Description

General: The Texas State Aquarium provides an exciting opportunity for veterinary technician students to work in our Animal Health Department. Veterinary tech externs will work closely with the Texas State Aquarium’s veterinary staff, which includes a Head Veterinarian, an Associate Veterinarian, and two licensed veterinary technicians. 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.

Program Description: The technician externship program at Texas State Aquarium is designed to introduce veterinary technician students to all aspects of aquatic animal medicine.  Externships are offered from January to May of each year. Students should plan to spend 3-6 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. The extern’s schedule will generally be Monday through Friday, 8a-5p, but there may be times when procedures will be scheduled outside of these hours. Students spending 4+ weeks will be allowed to shadow other husbandry departments and be required to give a 30-minute PowerPoint presentation on the topic of their choice. 

The veterinary technician externship program is open to students that are currently enrolled in an AVMA-accredited veterinary technician/technology program at the time of their stay at the Texas State Aquarium. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in exotic, zoo, aquatic, or wildlife rehabilitation medicine, and/or those who are interested in pursuing a related field post-graduation. 

There is currently no stipend available for this position. All candidates are expected to find their own accommodation and transportation. Reduced-cost housing may be available through an arrangement with the local university (Texas A&M University – Corpus Christi), but this is not guaranteed. Parking at the aquarium is provided.   

Positions are available from January to May 2026. Applicants will be reviewed on a rolling basis until the position is filled.