Vet Tech / Rehab Internship Program
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Job Description
About Company
The Chattanooga Zoo, officially known as The Friends of the Zoo, Inc., is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering an inclusive environment that values the diverse qualities, perspectives, and experiences of all individuals. In compliance with the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), the Zoo provides reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities and encourages open discussion about potential accommodations. The Chattanooga Zoo has adopted a smoke-free campus to promote a healthy workplace and environment, and is a proud member of the Tennessee Drug-Free Workplace program. As such, all positions require pre-employment screenings including a background check, drug screen, and tuberculin skin test.
Job Description, Detailed
This is a paid internship position for a Vet Tech / Rehab Intern at the Chattanooga Zoo, sourced from a job board. The program aims to provide foundational knowledge and a skill set necessary to enter the animal care field, offering both college credit (based on institutional requirements) and valuable hands-on experience in both Veterinary Technician and Rehabilitation roles.
Position Roles & Responsibilities:
• Assists the rehabilitation team with the intake, daily care, and eventual placement of native wildlife.
• Assists the Vet Tech staff in the daily veterinary care and accurate record keeping for the zoo’s resident animals.
• Provides opportunities to observe annual check-ups and any necessary medical procedures performed by the zoo veterinarian.
• Participates in public education spotlights, engaging with zoo guests.
• Maintains accurate records consistently.
• Ensures compliance with all Chattanooga Zoo policies and procedures.
• Performs other duties as needed to support the team.
Minimum Qualifications And Program Requirements:
• Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
• Education: Currently enrolled in a college or university, OR have graduated within the past 12 months.
• Academic Standing: Must have completed a minimum of 30 college credits with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
• Availability:
• Able to work on Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday (with a requirement to work at least 2 of these 3 days).
• Saturday work is required.
• Available for 24 hours per week, totaling 360 hours over the internship period.
• Program Duration: Available for a full 15 weeks.
• Start Dates: The internship will commence on either August 22 or August 29, 2025.
• Language Proficiency: Ability to read, speak, and write English effectively to perform essential job functions.
• Work Environment Tolerance: Willing and able to work outdoors in all types of weather conditions.
• Personal Qualities: Demonstrates a passion for working with animals and a serious commitment to learning.
• Pre-Employment Screenings: Must successfully complete a background check, drug screen, and TB skin test.
Physical Requirements:
• This position is classified as Medium exertion, requiring the ability to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally and/or up to 30 pounds of force frequently.
• Requires constant physical activity including standing, walking, climbing, bending, stooping, and lifting/holding for the majority of the workday.
Physical Environment:
• Involves constant movement across zoo grounds for the majority of the workday.
• Routinely exposed to external elements, including varying heat/cold, wet/humid, and dry/arid weather conditions.
Application Requirements:
• Submission Deadline: All application materials and documents must be submitted via ApplicantPro by July 26, 2025.
• Required Documents (MUST be uploaded in the “RESUME SECTION – Submitted Documents” BEFORE submitting the application):
• A resume AND a cover letter which clearly states your area of interest.
• An official transcript of college coursework, confirming the completion of 30 or more college hours with a GPA of 2.5 or above.
• A reference letter from a NON-family member. This letter must be on official company or school letterhead, include a clear date, and bear a signature. Reference letters that do not strictly adhere to these requirements will NOT be accepted.
