Assistant Veterinary Surgeon

Port Lympne Hotel and Reserve & Howletts Wild Animal Parks; Hythe; On-site; GBP 15,000 - 21,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

28 days annual leave

Training and development opportunities

Sickness and maternity policies

Free park entry for you and a guest

Discounts on food, retail, and lodging

Cycle to work scheme

Counselling services

Job summary

Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park are seeking a veterinary clinician for maternity cover. The role is part-time (16 hours per week) with on-call duties, commencing January 2027 and likely ending January 2028.

The successful candidate will join the Veterinary Department to work on mammalian zoo species in both zoo and conservation settings, reporting to the Director of Veterinary Services and travelling between sites as required.

Qualifications

• Clinician experienced in working with a range of mammalian zoo species in zoo and conservation settings.
• Able to work independently under guidance of the Veterinary Services Director.

Responsibilities

• Work two fixed days out of seven with on-call duties on working days.
• Daily travel between Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve is required.
• Report to the Director of Veterinary Services and provide clinical support as needed.

Skills

Driving license

Independent worker

Veterinary clinical experience

Job description

Closing date: 28 September 2026

(Maternity cover – 1 year)

Salary: Commensurate with experience Plus Desirable Benefits

Part-Time position – Working 16 Hours a Week (Plus on Call Cover)

Howletts and Port Lympne Veterinary Department is offering a part time fixed term maternity cover contract in zoological and conservation medicine which will commence January 2027 and will likely run until January 2028.

This position would suit a clinician experienced in working with a range of mammalian zoo species in both zoo and conservation settings. The candidate will report to the Director of Veterinary Services but will need to be able to work independently.

Contract Details

Working hours will be two fixed days out of seven with some on call work during the days worked. Daily travel between Howletts Wild Animal Park and Port Lympne Reserve will be required, so a valid driving license is essential. All applicants must have the right to work in the UK.

The location:

Port Lympne Reserve and Howletts Wild Animal Park are world-renowned wild animal parks set in the Kentish countryside. The Reserves are home to some of the world’s most rare and endangered animals.

Why You Should Join Us

As well as walking to work surrounded by the calls of Howler monkeys and roars from our pride of Lions, you will also join a supportive team who are passionate about their place of work.

You can also expect a host of other benefits including:

• 28 days annual leave inclusive of bank holidays, pro-rata to start date and working hours.
• Comprehensive training and development opportunities, including workshops and e-learning.
• Enhanced Sickness, Maternity and Paternity Policies.
• Unlimited free entry for you and a person of your choice into both of our parks as well as friends and family tickets.
• Exceptional discounts on food, retail, and accommodation at our parks.
• Numerous retail discounts and access to a 24-hour counselling line through our Healthy Extras Scheme.
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• And many more length or service-related rewards and Benefits.