The Alabama Marine Mammal Stranding Network (ALMMSN) located at the Dauphin Island Sea Lab (DISL) in Dauphin Island, AL, is recruiting a highly motivated intern to assist with marine mammal stranding response in coastal Alabama waters. ALMMSN is a cooperative regional stranding network partner and works in conjunction with the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration’s National Marine Fisheries Service and the US Fish and Wildlife Service to respond to dolphin, whale, and manatee strandings. Our primary goal is to enhance reporting and response efforts for marine mammal strandings to ensure collection of consistent, high-quality data that are used to evaluate causes of strandings and/or death. The DISL’s mission is to become a center for transformative U.S. oceanic and coastal research and education. This intern will gain useful knowledge, skills, and experience in the fields of marine biology, marine mammalogy, and marine mammal stranding response. 

Internship Dates: 3 months (option to extend depending on funds and performance); flexible start early 2025

Daily Duties Include: Field stranding response, data collection, data management, participation in necropsy events, sample handling, report writing, and equipment/lab maintenance/cleaning. Intern will also have the opportunity to complete an independent research project based on relevant interests, culminating in a presentation.

Qualifications

  • Student or recent graduate (0-2 years) of a biology/marine biology, marine science, oceanography, zoology or related program; 

  • Interest in marine mammal biology, physiology and anatomy;

  • Interest in research;

  • Valid driver’s license and clean driving record; 

  • 18 years or older; 

  • Physically fit, able to lift at least 50 lbs, drag at least 100 lbs, and a strong swimmer;

  • Ability to endure unpleasant field conditions including temperatures between 30°F-100°F, rain, humidity and biting insects; 

  • Ability to work 35 hours per week, including weekends, nights and holidays as needed;

  • Experience with scientific writing is a plus; 

  • Knowledge of digital SLR cameras and lenses is a plus. 

This internship is a paid position ($12-$15/hour) expected to work 35 hrs/week (including nights and holidays as necessary for fieldwork). This is a physically demanding position that may involve long days in a variety of weather conditions. Intern is responsible for providing their own housing and transport to DISL. Assistance finding housing can be provided. Applicant must be eligible to legally reside in the U.S. for the duration of the internship period. International applicants are welcome to apply, however, we are unable to sponsor or take over the sponsorship of an employment VISA.

All applicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. Interested applicants must send a cover letter, CV, and dates of availability to almmsn@disl.org by 31 December 2024 to be considered. Resources for the construction of such documents are available online and at most institutions’ Career Services departments, such as https://www.southalabama.edu/departments/careerservices/job.html andhttps://pathwaystoscience.org/Grad.aspx.  Preference will be given to applicants who can stay through the entire internship period. Application review will begin immediately. 

DISL is an equal opportunity employer and encourages applications from a diverse pool of prospective interns without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic or any other identity information. DISL and ALMMSN recognize that a diversity of perspectives, lived experiences, ideas, and passions allows us to better meet our goal of ocean-literate communities in Alabama and that equity, diversity, and inclusion are fundamental to achieving our mission. It is the intent of the ALMMSN to be fair and impartial in all of its relations and to recognize and respect the individual. More information about ALMMSN and the DISL Marine Mammal Research Program can be found at https://www.disl.edu/research/marine-mammal-research-program or by contacting ALMMSN at almmsn@disl.org.

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AuthorIAAAM

Applications are currently open for the 2025 Mystic Aquarium-UConn Avery Point Research Experiences for Undergraduates Internship. This is a paid internship ($700/week stipend plus $175/week for living and food expenses) for students interested in research experience. Accepted students are paired with a mentor from either the Mystic Aquarium Research Department or UConn Avery Point's Department of Marine Sciences and undertake a research project of their own during the 10 week internship. The dates for the 2025 internship are June 2nd to August 8th. Students are also given professional development and aquarium shadow opportunities throughout the summer.

For more information and to apply, please visit our website at: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/research-experiences-for-undergraduates-2/.

Please contact reu@mysticaquarium.org or dlavoie@mysticaquarium.org with any questions.

