Veterinary Officer (FTC 12 months)

Zoological Society of London; Greater London; On-site; GBP 42,000 - 65,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Pension scheme (up to 12%)

Flexible working options

25 days annual leave + bank holidays

Life assurance from day one

24/7 Employee Assistance Programme

Job summary

Zoological Society of London (ZSL) is seeking a Veterinary Officer to join our Wildlife Health Services team, delivering high-standard clinical care across ZSL London and Whipsnade Conservation Zoos. You will support veterinary services and collaborate across teams to safeguard animal health and welfare.

The role involves clinical duties, mentoring students and residents, research contributions, and reporting to enable continuous care improvement.

Qualifications

• Registered with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
• Proven veterinary care experience with zoo and wild animals across multiple species.
• Experience using remote drug-delivery firearms/systems.
• Knowledge of relevant zoo licensing, animal health, health & safety and veterinary medicines legislation.

Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard clinical veterinary care at ZSL London and Whipsnade zoos.
• Collaborate with curatorial, animal management and wider teams to support health and welfare.
• Lead and publish clinical research to raise ZSL's veterinary profile.
• Aid in teaching and mentoring students and residents across partner institutions.
• Produce timely clinical, pathological and welfare reports to drive informed decisions.

Skills

RCVS membership

Zoo/wildlife clinical experience

Remote drug-delivery firearms

Regulatory and licensing knowledge

Prioritisation & delegation

IT systems (MS Office, ZIMS)

Full driving license

Job description

Purpose of the role

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?

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.

If you have any questions about this role, we’d love to hear from you! Please get in touch with our recruitment team at – [e-mail]