At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide top-notch veterinary care for wildlife at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos.
- Company: Join ZSL, a leading conservation charity dedicated to wildlife protection.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous holidays, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Be part of an exciting new veterinary hospital project at London Zoo.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife health and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Must be RCVS registered with experience in zoo and wild animal care.
The predicted salary is between 55000 - 61752 £ per year.
PURPOSE OF THE ROLE: We are looking for a skilled and dedicated Veterinary Officer to join our Wildlife Health Services team, delivering exceptional clinical care across both ZSL London and Whipsnade Conservation Zoos. The Veterinary Officer will support the delivery of clinical veterinary services by the Wildlife Health Services (WHS) team across both ZSL London and ZSL Whipsnade Conservation Zoos. Reporting to the Veterinary Manager (VM), the Veterinary Officer (VO) will support the health and welfare of all animals in ZSL collections, predominantly as a clinician working at both zoos. The role will also represent ZSL as a centre of excellence in the veterinary care of zoo and wild animals.
Key responsibilities:
- Clinical Care: Deliver high-standard veterinary care (preventive, diagnostic, treatment, disease surveillance, and post-mortems) at ZSL London and Whipsnade Zoos.
- Cross-Team Collaboration: Work closely with curatorial, animal management, and wider teams to support animal health, welfare, and ZSL’s strategic goals.
- Research & Publication: Lead, contribute to, and publish clinical research in peer-reviewed journals and other academic platforms to enhance ZSL’s profile.
- Teaching & Mentorship: Assist with teaching and mentoring students (tracking, MSc, ECZM ZHM residents, etc.) through ZSL, the RVC, and partner institutions to build global wildlife health expertise.
- Reporting & Records: Produce timely clinical, pathological, and welfare reports to enable informed decision-making and continuous care improvement.
ABOUT YOU:
- Membership in the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) or ability to obtain it.
- Proven experience in veterinary care of zoo and wild animals across a range of species.
- Experience using remote drug-delivery firearms and systems.
- Knowledge of relevant legislation related to zoo licensing, animal health, health & safety, firearms, and veterinary medicines.
- Familiarity with managing competing priorities and delegate effectively.
- Working knowledge and skills of IT systems including MS office packages, ZIMS, etc.
- A full driving license is required for this role or ability to obtain one.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. A DBS check is also required for this position and you must be eligible for possession of a firearms license.
ZSL recognises that conservation is one of the least diverse sectors, and we actively encourage applications from candidates who identify as part of underrepresented communities. We are committed to building a supportive and inclusive workplace where everyone can thrive and celebrate the value of having a team of employees with diverse skills, experiences, and heritage.
ABOUT US: We’re ZSL, an international conservation charity. Through our unrivalled animal experts in our two zoos (London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo), the work of our pioneering scientists, our dedicated conservationists, our purpose is to inspire, inform and empower people to stop wild animals going extinct. Our vision is a world where wildlife thrives and we’re working every day to achieve this. From investigating the health threats facing animals, to helping people and wildlife live alongside each other, we are committed to bringing wildlife back from the brink of extinction.
New Wildlife Health Centre: ZSL just celebrated the 200th year anniversary in April 2026 and with the celebration came the announcement of a £20 million donation to build a new, state-of-the art veterinary hospital at the London Zoo integrating clinical care, teaching, and wildlife disease research.
What We Offer: At ZSL, we are proud of our approach to employee benefits. Our benefits include:
- Purpose driven work – join an organisation where every role contributes to creating a world where wildlife thrives.
- Pension scheme - we offer a generous pension scheme with up to 12% contributory pension.
- Flexible working – talk to us about your flexible working requirements and we will do everything we can to make sure you work in a way that suits you.
- Holidays – 25 days annual leave allowance, plus UK bank holidays (increasing with milestone anniversaries).
- Access to ZSL’s staff Equality Networks - Race & Culture, Team Pride, Disability, and Menopause, supporting an inclusive and welcoming workplace for those with lived experience.
- Wellbeing – access to a blended programme of wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
- Life assurance – eligible employees will be enrolled in ZSL’s life assurance scheme from their first day.
- Complimentary tickets – annual allocation of Whipsnade Zoo and London Zoo tickets, with a 30% discount in online and retail shops.
- Cycle2Work - our cycle to work scheme enables you to lease a bicycle.
- Season ticket loan - we offer an interest free loan for eligible London-based employees to buy a season ticket for travel between home and work.
- Family friendly policies – we offer enhanced maternity, paternity, and adoption packages.
Salary Details: £55,000 - £61,752.60 per annum commensurate on experience.
Veterinary Officer employer: Stryker Corporation
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Veterinary Officers to contribute to wildlife conservation at both London and Whipsnade Zoos. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a commitment to diversity, ZSL fosters a collaborative work culture that encourages professional growth through teaching, research, and mentorship. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global wildlife health while enjoying generous benefits and a supportive environment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Officer
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to your connections in the veterinary field, especially those who work with wildlife. They might have insider info on job openings or can even put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get involved in relevant projects or volunteer opportunities. This not only boosts your CV but also shows your commitment to wildlife health and conservation, making you a more attractive candidate.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your clinical knowledge and recent advancements in wildlife care. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to ZSL’s mission and values.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our team at ZSL.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Officer
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and veterinary care shine through. We want to see your enthusiasm for the role and how it aligns with our mission at ZSL.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience in zoo and wild animal care. We’re looking for specific examples that demonstrate your skills and knowledge in this area.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. We appreciate clarity, so avoid jargon and make sure your key achievements stand out. This helps us quickly see why you’d be a great fit!
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure we receive all your details correctly and can process your application smoothly.
How to prepare for a job interview at Stryker Corporation
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding zoo and wild animals. Familiarise yourself with the specific species at ZSL and any recent clinical cases they’ve handled. This will show your genuine interest and expertise in the role.
✨Showcase Your Collaboration Skills
Since the role involves working closely with various teams, be prepared to discuss your experience in cross-team collaboration. Think of examples where you successfully worked with curatorial or animal management teams to enhance animal health and welfare.
✨Research and Publication Insights
ZSL values research and publication, so come ready to talk about any relevant studies you've led or contributed to. Highlight how your research can align with ZSL’s goals and how you can contribute to their reputation as a centre of excellence.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Expect some scenario-based questions that test your clinical decision-making skills. Prepare to discuss how you would handle specific veterinary situations, including disease surveillance and treatment plans, to demonstrate your practical knowledge and problem-solving abilities.
