Veterinarian Fellowship

Are you excited about avian conservation medicine? Join the International Crane Foundation (ICF) as a Veterinarian Fellow and take your career to new heights. This position plays a critical role in supporting ICF’s mission by providing specialized veterinary medical care, diagnostic services, and contributing to scientific research focused on crane species. Unlike a traditional internship, this fellowship offers hands-on experience in conservation and reintroduction of avian species, providing a strong foundation for individuals interested in pursuing a residency program in the future.

This position will pay $60,000 and run from July through June, with a typical schedule of 4 days a week, though occasional 5-day weeks may be required when the Director of Conservation Medicine is traveling.  There are no after-hours or weekend calls required.   ICF is an eligible employer for the Public Service Loan Forgiveness program.

If you’re ready to play a key role in preserving crane species and advancing avian conservation, apply for the Veterinarian Fellowship today!

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

  • Clinical coverage – preventative medicine, trauma & soft tissue surgery, neonatal & geriatric care, emergency medicine, in-house laboratory diagnosis and annual health exams for our crane collection
  • Mentor veterinary externs (May-August, October only)
  • Research projects that support ICF’s mission, at least 2 for the year (help support application for residency programs)
  • Coordinate referral visits to UW Madison SVM for advanced diagnostics or orthopedic surgery
  • Organize submissions to Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for necropsies
  • Support North America field program for Sandhill and Whooping Crane captures

Other Duties, Responsibilities, and Opportunities:

  • Nutrition evaluation
  • Cross training with aviculturists for handling and husbandry skills (to be of assistance during emergencies or treatments)
  • Join Whooping Crane Recovery Program meetings
  • Veterinary site visits for non-AZA partner crane facilities
  • Time off for national or virtual AAZV conference (partial reimbursement)
  • Assist with avian medicine courses to build capacity for ICF’s Asian and African programs
  • Participation with UW Madison SVM Special Species journal club
  • Participate in crane necropsies at WVDL if interested
  • Wildlife Disease Association membership (for access to BioOne)
  • Access to UW Madison library through Director of Conservation Medicine

Qualifications:

  • Successful completion of 1 year internship program post DVM degree
  • Preference given to applicants who did not match to a zoo residency program. Will also consider applicants after completion of residency program with a commitment for the full year (time off for exam and lighter schedule in 2 months leading up to exam)
  • Able to be licensed in Wisconsin and obtain USDA accreditation for the state (will work under the Director of Conservation Medicine’s DEA license)
  • Acceptable valid state driver’s license
  • Ability to travel at least 10-20% of the time, within Wisconsin and domestically

 Physical Abilities and Work Environment: 

The physical abilities and work environment characteristics described below are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Occasional travel may be required, primarily in the United States.

  • Ability to operate computer and phones.
  • Ability to communicate with fellow staff and donors. Communication will include both one on one communication, small, and large group communication.
  • This position requires the ability to safely handle and restrain large, powerful birds.
  • Required to assume multiple positions when caring for the cranes and their enclosures including reaching balancing, crouching, and kneeling.
  • Occasionally exposed to high strength disinfectants, and to heavy dust loads (appropriate PPE provided).
  • Frequently moves up to 50 lbs.; occasionally moves 75 lbs. with assistance.
  • Daily work outdoors under all weather conditions found in Wisconsin.
  • Ability to travel within the state.

How to Apply: Apply in minutes by sending a single document containing a cover letter, resume, and contact information for three references to icfinternships@savingcranes.org with the subject: “Veterinarian Fellow.” The deadline to apply is April 11, 2025.

Join us in protecting cranes and the ecosystems they inhabit—together, we can make a difference!

ICF is committed to cultivating and preserving a culture of diversity and inclusion. We hire great people.   ICF is an equal opportunity employer.