Externs work side-by-side with CDFW and WHC wildlife veterinarians and pathologists and between CDFW's Wildlife Investigations Lab (WIL) in Rancho Cordova and different WHC partner organizations (such as wildlife rehabilitation centers), with variable time spent at the WHC and other CDFW facilities participating in ongoing field research projects and/or oil spill response. Depending upon ongoing activities at the various facilities, externs can expect to gain practical experience in wildlife immobilization and transport, disease investigation and management, wildlife emergency response and human-wildlife conflict. Externs work with a variety of species, such as cervids, carnivores, marine mammals and seabirds.
The externship is focused solely on free-ranging wildlife health (veterinary medicine, research, and biology), with a particular emphasis on those activities undertaken by State and university wildlife veterinarians. As such, students interested more in the zoo/aquarium fields are encouraged to explore other opportunities. A stipend of $2,000 - $2,500 (depending on number of externs accepted in the year) is available to help defray travel-related expenses during the externship (housing, airfare/mileage, meals), including expenses incurred during field captures (hotels, etc.). Externs are responsible for organizing their own accommodations and transportation.
To apply, interested students should submit a letter of intent, a curriculum vitae, and two letters of reference by September 1 of their third year of veterinary school (for placement in an externship in the student's fourth year) to Dr. Jamie Sherman or by mail to the Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center, University of California, One Shields Avenue, Davis, CA 95616. If you have any questions or concerns, please email Dr. Sherman.