Veterinary Medicine Internship

The Caldwell Zoo; Tyler (TX); On-site; USD 24,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid internship

Housing available (with deduction)

Job summary

The Caldwell Zoo Veterinary Department is seeking highly motivated college students or recent graduates for a hands‑on internship in zoological and wildlife medicine. Under supervision, interns will learn the medical care and management of a diverse animal collection, including procedures, diagnostics, health assessments, and medical records in a zoological hospital.

The internship runs January 13 through May 11, with a Monday–Friday schedule from 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Sophomore in college or higher or a recent college graduate.
• Overall GPA 2.5 or higher.
• Must provide documentation of a negative TB test.
• Previous veterinary clinical or zoo experience preferred.
• Professionalism, dependability, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn.

Responsibilities

• Assist with animal assessments, physical and visual examinations, and anesthesia preparation.
• Assist with laboratory testing, sample collection, and shipment preparation.
• Help maintain the veterinary hospital, equipment, and work areas.
• Assist with medical record keeping using ZIMS.
• Assist with animal husbandry and care of hospitalized/quarantine animals.
• Develop professional communication skills through guest interaction.
• Learn daily veterinary procedures and patient care in a zoological setting.

Skills

Professionalism

Dependability

Strong work ethic

Willingness to learn

Education

College student or recent graduate

Job description

The Caldwell Zoo Veterinary Department is seeking highly motivated, dependable, and professional college students or recent graduates interested in gaining hands‑on experience in zoological and wildlife medicine.

Under the supervision and direction of the Zoo’s veterinary staff, interns will have the opportunity to learn about the medical care and management of a diverse collection of animals in a zoological setting. This internship provides valuable exposure to veterinary procedures, diagnostic testing, animal health assessments, medical record-keeping, and the daily operations of a zoological veterinary hospital.

The internship is designed to provide educational opportunities for students and recent graduates interested in pursuing careers in veterinary medicine, zoological medicine, wildlife health, or related fields.

Internship Learning Opportunities & Duties

Under the supervision and direction of the veterinary staff, the Veterinary Medicine Intern will participate in and become familiar with various aspects of the Veterinary Department, including but not limited to:

• Animal Assessments: Assist with physical and visual examinations, preparation of immobilization equipment, procedure preparation, clinical skills development, anesthesia, and radiology.
• Laboratory & Diagnostic Testing: Assist with sample collection, processing, diagnostic testing, and preparation of samples for shipment.
• Hospital Maintenance: Assist with cleaning and maintaining the veterinary hospital, medical equipment, and work areas.
• Medical Record Keeping: Assist with note-taking, filing, and maintaining electronic medical records using the Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS).
• Animal Husbandry: Assist with the care and monitoring of hospitalized and/or quarantine animals.
• Visitor Relations: Develop professional communication skills through opportunities for guest interaction.
• Veterinary Department Operations: Learn about daily veterinary procedures, patient care, and the responsibilities involved in maintaining the health and welfare of animals in a zoological setting.

Requirements

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Must be a sophomore in college or have a higher classification, or be a recent college graduate.
• Overall GPA must be 2.5 or higher.
• Must provide documentation of a negative TB test.
• Previous veterinary clinical experience and/or zoo experience preferred.
• Must demonstrate professionalism, dependability, a strong work ethic, and a willingness to learn.

Duration

January 13th – May 11th

Please plan to arrive at least three business days before the start date to complete the required onboarding process.

Any time off requested during the internship, excluding illness or emergencies, must be discussed during the interview process and approved before the internship begins.

Work Schedule

The typical work schedule is Monday through Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. However, daily hours may vary depending on veterinary procedures, animal care needs, and departmental activities.

Compensation & Housing

This is a paid internship.

• Gross Pay: $580.62 biweekly, before taxes and applicable deductions.
• Housing: Optional housing may be provided for interns who need accommodations during the internship. A housing deduction will be applied to the intern’s pay if housing is elected.

Additional details regarding housing availability and the applicable deduction will be provided during the interview process.

Application deadline 11/15/2026