Veterinary Intern (Full-Time)

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens; Jacksonville (FL); On-site; USD 44,000 - 53,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Medical/dental/vision coverage

403(b) retirement plan

Job summary

Jacksonville Zoo and Gardens is seeking a veterinary internship to gain hands-on experience with a diverse collection of exotic and wildlife species.

Under the guidance of the ACZM-certified Director of Animal Health, interns will receive a comprehensive learning experience in clinical care, preventive medicine, emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and research projects, preparing for careers in zoological medicine.

Qualifications

• Completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from an AVMA-accredited school.
• Active Florida veterinary license or eligibility by internship start date.
• One-year post-graduate internship or three years clinical practice in domesticated species.

Responsibilities

• Gain hands-on clinical care under supervision of ACZM-boarded veterinarians.
• Participate in rounds, anesthesia, diagnostics, emergency and rehabilitation.
• Engage in research projects and manuscript development.

Skills

Zoological medicine interest

Education

Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM)

Job description

Are you a veterinary graduateeager to gain hands-on experience with a diverse collection of exotic and wildlife species? The Jacksonville Zoo and Botanical Gardens is seeking aVeterinary Internshipto join our dedicated team.Under the guidance of ourACZM-certified Director of Animal Health, interns will gain a comprehensive learningexperience in clinical care, preventive medicine, emergency treatment, rehabilitation, and research projects,preparing them for careers in zoological medicine. You will work alongside our skilled veterinary staff to provide exceptional care to over 1,400 animals representing more than 200 species, including primates, reptiles, megavertebrates, and marine mammals.

APPLICATION MATERIALS:

• Cover Letter / Letter of Intentdescribing interest in the internship, career goals, and relevant experience.


• Resume: CV highlighting education, clinical rotations, research, and relevant experience.


• Recommendation Letter/ References: Three (3) professional or academic letter of recommendation as a references familiar with your clinical or research work.

APPLICATION PROCESS:

• Applications Deadline:27November 2026.


• Selected candidates may be invited to participate in interviews (virtual), in December 2026.


• Anticipate start: 6 July 2027


• Offers are contingent upon successful results of compliance with all organizational pre-employment requirements(criminal background check, employment verification, drug screen, Non-DOT physical exam, TB test, rabies/titer) as a condition to hire.

INTERNSHIP BENEFITS:

• Compensation: Paid internship at an annualized rate of $48,500 (based on a full-time schedule).


• Comprehensive Benefits Package:Eligible interns may participate in a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, and vision coverage, as well as a 403(b) retirement plan. Medical, dental, and vision benefits become effective on the first of the month following 60 days of employment. Enrollment instructions and plan details will be provided during onboarding.


• Professional Experience: Direct involvement in the clinical care of a diverse range of exotic, domestic, and wildlife species consistent with AAZV and AZA veterinary standards.


• Mentorship: Supervised training and case discussions led by ACZM-boarded veterinarians and supported by an experienced team of veterinary technicians and animal care specialists.


• Learning Environment: Participation in daily rounds, preventive medicine, anesthesia, diagnostics, emergency and critical care, and rehabilitation procedures.


• Research: Opportunities for case-based or clinical research projects with guidance in manuscript development and submission.


• Professional Development: Guided clinical development through ongoing mentorship, case discussions, and learning feedback, with exposure to multi-disciplinary animal care teams and networking within the zoological and conservation medicine community.

PROGRAM STRUCTUIRE

• Duration:The internship is designed as a 12-month, full-time program, providing comprehensive exposure to zoological and wildlife medicine, including seasonal animal care, clinical procedures, and research opportunities. Exceptional interns may be considered for an extension of up to 24 months to allow for additional research projects, case-based experience, or specialized training, subject to organizational needs and funding availability.


• Schedule: The program generally follows a 40-hour workweek, with occasional weekends, holidays, and after-hours responsibilities as cases require.Ability to work a schedule that includes a one day of the weekend (example: Tuesday- Saturday or Sunday- Thursday).


