Senior Veterinary Surgeon

About us

The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved. Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.

How you’ll contribute to our mission

To provide Veterinary Surgeon services across RZSS, and where appropriate oversee the work of other colleagues, contributing to the definition and development of appropriate strategies, plans and policies in support of RZSS’ vision and mission and, using specialist expertise, contribute to maintaining a high standard of medical care for the animals held by the RZSS.

Some of the things you’ll do:

• Deliver a full range of the veterinary services across RZSS aligned to RZSS strategic plans, collaborating with other departments as necessary, ensuring they are delivered to the required standards and within budget.
• Contribute your knowledge and veterinary expertise to assist the Animal Care managers in the development of strategic plans and policies.
• Regularly oversee the work of other colleagues, working within HR policy guidelines, to give appropriate advice, guidance and direction to ensure work is completed in an efficient, professional and timely manner.
• Contribute to the management of the integrity of the veterinary data held in the ZIMS database.
• Responsible for ensuring your own and others safety when dealing with noxious substances, ionizing radiation, controlled drugs, dangerous animals, and in the case of dangerous animal escapes.
• Take an active role on behalf of the RZSS in national and international zoo representative forums for the benefit of the RZSS e.g. ECZM, EAZA, BIAZA, IUCN, BVA, RCVS and associated conservation projects.
• Direct mentorship and teaching of undergraduate, postgraduate and research students in zoological medicine as required, as well as other animal health researchers.

What we’re looking for:

• Up to date knowledge of current veterinary zoological techniques and best practice.
• A current Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, adhering to the RCVS Professional Code of Conduct.
• Good written and oral communication skills, able to present complex information to a non-technical audience.
• In-depth knowledge and understanding of relevant legislation related to zoological legislation and best practice.
• Demonstrate wide experience in the practice of veterinary medicine in zoological species across a range of species.
• Recognised as a specialist in zoological medicine (or board eligible).

What you’ll get in return:

• Starting pro-rated salary of £46,000 or £47,000 (offer based on experience) with future salary progression up to £51,000 per annum.
• 37.5hr working week (may require some weekend working).
• 34 days annual leave (pro rata).
• Discount in both retail/catering.
• Access to a healthcare plan.
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP), that provides 24-hour counselling and support, including health, legal, finance, wellbeing and family advice.
• Employer contributory pension scheme.
• You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoos across the UK.

If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now. This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check. Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found. Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications as soon as possible. The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act.