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AuthorIAAAM

The Texas State Aquarium (TSA) provides an exciting opportunity for veterinary students to gain experience in clinical medicine and rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species. The Texas State Aquarium, located on the Corpus Christi waterfront, is an AZA-accredited facility that focuses on species found in the Gulf of Mexico and Caribbean Sea. The animal collection consists largely of aquatic species but also includes terrestrial birds, reptiles, amphibians, and a few terrestrial mammals. The Wildlife Rescue Center operated by the aquarium serves to rehabilitate mostly sea turtles and on occasion marine mammals. 

Information and Application Instructions

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AuthorIAAAM

Aquatic mammals continue to face significant and growing threats from human activities, including habitat degradation, pollution, climate change, and bycatch. As these challenges escalate, there is an urgent need for innovative solutions that integrate welfare science with conservation strategies to protect both ex-situ and wild populations.

This year, the EAAM conference seeks to spotlight how advancements in aquatic mammal welfare science can drive and enhance conservation efforts for wild populations. 

We invite researchers, practitioners, and experts to submit abstracts that explore how welfare science can improve animal care in zoological settings and how these insights can be applied to conservation practices in the field.

Topics of interest include, but are not limited to:

  • The role of welfare science in improving the health and well-being of aquatic mammals in human care

  • How ex-situ welfare insights can inform and enhance conservation strategies for wild populations

  • Case studies where welfare science has directly supported the conservation of endangered species

  • The intersection of animal welfare, ethics, and conservation efforts

  • Innovative welfare practices in zoological institutions and their potential applications in the wild

The upcoming conference aims to bridge the gap between animal welfare science and conservation by demonstrating how ex-situ expertise is critical to protecting aquatic mammals in the wild. Join us in showcasing the essential role that welfare science plays in both safeguarding individual animals and contributing to the long-term conservation of species.

Symposium Call for Papers Instructions (PDF)
Symposium Call for Papers Form (PDF)

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AuthorIAAAM

Monterey Bay Aquarium offers a one-year clinical internship for post-graduate veterinarians for training in aquatic animal medicine. We aim to decrease barriers for entry into aquarium medicine and increase the diversity in the profession; therefore we especially encourage candidates from underrepresented backgrounds in veterinary medicine to apply.

More information and application instructions.

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AuthorIAAAM

Our Teaching Hospital programs are open for applications.

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AuthorIAAAM

This program is open to veterinary students completing their 3rd or 4th year of training in an accredited veterinary school. Each position is a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks depending on the students’ availability. Accepted students will train under the supervision of the veterinary and husbandry staff during administration of the facility’s preventative animal healthcare program and any current medical cases. No stipend is provided. Housing and transportation are not provided and are the responsibility of the student.

The Aquarium of the Pacific’s animal collection of approximately 14,000 animals consists of pinnipeds, sea otters, marine birds, psittacine birds, raptors, reptiles, amphibians, marine fish, and invertebrates. The majority of cases presented are fish and birds. The veterinary staff consists of two full-time veterinarians, one full-time veterinary technician, and one part time veterinary technician.

Positions are available June 2025 - January 2026. We do not accept veterinary extern students during the months of February - May. Applicants must indicate which time period(s) they are available.

The Application period is from August 1st - October 15th of the academic year prior to externship. Example: October 15, 2024, is the deadline for positions in the 2025–2026 school year. Applicants will be notified of acceptance by January 15, 2025.

Applicants are required to submit the following:

  • Proof of enrollment in a college or school of veterinary medicine with 2 years completed with a GPA of 3.0 or higher (unofficial transcript required)

  • Curriculum Vitae

  • Letter of intent that details pertinent past experience and training in aquatic animal medicine, reason for pursuing aquatic animal training, future goals, and prioritized available time periods

  • Letter of recommendation from a professor or veterinarian supporting the students’ academic professionalism and demonstrated interest in aquatic animal medicine (Letter of Recommendation can be sent directly to volunteeroffice@lbaop.org if professor/veterinarian does not wish for it to be visible to student applying).