• Supervision and Learning: Interns work under the direct supervision of ACZM-boarded veterinarians and collaborate closely with veterinary technicians, animal care teams, and other animal health professionals.


• Learning Objectives: Training emphasizes clinical case management, anesthesia, preventive health programs, diagnostics, and interdisciplinary collaboration within the zoological setting.


• Educational Activities: Interns participate in daily clinical rounds, journal club discussions, case presentations, and special topic seminars.


• Evaluation and Feedback: Progress is supported through mentorship and guided learning feedback, designed to strengthen clinical reasoning, communication, and teamwork skills.


• Research Component: Interns are required to complete a research or case-based project suitable for presentation or publication with mentorship from veterinary staff.


• Completion: Acknowledgement of completion at the conclusion of the program for those who meet all learning objectives and participation requirements. Exceptional interns may be considered eligible for an extension of up to 24 months to allow for additional research projects, case-based experience, or specialized training, subject to organizational needs and funding availability.

QUALIFICATION AND APPLICATION

Education and Experience:

• Education: Completion of a Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) or equivalent from an AVMA-accredited veterinary school.


• License: An active and unrestricted license to practice veterinary medicine in the State of Florida, or will you be fully eligible to obtain one by the internship start date.


• Experience:
  
  
  
  • Completion of a one-year post-graduate veterinary internship (small or large animal clinical and/or specialty rotating) or three (3) years of clinical practice in domesticated species.
  
  
  • Prior experience or coursework in exotic, wildlife, or zoo animal medicine is preferred but not required.
  
  
  • Clinical rotations, externships, or practical experience in exotic, wildlife, or zoo medicine.
  
  
  • Exposure to anesthesia, surgery, and emergency/critical care in non-domestic species is preferred.
  
  
  • Experience with research or scholarly work (e.g., manuscripts, case reports, or presentations) is preferred.
  
  
  
  

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong interest in zoological and conservation medicine.


• Demonstrated teamwork and collaboration in clinical, research, or multidisciplinary settings.


• Effective communication and observational skills.


• Ability to follow established protocols and safety procedures.


• Commitment to ethical animal care and welfare.


• Foundational knowledge of exotic animal medicine.


• Ability to work effectively in high-pressure clinical environments and collaborate across multidisciplinary teams.


• Willingness to participate in after-hours or on-call rotations, including overnight or late-day shifts, as needed to support animal care and clinical coverage.


• Ability to complete required organization-specific safety training prior to working with animals.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to consistently remain on your feet for prolonged periods of time.


• Manual dexterity for standing, reaching, flexibility, and body movement for bending, crouching, walking, kneeling, stoop, bend, lift, kneel, crawl, climb, jump, dig and prolonged standing/sitting.


• Grasp, turn, and manipulate objects of varying size and weight, requiring fine motor skills and hand-eye coordination.


• Ability to operate motorized cart, trucks, hand and/or power tools.


• Ability to work outdoors and indoors under all environmental conditions and temperatures.


• Ability to transport and move items occasionally up to 50 pounds without difficulty for short distance.


• Auditory ability for verbal communication/conversation/responses via telephone, telephone systems, two-way radio, and face-to-face interactions.


• Visual and auditory acuity appropriate for safety and discern differences in document.

WORK CONDITIONS

• Weather Exposure: Exposure to various weather conditions, including extreme heat, sunlight, cold, rain, and wind.


• Pathogens: possible exposure to animal or human bloodborne pathogens.


• Infectious Diseases: Risk of exposure to zoonotic diseases.


• Hazards: Potential for injuries from wildlife, equipment, chemicals, and heights.


• On-Call Responsibilities: May be scheduled to be on call to work with others for emergencies, as needed.


• Disaster support: Available to fulfill disaster-response duties and responsibilities as needed.

TRAVEL EXPECTATIONS

• Must maintain a valid driver’s license and clear driving record.


• May require local or international travel for short time frames.

We are an equal opportunity employer and comply with all applicable federal, state, and local employment regulations.
EOE / DRUG FREE WORKPLACE