British and Irish Association of Zoos and Aquariums (BIAZA)
Veterinary Surgeon
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RZSS - Edinburgh Zoo
Scotland
Closing date for applications is: 25th Sep 2026
Contact: Amanda Hamilton (HR) (hrteam@rzss.org.uk)
Sector: Animal Care
Type: Paid
Contract type: Full-time
Salary: Starting salary of £41,625 - £42,662 per annum with future salary progression up to £46,391 per annum.
About Us
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS) is a wildlife conservation charity with a bold vision: a world where nature is protected, valued and loved.
Edinburgh Zoo and Highland Wildlife Park are our gateways to the natural world through which people can experience nature.
How You’ll Contribute To Our Mission
To provide Veterinary Surgeon services across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), and where appropriate oversee the work of other colleagues, contributing to the definition and development of appropriate strategies, plans and policies in support of RZSS’ vision and mission.
Some Of The Things You’ll Do
- Deliver a full range of the veterinary services across RZSS, collaborating with other departments as necessary, ensuring they are delivered to the required standards and within budget.
- Contribute your knowledge and veterinary expertise to assist the Animal Care managers in the development of strategic plans and policies.
- Oversee the work of other colleagues, to give appropriate advice, guidance and direction to ensure work is completed in an efficient, professional and timely manner.
- Advise on their area of expertise.
- Perform a wide variety of complex technical or professional work activities in a variety of contexts.
- Manage the integrity of the veterinary data held in the ZIMS database.
- Responsible for ensuring your own and others safety when dealing with noxious substances, ionizing radiation, and controlled drugs.
- Take an active role on behalf of the RZSS in national and international zoo representative forums for the benefit of the RZSS e.g. ECZM, EAZA, BIAZA including as veterinary advisor when appropriate.
- Present veterinary expertise at internationally recognized levels as well as giving reliable advice on all aspects of animal health, welfare and legislation to managers and staff of the RZSS as required. This may include leading on specific target projects as directed by the Head of Veterinary Services.
- Direct mentorship and teaching of undergraduate students in zoological medicine.
- Take an active role, when delegated, in internal stakeholder groups such as the Nutrition Working Group and Animal Welfare and Ethics Advisory Group.
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What We're Looking For
- Up-to-date knowledge of current veterinary zoological techniques and best practice
- Current Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- Good written and oral communication skills
- Knowledge of captive wild animal and wild-animal legislation and best practice
- Working knowledge of ZIMS
- Knowledge of Microsoft office suite
- Full driving licence
- Demonstrate wide experience in the practice of veterinary medicine in zoological species
- Track record of publications and presentations at recognised National or International conferences
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What you’ll get in return
- Starting salary of £41,625 - £42,662 per annum with future salary progression up to £46,391 per annum.
- 37.5 hour working week (will require some weekend/oncall)
- 34 days annual leave
- Discount in retail/catering
- Access to healthcare plan
- Access to Employee Assistance Programme (EAP)
- Employer contributory pension scheme
- You will receive a staff membership which will give you (and family/friends) free (and discounted) entry to both the Highland Wildlife Park and Edinburgh Zoo as well as a number of other Zoo’s across the UK.
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