Please visit our veterinary externship/preceptorship webpage to apply!
https://www.aquariumofpacific.org/volunteer/veterinary_externship_preceptorship_program

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AuthorIAAAM

The Department of Animal Care at Mystic Aquarium, a division of Sea Research Foundation, offers an annual opportunity for graduate veterinarians looking to specialize in aquatic animal medicine through a Veterinary Internship in Aquatic Animal Medicine and Research. Applicants for the internship should be graduates of an AVMA-accredited veterinary college or ECFVG certified. This internship is typically a one-year position; however, with agreement by both parties, a second year in the program may be possible.

All applicants should have successfully passed the NAVLE and must possess or be able to acquire a license to practice medicine in the state of Connecticut. Preference will be given to applicants with postgraduate clinical experience in a practice or internship setting; however, applications from new graduates with significant achievements in aquatic animal medicine are also welcome. Entry-level familiarity with ultrasound, radiology, and endoscopy systems is expected. Must have a valid driver’s license. The veterinary intern must willingly work a flexible schedule that may include evenings, weekends, and holidays. The stipend for the position is expected to be at least $50,000 per annum plus benefits.

The successful applicant will work with the veterinary staff in the diagnosis and treatment of medical cases from the Aquarium’s extensive collection of invertebrates, fresh and saltwater fishes, reptiles, amphibians, penguins, seals, sea lions, and beluga whales. In addition, the intern will participate in the rescue, rehabilitation, and release program for wild stranded marine mammals and sea turtles. Collateral educational opportunities at cooperating universities, aquatic institutions, government, and private industry laboratories are possible and encouraged. The intern will have an opportunity to develop teaching skills by his/her involvement in the Aquarium’s veterinary externship program and informal seminars. The intern will pursue one or more clinical research projects and is encouraged to prepare the results for presentation at a professional conference and for publication in a peer reviewed journal.

Previous graduates of the program have gone on to well-recognized graduate/residency programs and employment in the field of aquatic, comparative, or zoological medicine. Applicants may visit the Aquarium website: https://www.mysticaquarium.org/research-and-conservation/aquatic-animal-health/veterinary-science/veterinary-educational-opportunities/ for more information and a list of the program’s alumni.

Application Materials Required:

  1. A current transcript from the veterinary school and any post-baccalaureate program which he/she has attended. Unofficial copies of transcripts are acceptable.

  2. Three letters of recommendation from individuals familiar with the applicant’s academic performance and his/her potential in the clinical and research arenas. At least two of the letters must be written by a veterinarian.

  3. A cover letter reflecting the applicant's goals in aquatic animal medicine and research.

  4. A current curriculum vitae or resume.

Potential applicants who will be in the southern New England area are encouraged to contact us for a tour of our facilities and a chance to meet with our staff.

Applications are due by December 13, 2024, and should be submitted electronically, ideally with a cover letter, resume/CV, and transcript as one pdf file, to Dr. Allison Tuttle at atuttle@mysticaquarium.org. Letters of recommendation may be included with that package or emailed directly to Dr. Tuttle, if preferred by those writing the letters. A decision will be made before VIRMP match withdrawal deadline. The successful candidate should be prepared to start in June/July 2025.

Additional information may be obtained by emailing Dr. Tuttle at atuttle@mysticaquarium.org . A general orientation to our facility and programs can be obtained by viewing our web page http://www.mysticaquarium.org.

Mystic Aquarium is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. It is our policy to provide equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or sexual orientation. Women and under-represented groups are encouraged to apply.

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AuthorIAAAM

The College of Veterinary Medicine at Cornell University is pleased to announce the 2025 AQUAVET ® I & II Programs. They are aquatic veterinary medicine educational programs (introductory and advanced) that will be presented in Bristol, RI. Veterinary students can receive credits for the course and graduate veterinarians can receive CE credits. Specific information can be found at www.aquavet.org. Applications are due by January 15, 2025.

