Purpose of the role
The Garden Wildlife Health (GWH) project plays a vital role in monitoring the health of British garden wildlife, identifying emerging disease threats and supporting efforts to reduce their impact on wildlife populations across Great Britain.
As the Garden Wildlife Health Veterinarian, you will contribute to the project's disease surveillance and research activities, helping to investigate and improve our understanding of diseases affecting garden wildlife. The project currently focuses on four key groups: amphibians, garden birds, hedgehogs and reptiles.
This is an exciting opportunity to apply your veterinary knowledge and expertise to meaningful wildlife health and conservation work, helping to protect and safeguard Britain's garden wildlife.
This is a 1-year fixed-term maternity cover position, working 35 hours per week, with a salary of £46,220–£49,657 per annum, including London weighting. Whilst there may be some flexibility, the target start date for this role is February 2027.
Key Responsibilities:
- Project Management & Coordination: Co-manage and coordinate the Garden Wildlife Health project, working closely with a second veterinarian and external partner organisations.
- Wildlife Disease Surveillance & Diagnosis: Contribute to wildlife disease surveillance, including investigating reports of sick and deceased wildlife, coordinating post-mortem examinations and carrying out diagnostic investigations.
- Veterinary Advice & Case Management: Provide veterinary diagnoses, communicate findings to members of the public and offer advice and support on wildlife disease incidents.
- Research, Data & Reporting: Maintain and analyse project databases, contribute to research activities and to preparing reports for government and funding bodies.
- Communication & Public Engagement: Develop and deliver engaging communications and educational materials to share wildlife health information and research findings with the public, partners and collaborators.
- Research & Project Development: Contribute to the wider development of the project through horizon scanning, scientific publications, student supervision, teaching,and collaborative research.
About You
- You hold a veterinary degree and are a member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- You have relevant pathology experience and a keen interest in wildlife epidemiology, pathology and British wildlife.
- You have strong communication skills and are confident using Microsoft Office applications.
- You are well organised, adaptable and able to manage competing priorities effectively.
- You are happy to work primarily on site at London Zoo, including within laboratory and pathology environments.
- You are committed to maintaining high health and safety standards and upholding ZSL's values, including safeguarding, equality, diversity and inclusion.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including confirmation of your right to work in the UK. Visa sponsorship is not available for this position.
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.
What We Offer?
- Alongside the opportunity to do purpose-driven work that helps create a world where wildlife thrives, you'll enjoy a range of benefits, including:
- Up to 12% contributory pension
- Flexible working options
- 25 days' annual leave plus UK bank holidays, increasing with service
- Enhanced family-friendly policies
- Life assurance from day one (for eligible employees)
- 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing support
- Access to our staff Equality Networks
- Complimentary London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo tickets, plus retail discounts
- Cycle2Work scheme and interest-free season ticket loans (for eligible London-based employees)
You can find the full details of our benefits in the attached Benefits Guide.
We may close this role early or extend the closing date due to the number of applications we receive, so we encourage you to apply as soon as possible.
We anonymise applications until interview stage to ensure a fair hiring process. It’s important to highlight your unique skills, experience, and knowledge. Over reliance on AI-generated content may miss key criteria outlined in the job description and reduce the effectiveness of your application.
If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – recruitment@zsl.org
Garden Wildlife Health Veterinarian employer: ZSL
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity to work at the iconic London Zoo, where you can contribute to the conservation of endangered ectotherms while enjoying a supportive and inclusive work culture. With a strong focus on employee development through training and mentorship, alongside generous benefits such as flexible working options and a contributory pension scheme, ZSL fosters a fulfilling environment for those passionate about wildlife and conservation.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Garden Wildlife Health Veterinarian
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Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
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Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
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How to prepare for a job interview at ZSL
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at ZSL. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
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