The Karen C. Drayer Wildlife Health Center at the UC Davis Weill School of Veterinary Medicine (WSVM) and the California Department of Fish and Wildlife (CDFW) Wildlife Health Laboratory will start accepting applications in fall 2026 for a residency position in free-ranging wildlife health, beginning August 1, 2027. This is a 3-year residency, which includes enrollment in the UC Davis Masters in Preventive Veterinary Medicine (MPVM) Program; for applicants who already have a comparable advanced degree in epidemiology, a 2-year clinical and research option is possible.
Work will involve extensive local and statewide travel. The resident will contribute to clinical and didactic teaching of veterinary students.
Upon successful completion, the resident may partially or wholly (depending on prior work experience) fulfill requirements for credentialing to sit for the American College of Zoological Medicine (ACZM) or American College of Preventive Veterinary Medicine (ACVPM) board-certification examinations.
Key Training Topics
- The North American model of wildlife management
- Herd/population health monitoring and management (game and non-game)
- Outbreak and mortality investigation
- Wildlife immobilization and handling
- Threatened and endangered species recovery
- Wildlife-livestock conflict
- Urban wildlife (including nuisance animal control)
- Rehabilitation
- Toxicology
- Pathology
Eligibility
Applicants will need to possess: a DVM or equivalent degree; be in the early stages of their career (one to five years of post-DVM work experience); have a strong track record of interest in and familiarity with free-living wildlife health and wildlife management; and demonstrate clear intent to pursue a career in free-living wildlife health management and research. Additional general information on all WSVM residencies can be found here (note that this residency required a different separate application process).
Application
Application packets will be comprised of the following: a curriculum vitae, official veterinary school transcript, a letter of intent (< 750 words), and names and contact information for three references. Application materials should be emailed to Michael Ziccardi at [email protected].
The application period will open October 1, 2026 (applications sent prior to this date will not be considered). Applications will be accepted until January 4, 2027. The successful applicant will be informed by March 1, 2027. For additional information, email Michael Ziccardi or Deana Clifford.