Veterinary Preceptorship Program at The Wilds

Overview

The deadline to apply is October 1, 2026

The Wilds is a nonprofit organization whose mission is to lead and inspire by connecting people and wildlife. The Wilds embraces and pursues diversity, equality and inclusion in all hiring decisions.

The preceptorship program at The Wilds is designed to provide veterinary students with exposure to management and veterinary care of large herds on large pastures alongside conservation medicine. The Wilds has an ACZM residency program and veterinary preceptors have the opportunity to participate in weekly journal club rounds, as well as monthly zoo pathology and radiology rounds with The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

The preceptorship program at The Wilds is designed to provide veterinary students with exposure to management and veterinary care of large herds on large pastures alongside conservation medicine through 4-8 week long rotations.

Responsibilities

Selected preceptors will gain clinical experience with a variety of hoof stock species, mid-sized carnivores, and other species by directly working with The Wilds veterinary staff (ACZM Diplomate, Veterinary Resident and 2 RVT) and animal management staff in the daily management of cases. Students will have the opportunity to assist with chemical restraint, drug calculations and administration, medical records (ZIMS), post mortem examinations, and become familiar with remote drug delivery systems. Students will develop proficiency with in-house laboratory procedures such as parasite diagnostic techniques and are expected to assist with various routine duties such as the upkeep of the clinic.

An oral presentation is required prior to completion of the preceptorship. Participation in current research projects is possible with prior approval. Independent projects will be considered on a case by case basis.

Location:

The Wilds is situated on nearly 10,000 acres of reclaimed surface-mined land in southeastern Ohio. The Wilds has a remote location and is approximately 20 miles from Zanesville, the nearest city.

Transportation:

Personal transportation is required for all preceptors.

Housing:

Paid on-site shared housing is available

Qualifications

• Final year veterinary students currently enrolled in an AVMA-COE accredited program.
• Knowledge of exotic animals and their medicine.
• Ability to communicate well, both verbally and in writing.
• Ability to work Monday-Friday 8 am-5 pm and up to 60 hours/week.
• Ability to adhere to standard operating procedures, including but not limited to required safety and biosecurity protocols.
• Proof of medical insurance and driving insurance.
• Proof of negative tuberculosis screening and current protective rabies titer or proof of recent booster prior to placement.
• Ability to adhere to The Wilds drug-free workplace policy.
• Ability to successfully complete a criminal history background check.

Cover letter required upon submission

The RISE Scholarship, generously funded by Battelle, is now open! Eligible interns can apply for a $5,000 scholarship supporting hands‑on, mission‑driven internship experiences across the Columbus Zoo and Aquarium and The Wilds—applications are open May 1– June 30, 2026.To Apply to the RISE Scholarship, please visit: https://www.columbuszoo.org/rise-scholarships