testing, shipping
Housekeeping – hospital and equipment cleaning/maintenance
Record keeping – note taking, filing, electronic medical records (ZIMS)
Animal husbandry – hospitalized and/or quarantine animal care
Visitor relations – opportunity for guest interaction

Education and Events

Education and Events Intern Duties:

Support the Caldwell Zoo Education and Events Department by assisting in the development of education curriculum and special events
Assist in teaching classes, school programs, outreaches and other opportunities in the community and surrounding area on predetermined presentations
Deliver presentations in the zoo as an interpretive guide for our guests bringing them closer to our animals
Assist in event and volunteer program planning and implementation
Provide animal ambassador experiences, as needed, as part of programming in a way that ensures the safety of the guests and animals in a calm manner
Commitment to learn and master all content and skills needed to provide quality programming to Zoo program participants and guests.
Be able to provide excellent customer service to all zoo guests, including parents, teachers, chaperones, students, etc.
Preparation and breakdown of program materials
Know and follow all emergency procedures and protocols
Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude to co-workers and guests
Completion of various additional duties as assigned

Qualifications:

Required minimum 1 year of paid or unpaid experience working with children
Preferred 1 year of paid or unpaid experience with interpretation, formal, or informal education in a zoological, camp, museum, school, non-profit or related setting
Must be comfortable handling and working with animals, including snakes and other reptiles, mammals, amphibians, and invertebrates
Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions
Excellent oral communication skills required
Comfortable with public speaking
Must have an appreciation for environmental education and a commitment to conservation and animal welfare
Professional dress, appearance, and conduct
Working knowledge of Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Internet Explorer.
Must pass background, physical, and TB check

EDUCATION:

REQUIRED Sophomore or higher classification
Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher
Preferred: Education, Biology, Zoology, Pre-Vet, Chemistry, Environmental Studies, or related degree preferred but not required. We want anyone with a passion for children, animals, conservation, the environment and a willingness to learn

Schedule/Availability Requirements:

Must have full availability for the internship which lasts from January to May

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

Must be able to lift and carry 40 pounds
Willingness to work outside in inclement weather

Spring 2024 paid internships available at Caldwell Zoo in Tyler, Texas in the areas of Animal Husbandry.

The Caldwell Zoo is seeking highly motivated, hard-working, professional minded students who want to take advantage of educational opportunities to gain on-the-job experience in a zoo setting.

Learning opportunities include:

exotic animal handling and restraint
behavior
nutrition
husbandry
record keeping
visitor relations
preventative medicine
disease treatment
other zoo operations topics.

Meerkat info to come.

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