Veterinary Preceptorship Program (Oregon Zoo)

This is an unpaid opportunity. 

Metro is dedicated to shaping a better future for the greater Portland region. The work the people of Metro do every day benefits the lives of the people who live here, today and tomorrow. We offer a highly competitive compensation and benefits program. Learn more about the benefits Metro offers. 
 
The Oregon Zoo inspires visitors to learn about protecting endangered species and restoring native habitats and is the state's most popular paid attraction. The zoo’s roughly 320 employees welcome more than 1.5 million visitors each year.
 
The Oregon Zoo's Veterinary Preceptorship is a six to eight-week opportunity for third or fourth- year veterinary students, currently enrolled in a US veterinary program or students from an American Veterinary Medical Association-accredited college for the academic year of 2022-2023. Students will participate in all facets of the zoo's medicine program, including attending rounds and assisting in the diagnosis and treatment of species in a zoological setting.
 
Our zoo is home to more than 200 different animal species. Our mission is to create a better future for wildlife, with a focus on fighting extinction locally in the Pacific Northwest. The zoo is widely recognized for its commitment to animal welfare, conservation and research. To learn more about the Oregon Zoo, please visit our website.
 
Oregon Zoo's state-of-the-art Veterinary Medical Center opened in 2012. This 15,000-square-foot building is LEED Gold Certified and includes exam room, surgical suite, radiology room and in- house laboratory and necropsy room. It has all necessary equipment for basic and advanced anesthetic monitoring and diagnostic techniques, including rigid and flexible endoscopy, digital radiography and ultrasound. In addition, the Oregon Zoo Hospital is one of the few in the country that has an on-site CT scan. The zoo's endocrinology lab also offers on-site experience with animal welfare research and welfare-based care.
 
As the Veterinary Preceptor you will:

• Gain the opportunity to observe and actively participate in all aspects of zoological medicine, including; chemical and physical immobilization, clinical and anatomical pathology (post- mortem examinations), surgery, diagnosis and treatment of ongoing clinical cases, overview of the components of a zoo-based preventative medicine program, including quarantine and pre-shipment examinations.
• You will have a chance to collaborate/network with professionals currently working in the field.

Attributes for success:

• Communicate clearly both verbally and in writing, including clinical notes and post-mortem reports
• Ability to prioritize and multi-task; must be organized and flexible to change course of work/projects as circumstances dictate.
• Enter data and use specialized software for a variety of tasks. Lift, squat and bend while holding up to 15lbs.
• Grasp, lift and safely hold an object weighing up to 30lbs. 

Diversity and inclusion:  At Metro, we’re committed to hiring a workforce representative of the communities we serve, recognizing that a diverse workforce strengthens our organization. We invest in employees by supporting equitable and inclusive hiring practices, employee policies and training programs.
 
TO QUALIFY
We will consider any combination of relevant work experience, volunteering, education, and transferable skills as qualifying unless an item or section is labeled required. Please be clear and specific in your application materials on how your background is relevant.
 
Minimum qualifications: 

• This program is offered to third or fourth year veterinary students with a serious interest in medicine.
• Preferred: completion of anesthesia, internal medicine and radiology rotations prior to the zoo preceptorship.
• Proof of tuberculosis testing (TB screening) prior to start of internship (see more information below).* * TB Screening Tuberculosis can be transmitted from humans to some Zoo animals; therefore, all employees, volunteers and interns who have contact with Zoo animals must be tested annually for TB. Individuals are responsible for ensuring that this requirement is met on an annual basis. 

Required:

• Verification is required before position can begin. 

If this statement is true for you, then you may be ineligible to apply:
 
If I was terminated for cause during any of my employment with Metro, or resigned in lieu of termination, I understand I may be ineligible for rehire for a minimum of 3 years.

SCREENING AND EVALUATION

The application packet: The application packet consists of the following documents. Please ensure that you upload these documents to our HR department. Make sure your application is complete, missing any part of these items could result in an incomplete application and will not be moved forward in the recruitment.

• If you are interested in this opportunity, please email the following information/documents to Carlos.Sanchez@oregonzoo.org
• One-page letter of intent explaining your long-term career goals and interest in zoological medicine;
• Include 3 time slots in order of preference in this letter
• Curriculum vitae or resume Two letters of reference
• Veterinary college academic transcript and/or GPA and enrollment status

The selection process: We expect to evaluate candidates for this recruitment as follows. The selection process is subject to change.

• Initial review of minimum qualifications
• In-depth evaluation of application materials to identify the most qualified candidates
• Consideration of top candidates/interviews
• Testing/assessments (if applicable)
• Reference check 

Questions?

Point of Contact: Carlos Sanchez
Email: Carlos.Sanchez@oregonzoo.org Equal employment opportunity:  All qualified persons will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, marital status, familial status, gender identity and expression, sexual orientation, disability for which a reasonable accommodation can be made or any other status protected by law. Assistance will be gladly provided upon request for any applicant with sensory or non-sensory disabilities.
 
Online applications: Metro accepts job applications online. If you need assistance or accommodation with your application, or access to a computer, call 503-797-1570.
 
Accommodation: Reasonable accommodation is available to anyone whose specific disability prevents them from completing this application or participating in this process. To obtain confidential assistance please contact Human Resources 503-797-1570.
 
Pay equity at Metro: Every worker must get equal pay for equal work regardless of your gender, race, age or other protected characteristics. Metro has established processes and conducts routine pay equity reviews as part of the hiring process to ensure compliance with the 2017 Oregon Pay Equity Act.
 
Public Employees Retirement System (PERS): Unless otherwise stated in a collective bargaining agreement, Metro pays both the employee and employer portion of PERS contributions for eligible employees.  
 
Veterans' preference: Under Oregon Law, qualified veterans may be eligible for veterans' preference when applying for Metro positions. If you are a veteran and would like to be considered for a veterans' preference for this job, please provide qualifying documents as instructed during the application process.