AQUAVET® 2025 Information Flyer

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AuthorIAAAM

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is accepting applications for the 2025-2026 Marine Mammal Veterinary Internship. The PMMC rescues, rehabilitates, and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. As part of our mission of education, we offer a one-year clinical veterinary internship that provides training in marine mammal and wildlife medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy, and research for veterinarians interested in pursuing a career in marine mammal medicine and conservation.

Click here for more information.

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AuthorIAAAM

Aquatic Animal Health provides medical, surgical, and pathology services for the New York Aquarium. The clinical caseload varies providing the student with broad exposure to aquatic animal medicine. The student's responsibilities will include morning review of cases and assisting the veterinarians with medical and surgical cases and daily park rounds. The student will also spend time with the Water Quality and Animal Care teams, learning about water quality, life support systems, and husbandry. The student will also be required to present some aspect of aquatic medicine. Weekend attendance may be required.

Click here for more information and application instructions.

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AuthorIAAAM

The Pacific Marine Mammal Center (PMMC) is accepting applications for 2026 veterinary student externship (open to 3rd and 4th year veterinary students). The PMMC rescues, rehabilitates and releases marine mammals and inspires ocean stewardship through research, education, and collaboration. As part of our mission of education, the PMMC offers a 4-week externship for veterinary students that provides experience in marine mammal medicine, rehabilitation, husbandry, necropsy and research.

Please see the attachment and link below for additional information for the IAAAM "Conferences, Meetings, Educational Opportunities" announcement.

Veterinarian Training — Pacific Marine Mammal Center (pacificmmc.org)

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AuthorIAAAM

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) is excited to launch a new learning opportunity for aspiring aquatic veterinarians. CMA will provide veterinary students a robust learning opportunity to gain experience in clinical medicine and rescue/rehabilitation medicine of aquatic species. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium, located near Clearwater Beach, FL, is supported by two clinical veterinarians, a hospital manager, and two veterinary technicians. The collection consists of bottlenose and rough toothed dolphins, North American river otters, pelicans, sea turtles, and various fish and elasmobranchs. Sea turtle and manatee rehabilitation occurs onsite while cetacean rehabilitation occurs offsite about 40min north. In addition, the Aquarium’s five-year plan includes collection additions of California sea lions, sharks and penguin habitats.

Externships are a minimum of 3 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks in duration. Externship blackout dates include May (IAAAM conference) and Thanksgiving through New Year’s. Preference will be given to 3rd and 4th year students, but all veterinary students may apply. Externs must be currently enrolled in a veterinary degree program during their scheduled externship. International applications are welcome; however, any visa requirements are the sole responsibility of the applicant. Work hours are typically Monday to Friday 7:30 – 4:30 but may vary depending on the medical needs of the collection or rescue program. Students should be flexible if asked to work on the weekend. A rabies vaccine (current titer) is recommended if you wish to work with wildlife.

A list of affordable and safe housing options will be provided to externs; however, the student is required to secure and finance their own housing. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the aquarium and/or off-site work; parking at the aquarium is provided. There is limited public transportation in Clearwater. The nearest airport is Tampa International.

Externs will team with veterinary staff in case management, medical record-keeping, assist in performing necropsies, and observe in the diagnostic laboratory onsite at CMA. Externs will also shadow the husbandry departments to broaden their knowledge of the industry. Individuals are expected to complete a research or special project and give a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation during the last week of the externship.

Applications for externships scheduled from July 2025 through June 2026 are due by OCTOBER 31, 2024. Applications will be reviewed by Dr. Chelsea Anderson and applicants will receive notification regarding final decisions by December 31, 2024.

Required application materials:

  • Letter of intent

  • Curriculum vitae/resume

  • Veterinary School transcript, electronic copy (unofficial is acceptable)

  • 3 letters of recommendation submitted directly by the author

  • 3 sets of available dates in order of preference

Application materials can be submitted electronically via PAYCOM using the link below: https://www.paycomonline.net/v4/ats/web.php/jobs/ViewJobDetails?job=124882&clientkey=ACEBE78A76290C9FE9C1DC934A5E82A6

Letters of recommendation should be submitted directly by the author via email to HRadmin@cmaquarium.org and will be added to your file. It is the student’s responsibility to verify that their application is complete. Incomplete applications will not be considered.

