Senior Clinical Veterinarian

Sydney Zoo; Sydney; On-site; AUD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Sydney Zoo is seeking a Clinical Veterinarian to provide on-site veterinary cover and support during preventative health procedures. The role requires weekend/on-call work as part of a roster.

Commencement is as soon as possible, with a strong emphasis on animal welfare and conservation. You will work with a dedicated team across multiple species, applying your zoo veterinary expertise in health, husbandry, and welfare to ensure high standards of care and safety.

Qualifications

• Minimum 5 years’ experience in a zoo or relevant veterinary industry.
• Veterinary degree recognised in Australia.
• Registered with Veterinary Practitioners Board NSW.
• Tranquilizer gun Licence in NSW.
• Experience in health, welfare and management of zoo animals.
• Knowledge and experience using ZIMS.
• Knowledge in working with ultra-potent opioids.
• Commitment to conservation of species and ecosystems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work independently or in a team.
• Ability to carry out daily veterinary duties meeting animal health, husbandry and welfare needs.
• Ability to develop and implement animal diets.
• Knowledge of Workplace Health and Safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective decision making and problem-solving skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary cover when Senior Veterinarian is off-site.
• Support during preventative health procedures.
• Work on-call roster including weekends and public holidays.
• Commence duties as soon as possible.
• Collaborate with veterinary and husbandry teams to maintain welfare standards.

Skills

Zoo medicine

Animal welfare

Teamwork

Decision making

Communication

Education

DVM/Veterinary degree

AUS veterinary registration

Tools

ZIMS

Job description

Clinical Veterinarian at Sydney Zoo

Located in the heart of Western Sydney, Sydney Zoo strives to showcase a broad range of native and exotic animals using technology and advanced exhibit design, with a strong focus on animal welfare, conservation, and educating our visitors about animals and their habitats. Environmental and social awareness play a vital role in our message that highlights the indigenous culture and human influence on the environment.

The Position

This is an outstanding opportunity to be part of an exciting team at Sydney Zoo in the role of Clinical Veterinarian, utilising your skills in an area that you are genuinely passionate about.

The purpose of the Clinical Veterinarian is to provide Veterinary cover for Sydney Zoo (SZ) on days the Senior Veterinarian is not on -site as well support during preventative health procedures as and when required. Sydney Zoo is open every day of the year, and the successful candidate will be required to work some weekends as part of an on call roster, including the possibility of working every weekend, and public holidays. This position will commence as soon as possible.

Skills, Knowledge, and Relevant Experience

Essential

• Minimum of 5 years’ experience in a zoo or relevant/equivalent veterinary industry experience.
• Veterinary degree recognised in Australia.
• Registered with Veterinary Practitioners Board NSW.
• Tranquilizer gun Licence in NSW.
• Experience in the health,welfareand management of zoo animals.
• Knowledge and experience using ZIMS.
• Knowledge and experience working with ultra-potent opioids
• Demonstrated commitment to the conservation of species and ecosystems.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the demonstrated ability to work independently under broad direction or positively contribute to a team environment.
• Proven ability in carrying out daily veterinary duties to a high standard ensuring all animal health, husbandry and welfare needs are met.
• Demonstrated ability to work as a team to develop and implement animal diets.
• Knowledge of and commitment to Workplace Health and Safety.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Effective decision making and problem-solving skills.

Desirable

• Postgradstudies in Zoo and Wildlife Medicine.
• Driver's Licence and the ability to drive a manual vehicle.
• First Aid Certification.
• Firearms Licence.
• Substantial experience in a Zoo/Aquarium environment.
• Experience in working with media.

Why should you join the Zoo Crew?

By joining the exciting Sydney Zoo Crew, you will not only be in close proximity to some of the most incredible animals native to Australia and across the world, but you will also join an amazing team of dedicated people! Our team are passionate, devoted, and heavily inspired by Sydney Zoo’s values and mission to deliver a world-class visitor experience that encourages the community to make a difference, and all with a smile!

We are very proud of our diverse team of staff that represent all the different backgrounds and cultures that call Western Sydney ‘home.’ We love the individuality across our team of people as much as we love the collection of animals we so proudly care for. Whether you are looking for your first job, wanting to jump back into the workforce, or simply need a stimulating change to shake up your career, we encourage you to take the next step and join in our vision to make a difference.

Sydney Zoo is committed to providing a positive workplace and fostering employee engagement and wellbeing. We know how important it is to recognise and thank our staff for making Sydney Zoo great and we do this by providing our team with free annual flu vaccinations, workplace massages, quarterly staff BBQs, training opportunities, and fulfilling fundraising events, just to name a few! If you would like to become part of an amazing team that does all of this and so much more, then look no further… Sydney Zoo is for you!

Applications close at 9am Thursday 26th November 2026.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and people with disability are encouraged to apply for all Sydney Zoo positions.

Sydney Zoo is a fully COVID-19 vaccinated workplace. We will require proof of your double vaccination status prior to commencement. Please contact us for general enquiries, including if you have any queries regarding our policy or to obtain a copy of the Sydney Zoo Vaccination policy.

Sydney Zoo is a Child Safe Organisation. We require a valid NSW Working with Children Check (Paid Employment), or proof of application.

You can contact us with any questions by email [e-mail] or by phone to 7202 2560.

Sydney Zoo is committed to the principles and practices of Equal Employment Opportunity and Cultural Diversity.