Veterinary Externship - Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium
Job Description
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is presently accepting applications from veterinary students who are interested in gaining more experience with zoo and aquatic animal medicine. Applications will be due December 31, 2025 for the January 2026 - January 2027 cycle. Only students who will be completing their final year of veterinary education (at the time of the rotation) from an accredited veterinary college will be considered.
The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org.
PDZA's veterinary team includes a head veterinarian, two associate veterinarians (one full-time, one shared with Northwest Trek), as well as three veterinary technicians and a hospital manager. Students can expect to obtain practical experience with zoo and aquatic species with regard to anesthesia, radiography, dentistry, practical examination, medical record entry, necropsy, behavior/training, and lab work evaluation.
All students accepted for this position must provide proof of a negative TB test (administered within the last year) and proof of tetanus vaccination within the previous 5 years. All students are considered unpaid volunteers, and as such, the zoo does not provide medical coverage for on the job injuries or incidents. Students must be available for a minimum of 4 weeks to be considered for placement.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Emily Mattox at Emily.Mattox@pdza.org.
Point Defiance Zoo & Aquarium (PDZA) is presently accepting applications from veterinary students who are interested in gaining more experience with zoo and aquatic animal medicine. Applications will be due December 31, 2025 for the January 2026 - January 2027 cycle. Only students who will be completing their final year of veterinary education (at the time of the rotation) from an accredited veterinary college will be considered.
The Zoo sits within 700-acre Point Defiance Park, offering spectacular views of Mount Rainier, the Olympic Mountains and Puget Sound. PDZA is operated by Parks Tacoma, the oldest independent park district in Washington. For more information, visit www.pdza.org.
PDZA's veterinary team includes a head veterinarian, two associate veterinarians (one full-time, one shared with Northwest Trek), as well as three veterinary technicians and a hospital manager. Students can expect to obtain practical experience with zoo and aquatic species with regard to anesthesia, radiography, dentistry, practical examination, medical record entry, necropsy, behavior/training, and lab work evaluation.
All students accepted for this position must provide proof of a negative TB test (administered within the last year) and proof of tetanus vaccination within the previous 5 years. All students are considered unpaid volunteers, and as such, the zoo does not provide medical coverage for on the job injuries or incidents. Students must be available for a minimum of 4 weeks to be considered for placement.
Questions regarding the application process may be directed to Emily Mattox at Emily.Mattox@pdza.org.
About Metro Parks Tacoma
Metro Parks Tacoma is a CAPRA-accredited, independent park district that leads efforts to build a healthy, sustainable community.
Good parks, open space and program services contribute to economic development by fostering economic benefits and promoting tourism:
- Environmentally, they provide green infrastructure and help manage climate change.
- Socially, they revitalize communities, create safer neighborhoods, help children learn and grow, improve public and environmental health, and support smart growth.
- Culturally, open space and program services can nurture a sense of place in the community, and provide opportunities to engage the public of diverse backgrounds.
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