Veterinary Technician Externship Summer 2026

Chicago, IL - USA

Monthly Salary: Not Disclosed

Posted on: 3 hours ago

Vacancies: 1 Vacancy

Job Summary

Internship:Veterinary Technician Externship
Season: Summer 2026
Location:Onsite
Application Deadline: March 31 at 4pm CST

Please note: Applicants must be in their second year of or have graduatedfrom an accredited Veterinary Technician program to be eligible for consideration.

Your application must include: Cover letterCurriculum vitae or resume and list of three referencesthat can vouch for your character and/or work ethic. Additional application materials beyond those required will not be accepted.

Internship Overview:
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.

Responsibilities & Projects:

Demonstrate commitment to Shedds 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 feedingfluid 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 supervisors and students choosing.
Other projects as assigned

Qualifications:

Fields of Interest:Sincere interest in a Veterinary Technician career at a zoo aquarium wildlife or conservation organization.

Skills/Characteristics:

Currently in second year ofan accredited veterinary technician program. Postgraduates accepted.
Completion of an exotics animal medicine course preferred.
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.

On-boarding
All interns attend one full day orientation. These are held in person on select Mondays from 9am-5pm. This is required even if you will not normally be scheduled on Mondays.

Preferred Start Dates Summer 2026: June 1 or June 15

Time & Compensation:

This is an unpaid internship. Interns are responsible for securing their own housing accommodations and transport. Shedd Aquarium is accessible via public transit.
Interns must be available for at least four weeks and 36 hours per week.
Preferredschedule: Monday-Friday from 7 a.m.-3 p.m.
Set schedule based on intern availability.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Shedd Aquarium is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodations for any part of the employment process please email us at

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.

Required Experience:

Intern

Internship:Veterinary Technician ExternshipSeason: Summer 2026Location:OnsiteApplication Deadline: March 31 at 4pm CSTPlease note: Applicants must be in their second year of or have graduatedfrom an accredited Veterinary Technician program to be eligible for consideration.Your application must inclu...