Veterinary Technician Spring Extern

Forest Preserve District of DuPage County; Glen Ellyn (IL); On-site; USD 20,000 - 29,000; Part time

Job summary

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County in Glen Ellyn, IL invites veterinary technician students to join a Spring externship focused on wildlife health. You will support medical assessments, diagnostics, and surgical care, rotating through treatment spaces and wildlife housing to learn hands-on care.

Schedule features 10-hour days, four days per week with one weekend day, March 2027 through mid-May 2027.

Qualifications

• Age 18+ at time of hire.
• Currently enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician Program and have completed year one.
• Illinois professional veterinary licensure in good standing may be required.
• Valid driver’s license in good standing.
• Clear verbal and written communication; strong organization and teamwork.

Responsibilities

• Assist with medical assessments, diagnostics, and surgical support.
• Help coordinate emergency response and treatment.
• Support euthanasia and postmortem examinations when needed.
• Document medical and procedural records with care and accuracy.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Wildlife handling

Observational skills

Education

Vet Tech program, year 1 completed

Illinois veterinary licensure (in good standing)

Tools

Basic veterinary techniques

Medical/d surgical support documentation

Job description

Our Purpose

The Forest Preserve District of DuPage County is a highly acclaimed government agency that has been instrumental in enhancing the overall quality of life for the residents of DuPage County for over 100 years. We believe in conservation, teamwork and public service. Our mission is to protect and improve the county's natural areas while providing high-quality educational and recreational experiences for the people who call DuPage home.

Your Conservation Role

As a veterinary technician student, this Spring externship directly supports wildlife health at the DuPage County Conservation Center. You'll contribute to timely, humane care so native wildlife can recover and, when possible, return to the preserves.

Key responsibilities include assisting with medical assessments, diagnostics, and surgical support; helping coordinate emergency response and treatment; supporting euthanasia and postmortem examinations when needed; and documenting medical and procedural records with care and accuracy.

Required qualifications/skills:

• Age 18+ at time of hire
• Currently enrolled in an accredited Veterinary Technician Program and have completed year one
• Illinois professional veterinary licensure in good standing may be required
• Valid driver's license in good standing
• Clear verbal and written communication; strong organization and teamwork
• Preferred: safe wildlife handling/transport; native fauna ID; basic veterinary techniques

Pay: $18.00/hour; onsite in Glen Ellyn, IL; seasonal March 2027-mid May 2027.

A Day at the Center

You will work with the Staff Veterinarian, Veterinary Technician, and Animal Care Team to plan the day's learning goals and patient flow. As a veterinary technician student, you rotate between treatment spaces and wildlife housing, adapting as cases change.

Some hours are steady and methodical - reviewing charts, preparing supplies, and observing how clinicians decide next steps. You'll also spend time on husbandry - cleaning, feeding, and ensuring each enclosure supports recovery.

Throughout the shift, you'll connect your Spring externship requirement to real-world conservation outcomes: careful notes, respectful handling, and coordinated care that protects both animals and people. Schedule includes 10-hour days, 4 days/week, with one weekend day; times may vary.