2027 Spring Internship - Rehab/Vet Tech

Chattanooga Zoo; Chattanooga (TN); On-site; USD 17,000 - 25,000; Full time

Job summary

The Chattanooga Zoo invites applications for its Vet Tech/Rehab Internship, a paid program offering foundational knowledge and hands-on experience in veterinary care, rehabilitation, and daily animal care. Interns assist staff with intake and care, keep records, and interact with zoo guests.

Eligibility includes 18+, currently enrolled or recent graduate, 30 credits with a 2.5 GPA, 24 hours/week across 15 weeks from Jan 18 to Apr 30, 2027, ability to work outdoors, English fluency, and ability

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years old.
• Currently enrolled in college or have graduated within past 12 months.
• Completed at least 30 college credits with a 2.5 GPA or above.

Responsibilities

• Assist rehabilitation team with intake, care, and placement of native wildlife.
• Assist Vet Tech staff with daily veterinary care and record keeping.
• Observe annual check-ups and procedures performed by the vet.
• Participate in public education spotlights.
• Maintain accurate records and comply with zoo policies.

Skills

English literacy

Outdoor work

Animal care interest

Education

College student

Job description

• 301 N Holtzclaw Ave, Chattanooga, TN 37404, USA

The Chattanooga Zoo Vet Tech/Rehab Internship program will provide foundational knowledge and skill set needed to enter the animal care field. This experience-based opportunity gives interns hands-on skills assisting staff in the daily intake and veterinary care of animals, record keeping, and interacting with zoo guests. This is a paid internship position that offers college credit based on your college or institution's requirements and provides an opportunity for learning and experience in both areas: Veterinary Technician and Rehabilitation.

• Assists rehabilitation team with intake, care, and placement of native wildlife
• Assists the Vet Tech staff with the daily veterinary care and record keeping of our animal residents
• Opportunities to observe annual check-ups and any necessary procedures performed by our vet
• Participates in public education spotlights
• Maintain accurate records
• Comply with all Chattanooga Zoo policies and procedures
• Other duties as needed

For a complete list of competencies, special skills, roles and responsibilities, please see Full Job Description below.

Minimum Qualifications and Program R equire ments-

• Minimum 18 years of age
• Currently enrolled in a college or university or have graduated within the past 12 months
• Completed at least 30 college credits with a 2.5 GPA or above
• Available to work Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday (2 of the 3 days) and Saturday (required)
• Available to work 24 hours per week (360 total hours)
• Available for 15 weeks from January 18 - April 30, 2027
• Ability to read, speak and write English in order to successfully complete essential job functions
• Willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather
• Passion for working with animals and serious about learning
• Successfully complete a background check, drug screen, and TB skin test
• Submission of a completed application on ApplicantPro which includes all of the following:
  • Transcript of college coursework confirming 30 or more college hours with a 2.5 GPA or above
  • Resume and cover letter which includes your area of interest
  • R eference letter of a NON-family member on official company or school letterhead with a date and a signature
• SEE APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS BELOW

Physical Requirements

Medium: Exerting up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently. This position requires standing, walking, climbing bending, stooping and lifting/holding a majority of the time.

Physical Environment:

This position requires constant movement across zoo grounds for the majority of the workday and is routinely exposed to external elements which include heat/cold, wet/humid & dry/arid weather conditions.

APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS

Application and all documents must be submitted via ApplicantPro by November 15, 2026

• Submit a completed application which includes all of the following:
• Upload resume AND cover letter which includes your area of interest
• Upload transcript of college coursework confirming 30 or more college hours with a 2.5 GPA or above
• Upload reference letter of a NON-family member on official company or school letterhead with a date and a signature. Reference letters which do not follow this requirement will NOT be accepted.

!!! Please, submit ALL required documents in the RESUME SECTION - Submitted Documents

The Friends of the Zoo, Inc (Chattanooga Zoo) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act, the Zoo will provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages both prospective and current employees to discuss potential accommodations with the employer.

We are committed to an inclusive environment and value the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experience of all individuals.