Veterinary Preceptorship

About the role

The veterinary preceptorship program at the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium offers junior or senior veterinary students unique opportunities in exotic animal medicine and surgery. The preceptor will be incorporated into the daily routine of Zoo & Aquarium veterinary medicine, including rounds, animal management orientation, medicine, and surgery. The program provides hands‑on experience in phlebotomy, anesthesia, medicine, surgery, and various veterinary disciplines in zoological medicine. The facility includes a 14,000‑square‑foot veterinary hospital with dedicated surgery, radiology, laboratory, treatment, and necropsy spaces, equipped with digital radiography, electrocautery, stem cell processing, video laparoscopy, flexible fiber endoscopy, cavitron, ultrasound, pulse oximetry, ultralow freezer, and sterilizers. CT and MRI scanning are performed through consultants. The Zoo & Aquarium spans over 200 acres and includes a new aquarium complex opened in 2023.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinary staff with daily clinical evaluations, medical procedures, and treatment of collection animals (70%).
• Monitor the health and welfare of hospitalized and quarantined animals (70%).
• Perform animal necropsies (70%).
• Assist with immobilization procedures (70%).
• Support animal quarantine procedures (70%).
• Assist with record maintenance necessary for the health of the animal collection (20%).
• Maintain the hospital, including cleaning, sanitizing, equipment care, and stocking supplies (10%).
• Perform other duties or special projects as assigned in the best interest of the Kansas City Zoo & Aquarium.

Dress Code

Neutral colored pants or shorts, navy polo or provided uniform shirt, comfortable shoes (steel‑toed recommended but not required), and weather‑appropriate outerwear. Reasonable accommodations will be made for employees with disabilities.

Length of Appointment

This preceptorship is scheduled five days per week for a period of five to eight weeks. The program is limited to one preceptor per session.

Time Commitment

Five days per week (Monday – Friday), eight hours per day (8:00 am – 5:00 pm). Preceptors may be expected to work additional hours as needed.

Qualifications

• Junior or senior student at an AVMA‑accredited school of veterinary medicine.
• Willingness to work in all weather extremes.
• Ability to lift 75 pounds and stand for extended periods.
• Pass a background screening.
• Negative TB test (or ability to obtain one) prior to commitment.
• Responsible for own transportation and housing; some housing may be available upon request but is not guaranteed.

Pay

$15.00 per hour (Seasonal Non‑Exempt, hourly).

Schedule

Monday – Friday, 8:00 am – 5:00 pm, for a five‑to‑eight‑week period.