At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide exceptional 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 leave, and a supportive workplace culture.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive environment with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife health and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: Must be RCVS member with experience in zoo and wild animal care.
The predicted salary is between 37000 - 45000 € per year.
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).
- 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.
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.
What We Offer?
- 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.
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.
If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [email protected]
Veterinary Officer in London employer: ZSL
ZSL is an exceptional employer, offering a unique opportunity for Veterinary Officers to contribute to wildlife conservation while working in the vibrant environments of London Zoo and Whipsnade Zoo. With a strong commitment to employee wellbeing, flexible working arrangements, and a focus on professional development through teaching and research, ZSL fosters a supportive and inclusive culture that empowers staff to thrive in their roles. Join us in making a meaningful impact on global wildlife health and conservation efforts.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Officer in London
✨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
Show off your passion! When you get the chance to chat with potential employers, make sure to express your enthusiasm for wildlife health and conservation. It’s all about showing that you’re not just qualified, but genuinely care about the mission.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare for interviews by brushing up on your clinical knowledge and recent research in wildlife health. Be ready to discuss how you can contribute to ZSL’s goals and share examples of your past experiences that align with their needs.
✨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 serious about joining the ZSL team.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Officer in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Wildlife:When writing your application, let your love for wildlife and conservation shine through. We want to see how your experiences align with our mission at ZSL, so share specific examples of your work with zoo or wild animals.
Tailor Your CV and Cover Letter:Make sure to customise your CV and cover letter for the Veterinary Officer role. Highlight relevant skills and experiences that match the job description, especially in clinical care and teamwork, as these are key to what we’re looking for.
Be Clear and Concise:Keep your application straightforward and to the point. Use clear language and avoid jargon where possible. We appreciate a well-structured application that makes it easy for us to see your qualifications and enthusiasm.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to submit your application through our website! It’s the best way to ensure it gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our values there.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZSL
✨Know Your Clinical Stuff
Brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding zoo and wild animals. Be prepared to discuss specific cases you've handled and how you approached their care. This shows your expertise and passion for the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Collaboration is key in this role, so think of examples where you've worked closely with other teams. Highlight your ability to communicate effectively and how you’ve contributed to a team’s success in animal health and welfare.
✨Research and Share
Since the role involves research and publication, be ready to talk about any relevant studies or papers you've worked on. Discuss your approach to clinical research and how it can enhance ZSL's profile in wildlife health.
✨Be Ready for Practical Scenarios
Prepare for situational questions that may involve handling emergencies or making tough decisions regarding animal care. Think through your thought process and how you prioritise tasks, especially when managing competing priorities.