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AuthorIAAAM

The Mississippi Aquarium provides veterinary students the unique opportunity to gain experience in the field of aquatic animal medicine. Our collection consists animals from brown waterways of Mississippi, to blue oceans of the Gulf of Mexico, and beyond. Externs will get exposure to a diverse collection, including invertebrates, freshwater and marine teleost’s, elasmobranchs, non-avian and avian reptiles, mammals, and cetaceans.

The Mississippi Aquarium has state-of-the-art diagnostic capability with equipment comparable to that found at a teaching hospital or in specialty practice, as well as a growing clinical partnership with Mississippi State University. There are two full time clinical veterinarians and one veterinary technician.

Preceptorships/externships lasting a minimum of 4 weeks and a maximum of 6 weeks are available. Externships less than 4 weeks may be considered. Preference will be given to 3rd and 4th year students with 4-6 weeks available, but all students may apply. Work hours are typically 7:30 – 5:00 but may vary depending on the medical needs of the collection. The work week will be Monday to Friday. However, students should be flexible if asked to work on their weekend days or extended hours.

Housing may be available but should not be expected. Students should provide their own transportation to and from the aquarium. There is limited public transportation. A current tetanus are required. COVID-19 vaccination is recommended. Proof of health insurance is required. Students will be required to adhere to the Mississippi Aquariums policies and procedures.

Students will spend time working with the veterinary and research team, water quality team, and will assist in clinical cases as well as performing necropsies. Individuals are expected to complete a research or special project and give a PowerPoint presentation during the last week of the preceptorship. We will provide both required and recommended reading lists intended to broaden the student’s knowledge base in aquatic animal husbandry and clinical care.

Our externship program runs similar to the academic year and is competitive. Applications will be taken on a rolling basis and based on availability provided by the student.

Externships are usually not available the following months (subject to change):

2nd half of November
December

Required application materials:

  • Letter of intent

  • Curriculum vitae/resume

  • 2 letters of recommendation

  • 3 sets of available dates in order of preference

Submit to vet@msaquarium.org with “Vet Extern Program” in the subject line.

Incomplete applications will not be considered. It is the student’s responsibility to check that their information packet is complete. Your application will be reviewed by Dr. Sean Perry and/or Dr. Alexa Delaune.

For additional questions or inquiries, please e-mail to vet@msaquarium.org

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AuthorIAAAM

Department: Animal Health
Position Type: Unpaid Internship / Externship

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

We are currently accepting applications for the spring of 2025, as all open positions for 2024 have been filled.

Specific duties would be to assist the veterinarian in all aspects of animal care, medicine, and surgery. This will include animal handling, diagnostic procedures and sampling, processing lab samples, and medicating patients. Opportunity for hands-on involvement will vary according to prior experience as well as demonstrated knowledge and skills. Patients will be both collection animals and sick/injured/orphaned wildlife brought into our rehab facility. There will be daily homework assignments as well as weekly journal/book chapter rounds with team discussion.

In addition to hands-on experience, there will be a didactic portion to the externship, which will require the student to perform journal/textbook reading, topic rounds, and for 4+ week-long experiences, a project/presentation will be required. Students will present their findings to the Animal Health Department +/- husbandry staff during their last week in the form of a PowerPoint presentation.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Requirements/prerequisites: This externship is limited to students CURRENTLY enrolled in a veterinary medical program (DVM or VMD degree).

Hours per week: 40 hours/week; Generally, Monday-Friday, 8a-5p.

Externships are offered from January to August of each year. Students should plan to spend two to four weeks at the Texas State Aquarium. The number of available positions will depend on the externship length for each student that year. Externship applications are accepted on a rolling basis for each year until slots are filled, and qualified applicants are scheduled based on the extern's schedule as well as staff availability.

