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 saving wildlife.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible working, generous leave, and a contributory pension.
- Other info: Diverse and inclusive workplace committed to conservation and animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in wildlife health and inspire future generations.
- Qualifications: RCVS membership and experience with zoo and wild animals required.
The predicted salary is between 40950 - 50050 £ 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.
Candidates may be invited to interview before the closing date, and we reserve the right to close this vacancy once sufficient applications have been received. We therefore encourage early applications.
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 – [email protected]
Veterinary Officer (FTC 12 months) in London employer: ZSL
ZSL is an exceptional employer that values its employees by offering a supportive work culture and opportunities for personal and professional growth. Located in a vibrant environment, the role of Customer Service Assistant not only provides a competitive salary but also allows you to engage with wildlife enthusiasts while contributing to conservation efforts, making your work both meaningful and rewarding.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Officer (FTC 12 months) in London
✨Leverage Medical Community Events
Get yourself out there and join local medical meetups and health fairs. These events are gold mines for networking and might even lead you straight to opportunities at places like ZSL. Don’t shy away from chatting with professionals in the industry; they can provide insight or even a foot in the door for that temporary role as a Veterinary Officer (FTC 12 months).
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Develop a portfolio that showcases any relevant projects or skills, even if they’re voluntary or part-time. Having something tangible to present to ZSL will make you stand out. Consider starting a blog or contributing to forums in human medicine to increase your visibility.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Officer (FTC 12 months) in London
Some tips for your application 🫡
Highlight Your Relevant Experience:In the human medicine field, it's crucial to showcase any relevant clinical or research experience you have. Even for temporary roles, mention internships, volunteer work, or any shadowing you’ve done with healthcare professionals to demonstrate your passion and familiarity with the field.
Certifications Count!:Don't forget to include any medical certifications or training you've completed, even if they’re temporary. These could be things like CPR or first aid certifications, which are often essential in human medicine roles and can set you apart from other applicants.
Show Your Eagerness to Learn:Since this is a temporary role, your motivation to learn and adapt is key! Use your cover letter to express your excitement about gaining real-world experience and how this role aligns with your career aspirations in human medicine. Let them know you're keen to absorb every bit of knowledge!
Tailor Your CV for Each Application:Make sure to customise your CV for ZSL by highlighting experience and skills that match the job description. Use relevant keywords and phrases specific to human medicine, so your application really stands out and shows you’re genuinely interested in this temporary opportunity.
How to prepare for a job interview at ZSL
✨Show Off Your Skills in Action
In the human medicine field, practical skills are a must. If your temporary role involves patient interaction or technical procedures, be ready to discuss specific examples where you've put your skills to use. They might even throw in a scenario-based question to see how you handle real-life situations, so think through your experiences!
✨Stay On Top of Current Practices
Human medicine is always evolving, so brush up on the latest treatment protocols and technologies relevant to your field. Mentioning recent innovations or case studies during your interview with ZSL not only shows your passion but also your commitment to staying informed in a fast-paced environment.
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Since this is a temporary position, your ability to adapt is key. Prepare a few anecdotes about times you've quickly changed your approach or filled in for a colleague. ZSL will want to know that you can seamlessly step into various roles as needed.
✨Highlight Your Learning Mindset
Temporary roles in human medicine often lead to valuable learning experiences. Emphasise your eagerness to learn and grow in this position. Be ready to express how quickly you can pick up new skills, and how you're looking to make the most of your time in the role at ZSL.
