Veterinary Technician Externship - Summer 2026

Shedd Aquarium • Chicago, IL

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This career learning experience allows veterinary technician externs to learn and participate in the day to day workings of an aquarium animal hospital, which provides care for a large collection of fishes, marine and terrestrial mammals, amphibians, reptiles, birds, and invertebrates. Working closely with veterinary technicians and veterinarians, they will experience exotic animal medicine including routine health care, treatments, and procedures.

Requirements

• Fields of Interest: Sincere interest in a Veterinary Technician career at a zoo, aquarium, wildlife, or conservation organization.
• Skills/Characteristics: Currently in second year of an accredited veterinary technician program. Postgraduates accepted.
• At least 18 years old.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive information
• Familiarity with basic animal hospital and laboratory procedures and standards
• Ability to work well independently and with a team.
• Ability to communicate openly and professionally.
• Willingness to ask questions and to collaborate toward solutions.
• Ability to lift objects of 40 pounds or more as well as bend, crouch, squat and carry equipment.
• Applicants must be in their second year of, or have graduated from, an accredited Veterinary Technician program to be eligible for consideration.
• Your application must include: Cover letter, Curriculum vitae or resume, and list of three references that can vouch for your character and/or work ethic.
• Interns must be available for at least four weeks, and 36 hours per week.

Nice To Haves

• Completion of an exotics animal medicine course preferred.

Responsibilities

• Demonstrate commitment to Shedd’s vision, mission and values
• The preparation and execution of routine medical procedures including but not limited to radiology set up, ultrasonography, anesthesia monitoring, surgery and endoscopy.
• The preparation and administration of treatments including but not limited to phlebotomy, gavage feeding, fluid therapy, restraint and other supportive care treatments.
• The operation of medical equipment including ultrasound, laser therapy, microscopes and anesthesia machines.
• Diagnostics including but not limited to cytology, hematology, microbiology and sample analysis.
• Necropsies including collecting and preparing samples for evaluation.
• Partner with staff to maintain the hospital including cleaning, organizing and stocking supplies, and other tasks as directed.
• Complete a project to present at the end of the internship on a subject of the intern supervisor’s and student’s choosing.
• Other projects as assigned

Benefits

• Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.
• We strongly encourage people of color, LGBTQ+ community, veterans and active duty military, parents, individuals with disabilities, and individuals from all cultural backgrounds to apply.
• Shedd Aquarium is an equal opportunity employer and welcomes everyone to our team.

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Intern
• Education Level: No Education Listed