Veterinary officer - taronga wildlife hospital

Taronga Zoo Sydney is looking for an experienced Veterinary Officer to join our Wildlife Operations team!

• Location: Sydney's Iconic Taronga Zoo – Cammeraigal Country
• Employment: Ongoing, full‐time
• Compensation: TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 9/10 – annual package $146,736 to $161,698 (base salary $129,464 to $142,665 plus 12% superannuation)

The Veterinary Officer plays a key role in delivering veterinary care across Taronga's animal population and admitted wildlife. Working under the clinical direction of the Senior Veterinarian, the officer contributes to preventative medicine programs, provides routine, emergency and complex clinical care, and supports conservation, research, education, and external veterinary services.

This position operates within a dynamic, fast‐paced clinical environment, requiring the ability to prioritise competing and often urgent cases while maintaining high standards of animal welfare and professional practice. As part of a multidisciplinary veterinary team, the officer supports the health and welfare of the Taronga animal population and contributes to the treatment and rehabilitation of native wildlife, as well as providing professional advice to external organisations and agencies.

• Provide veterinary triage, treatment and rehabilitation for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, treating over 1000 animals annually.
• Deliver veterinary care within a purpose‐built, public‐facing Taronga Wildlife Hospital, integrating guest engagement and education into daily operations.
• Work collaboratively with internal experts (pathologists, scientists, nutritionists) and external specialists to manage complex cases.
• Support the education and training of undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary students.

• Deliver routine, emergency and preventive clinical services to maintain the health of Taronga's animal population and admitted wildlife.
• Implement and refine preventative medicine programs, supporting continuous improvement initiatives under the guidance of the Senior Veterinarian.
• Assess animal health issues, apply subject‐matter expertise, and escalate complex or high‐risk cases to the Senior Veterinarian as required.
• Provide veterinary advice on reproductive management, biosecurity, animal movements and transport, aligning with established protocols.
• Maintain accurate medical records and contribute to research, monitoring and evidence‐based decision making.
• Support guest engagement and educational activities within the Wildlife Hospital, ensuring interactions reflect high standards of care and accurate information.
• Participate in undergraduate and postgraduate veterinary and zoological education, training and research.
• Provide expert advice on zoological and wildlife matters to external organisations through consultancies, lectures and written materials as approved by management.

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent) in Veterinary Science and eligibility for full registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW.
• Board certification and/or post‐graduate qualifications in zoo and wildlife medicine or conservation medicine (preferred).
• Demonstrated knowledge and experience in zoo and wildlife veterinary medicine, including preventive health programs.
• Experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of native wildlife.
• Knowledge of zoo animal husbandry, biosecurity and management practices.
• Strong teamwork skills and ability to engage effectively with stakeholders.
• Excellent communication skills, with the ability to translate technical information to a broad audience.
• Ability to set priorities, plan and coordinate daily activities in an animal health care setting.
• Pre‐employment TB screening, Q Fever, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations (required before commencement).
• Current paid NSW Working with Children Check (WWCC) or ability to obtain.
• NSW Class C Driver's License and ability to drive a vehicle.
• Current NSW Tranquilliser Firearms Permit or ability to obtain.

• Complimentary family and friends' passes across Taronga's Sydney & Dubbo zoos.
• Full Taronga Zoo uniform.
• Free onsite car parking, outside of peak periods.
• Discounts on award‐winning accommodation across both sites.
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across the sites.
• Discounted Fitness Passport.
• Social team events and community involvement.

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, recognising the diversity of our workforce and community – on the basis of gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances. We are committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.