San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is an international, nonprofit conservation organization with two front doors: the San Diego Zoo and the San Diego Zoo Safari Park. We integrate wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions.
HOW YOU WILL IMPACT OUR MISSION
The Registered Veterinary Technician Intern supports San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance's mission integrating wildlife health and care, science, and education to develop sustainable conservation solutions. The intern will perform the duties of a veterinary technician under the direction and supervision of the staff veterinarians and veterinary technicians. Duties include, but are not limited to: assisting with daily treatments of hospitalized animals, preventative medical care, assisting the veterinary staff with clinical and surgical procedures, performing diagnostic radiographs, and providing technical support and nursing care for the collection, while advocating for the animals entrusted to our care. This position reports to the Veterinary Services Wildlife Care Supervisor & Veterinary Services Wildlife Health Manager.
WHAT YOU WILL DO
- Recognize, provide care for, treat, evaluate and medicate patients.
- Assist hospital team in setting up for various scheduled and emergency procedures.
- Perform diagnostic radiographs on all animal species in our collection using various radiographic modalities such as mammography, digital radiology (in house and in the field), Computed Tomography (with and without intravenous contrast).
- Maintain all anesthetic machines to ensure proper function and monitor animal patients before, during and upon recovery from anesthetic procedures, as well as clean, sterilize and care for all specialized instruments associated with the procedures.
- Will have the opportunity to work with a large diversity of species in our collection, learn appropriate handling techniques, normal vital parameters, phlebotomy sites and anesthetic risks unique to each animal.
- Will gain experience with CT, endoscopy, surgery, laparoscopy, anesthesia and radiology
WHAT WE ARE LOOKING FOR
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is seeking an individual who is inspired to be a part of an organization that is committed to protecting wildlife around the globe. A person interested in
joining us in our commitment to provide best-in-class veterinary care. A person seeking opportunities to learn about and participate in what it takes to care for wildlife in a zoological
setting. We are seeking to strengthen existing nursing skills and provide opportunities to work with multiple species of wildlife. At least 2 years of experience working as an RVT in a veterinary setting is desired. Interested candidates must include a Cover Letter to be considered.
JOB EXPERIENCE
- Training and/or experience that would demonstrate the essential functions, knowledge and skills listed.
EDUCATION AND CERTIFICATIONS
- Graduate of an AVMA accredited program or state approved veterinary technician program
- Current licensure as a Registered Veterinary Technician or Certified Veterinary Technician
SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE
- Is familiar with the use of anesthetic machines used at a zoo facility, to include but not limited to: ventilators of various sizes, rebreathing and non-rebreathing anesthetic circuits, fish and amphibian anesthetics devices.
- Knowledge of anesthetic agents and associated drug combinations commonly used in the zoo setting, such as halogenated anesthetic gases, injectable anesthetics, ultra-potent narcotics, sedatives and neuroleptics.
- Able to respond competently and swiftly to emergency situations.
- Knowledge of anesthetic complications and how to respond to emergencies of the anesthetized patient.
- Ability to follow aseptic technique while in the operating room and handling surgical equipment.
- Possess a working knowledge of medication used in a zoological pharmacy.
- Understand the dangers and be situationally aware when ultra-potent narcotics are in use.
- Ability to plan, organize and implement preventative heath projects as directed for overall health of collection animals.
- Human CPR and first aid is desirable.
- Able to operate moderately complex computer software programs.
- Able to work with teams and communicate effectively with others.
IMPORTANT DETAILS
- Location: San Diego, CA
- Position Type: 6-week Unpaid Internship
Fraudulent Recruiting
Beware of fraudulent recruiting. Legitimate San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance contacts will use an @sdzwa.org email address. We do not request money, checks, equipment orders, or sensitive personal data during the recruitment process. San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance only conducts interviews via phone, Zoom, Teams or in-person.
If you have been asked for any of the above, or believe you have been contacted by someone posing as a San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance employee, please e-mail sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org. If you feel that you have been the victim of fraud, please contact your financial institution(s) immediately.
At San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance, we celebrate our differences and foster a culture of belonging. Diversity strengthens our employees, enriches our guests' experiences, deepens our connection to our community, and supports the wildlife we serve.
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, national origin, disability, veteran status, or other legally protected status.
If you require a reasonable accommodation to complete an application, please email your request to sdzwacareers@sdzwa.org and provide the job title and location to which you are applying.
As a Federal Contractor, San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is required to participate in the E-Verify Program to confirm eligibility to work in the United States. We are not offering sponsorship for this position at this time.
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance is a drug free workplace. |
San Diego Zoo Wildlife Alliance
Mar 25, 2026