For more information and to apply, use this link: https://www.vscyberhosting.com/txstateaq/Careers.aspx?req=24-03-07-1742%3a5300&type=JOBDESCR

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AuthorIAAAM

SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment™ is a leading theme park and entertainment company providing experiences that matter and inspiring guests to protect animals and the wild wonders of our world. We are one of the world’s foremost zoological organizations and a global leader in animal husbandry, behavioral management, veterinary care and animal welfare. We also rescue and rehabilitate marine animals that are ill, injured, orphaned or abandoned, with the goal of returning to the wild.

Join us and play an important part on our incredible team!

Basic Job Functions 

  • This position is intended to provide medical and surgical veterinary experience in the zoological field under the supervision of staff veterinarians.

  • This is a one-year, limited duration position, with approximate dates of July 5, 2024 to July 1, 2025.

  • The intern is expected to enthusiastically represent SeaWorld by displaying a positive attitude, high level of energy and commitment to quality throughout all aspects of the job.

Principle Duties & Responsibilities

  • Under the supervision of staff veterinarians, perform all aspects of veterinary care at the park, including but not limited to mammal/elasmobranch/fish/avian visual and physical exams, diagnostic imaging (ie. ultrasound, radiographs, thermography), sample collection (ie. venipuncture, skin scrapes, biopsies), anesthesia, surgery (soft tissue and orthopedic), infectious disease management, endoscopy, off-site advanced imaging, field immobilization, necropsy, after-hour procedures, emergency procedures, and rounds discussions.

  • Write medical records in a clear, timely and organized manner as well as review diagnostic results in a timely manner. Uphold professional communication within a zoological setting at all times. Participate in journal club of per reviewed literature.

  • Participate in the rescue, rehabilitation and release program for stranded marine mammals, sea birds and sea turtles.

  • Pursue one or more clinical or research interests and prepare the results for presentation to veterinary staff and colleagues at an appropriate professional meeting as well as for publication in the peer reviewed literature.

Experience Required

Must be at least 18 years of age. Must have a Veterinary Degree (DVM, VMD) from a U.S. and AVMA accredited veterinary school. A 1-year clinical veterinary internship or commensurate practical experience in small or large animal medicine and surgery is preferred. Must possess, or be able to obtain, a State of California veterinary license and USDA accreditation for health certificates. Must have strong written and verbal communication skills. Must have the ability to accurately and effectively prepare medical records. Must be able to lift and/or move 50 pounds. Must maintain a safe work environment and adhere to safety requirements. Must be able to work outdoors in all weather conditions (wet, humid, sun, etc.). Must be able to positively interact with guests and co-workers of all ages, different ethnic/cultural backgrounds and/or languages, and individuals with special needs. Prior work experience with marine mammals preferred.

Hours and Availability

40 hours per week, 5 days of unrestricted availability, to include weekends and holidays.

Job perks or benefits

  • Paid Time Off- Vacation, Optional Holidays, and Sick pay

  • Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance

  • 401K plan

  • Life Insurance

  • Disability Benefits

  • Dependent and Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts

  • Employee Assistance Program

  • Legal Assistance Plan

  • SEA Employee Complimentary Park Tickets

  • SEA Park Discounts on Food and Merchandise.

How to apply

If you’re looking for the opportunity to make the most of your abilities in a one-of-a-kind setting with an entertainment industry leader, we’re looking for you!

https://seaworldentertainment.wd1.myworkdayjobs.com/en-US/SEA/details/Post-Graduate-Veterinary-Intern-Veterinary-Fellow_JR110782

A resume is required in order to be considered for this position. If you were unable to attach a resume to your application, please send a copy to swc.employment@seaworld.com, attention: SWC Veterinary Intern

If you require an ASL interpreter for your interview, please contact the Employment Center at (619) 226-3900 ext. 2078 or SWC-Employment@seaworld.com as soon as you complete your application.

SEAWORLD PARKS & ENTERTAINMENT IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER. ALL APPLICANTS WILL BE CONSIDERED WITHOUT REGARD TO AGE, RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, NATIONAL ORIGIN, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, GENDER IDENTITY OR EXPRESSION, DISABILITY OR COVERED VETERAN STATUS.

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AuthorIAAAM