Veterinary Technician Externship
Description: Assists with medical program at the veterinary hospital to ensure excellent animal health services at The Wilds.
- Must be available Monday through Friday 8:00 am to 4:30 pm.
- The externship is a minimum time commitment of 6 weeks.
- Preferred dates are from May through November.
- This is an unpaid position.
- On site shared housing is available at $250/month.
Background: The Wilds is situated on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mined land in southeastern Ohio. We are a nonprofit organization whose mission is to support conservation through innovative education, breeding, and research programs that emphasize the protection and intensive management of our wildlife resources.
Responsibilities
- Participates with daily medical care including but not limited to assisting in medical procedures, administering medications, and feeding and cleaning animals under veterinary care.
- Collects and processes medical samples for diagnostic testing and banking for future use.
- Frequently provides laboratory analyses including hematology, chemistry, parasitology and other clinical pathological procedures; insures quality control of laboratory results; maintains the diagnostic equipment in calibrated working order; maintains the laboratory in a clean, professional state.
- Submits pathology samples to laboratory, and distributes other biological samples to researchers, museums and universities.
- Performs maintenance of inventory of required surgical, medical, pharmacological and office supplies.
- Performs maintenance, cleanliness and sterility of hospital facilities and equipment.
- Maintains cooperative relationship with animal health and management departments in order to provide superior medical care for the collection.
- Constantly strives to further the mission of the organization and avidly supports all the parks of the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium including Zoombezi Bay, Safari Golf Club and The Wilds.
- Implements sustainable practices in daily tasks whenever possible.
- Performs other duties as assigned.
Qualifications
- Second Year Veterinary Technology Student or recent graduate (2 years or less) currently enrolled in an accredited program or currently licensed/registered and practicing veterinary technician.
- Enrollment or degree in a Veterinary Technology Program accredited by the AVMA CVTEA.
- For graduated Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVT), certification by the state of Ohio veterinary medical board is required.
- Experience working or interning in a veterinary practice directly with animals is preferred.
- Knowledge of exotic animals and their medicine strongly encouraged.
- Ability to provide own transportation is required.
- Ability to communicate well both verbally and in writing required.
- Ability to plan and organize work in an efficient and cost-effective manner and without direct supervision required.
- Ability to develop and maintain cooperative working relationships with all team members and contacts regarding company business required.
- Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures including but not limited to safety protocols required.
- Proof of negative TB screening and rabies vaccination prior to placement is required.
- Possession of a current valid motor vehicle operator’s license and a good driving record required.
- Ability to adhere to The Wilds drug-free workplace policy
- Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check
This position will require a negative 2-Step TB Test. Please keep in mind that the TB Test must either be completed prior to a COVID-19 Vaccination or administered 28 days from the last COVID-19 vaccination.