**Reference**
6239

**Salary**
Salary up to £37,000 + attractive package incl. generous annual leave

**Job Location**:

- United Kingdom - England - West Midlands - Warwickshire - Atherstone

**Job Type**
Permanent

**Posted**
06 June 2023

**Veterinary Associate**

Twycross Zoo is an award-winning conservation and science-led zoo in the heart of England. This year we are celebrating our 60th birthday We are rapidly growing and welcoming over 600,000 people every year to our 100-acre rural site near Atherstone.

We are home to 400 animals, including one of the largest chimpanzee families in the UK, and our primate collection is up there with the best in the world We’re the only zoo in the UK to house all four great apes and we care for many other endangered species to the highest welfare standards, including Eastern black rhino, Sumatran tigers, Amur leopards and Snow leopards.

**The Role - Veterinary Associate**

Reporting to the Veterinary Services Manager, as a Veterinary Associate you will ensure that all animals are cared for to the best standard, and support our preventative health care programme, as well as dealing with clinical cases and emergencies. Your duties will include, although not be limited to:

- Following the zoo’s programme of preventative and curative veterinary care, pathology and nutrition in line with the Secretary of State’s Standards of Modern Zoo practice
- Working with the Veterinary Services Manager on the pre-export and post-import health screening of animals
- Communicating with the Veterinary Services Manager, Animal Team Managers, Curators, Specialists and General Veterinary Practitioners
- Assisting in the audit of veterinary clinical and pathological data for regular reviews
- Assisting in the teaching of Veterinary students and Veterinary Nurse students, and participating in the assessment of students where necessary
- Providing support for Ape heart project PhD students, undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary research projects
- Deputising for the Veterinary Services Manager for all clinical work, BALAI duties and Rabies quarantine duties as necessary

**Our Requirements - **Veterinary Associate**
- Member of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons
- A minimum of 2 years proven clinical experience in zoo or wildlife / exotic animal medicine
- Excellent knowledge and understanding of zoological species
- Superb communication and time management skills
- Ability to maintain a calm approach, even when under pressure
- Ability to work on own initiative and as part of a team
- Enthusiasm for disseminating scientific knowledge
- A passion for Twycross Zoo’s work and purpose
- A flexible approach to duties and working hours
- Willing to be trained as a first aider and/or the firearms team

Although not essential, knowledge of ZIMS / Medical ZIMS would be advantageous.

**The Package**
- Salary in the region of £35,000 to £37,000 with level dependent on experience
- 31 days annual leave
- Staff membership card giving you free entry to the zoo on your days off
- Complimentary Twycross Zoo ticket allowance for friends and family
- 25% discount in the Twycross Zoo gift shop
- 20% discount in Twycross Zoo food and beverage outlets
- Star of the month award scheme
- Access to work counselling services

You will be employed on a permanent contract working 40 hours per week, (5 days out of 7 on a rota) between the hours of 8am to 5pm, being on call as needed on a rota basis. Flexibility will be required to meet business needs.

**More About Us**

Twycross Zoo is at the forefront of conservation, education and research. We have a strong commitment to our award-winning education programme, aiming to increase the level of awareness, knowledge and understanding of visitors about our animals. We aim to inspire visitors to support biodiversity conservation in any way they can.

This is an exciting time to join Twycross Zoo following £19m grant funding to develop the National Science and Conservation Centre (NSCC) on the Twycross Zoo site. The NSCC will support vital work around species conservation. It will bring together experts in conservation science and train the next generation of conservationists, whilst offering researchers from around the world the opportunity to study the four great apes and other endangered species, in naturalistic complex environments. The facilities will include a lecture theatre, classrooms, and laboratories, all planned to open in 2025.

**How to Apply