Veterinary Nurse Manager

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.

To ensure the smooth operations of Wildlife Health Services clinical work at ZSL through the coordination of the nursing team, animal moves, maintenance of hospital equipment, drugs, disposables, health and safety documentation, legal compliance, and inspection documents. To liaise with members of other departments to facilitate the import and export of animals to and from ZSL.

To represent ZSL as a centre of excellence in the veterinary care of zoo and wild animals.

• Manage the nursing team across both ZSL sites to ensure year-round veterinary care for animals housed at ZSL whilst ensuring appropriate provision of healthcare and welfare, treatment, nutrition, disease surveillance and preventive medicine.
• Contribute directly to animal healthcare including in patient care, quarantine care, triage and administration of treatments and medications, sample collection and processing, maintaining animal records, assisting with procedures and anaesthetic maintenance and monitoring.
• Manage and document compliance with all relevant legislation and ZSL policies, including H&S, COSHH, firearms and Veterinary Medicines Act requirements.
• Establish and maintain appropriate quarantine facilities and the care of the animals within them.
• Maintain stocks and readiness of equipment (including firearms and ionising radiation); drugs and disposables; records (STAs/STCs, rabies, Balai and CITES regulations); facilities, the preventive medicine programme; and the archive of clinical samples.
• Manage and coordinate animal moves (imports/exports) including disease testing, quarantine space, biosecurity, and documentation (i.e. health certificates).
• Undertake a proportionate share of the on-call duties for emergencies, weekends, events, and evenings.
• Support student teaching and contribute actively to departmental research and publications.
• The duties and responsibilities described are not a comprehensive list and additional tasks may be assigned from time to time that are in line with the level of the role.

This role will be required to undertake responsibilities at both ZSL sites (London and Whipsnade).

Click here for a full Job Description

• RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse
• Experienced clinical veterinary nurse that has worked with a wide variety of animal taxa including zoo, exotic, and wildlife species.
• Previous experience managing staff in a busy clinical setting
• Extensive experience in the development and implementation of legal compliance and health and safety documentation (i.e. risk assessments, etc.)
• Experience in practical training and teaching of veterinary techniques in an academic or clinical environment
• Experience with the use of remote drug-delivery systems & emergency response systems within a zoo
• Experience managing zoo animal moves (imports/exports) and quarantine
• Full UK driving license (manual)

What do we offer? 

You will have access to a blended program of Wellbeing initiatives, including confidential access to our 24/7 Employee Assistance Program as well as regular webinars and activities around mental, physical, social and financial wellbeing. The opportunity to be part of an organisation that is committed to improving diversity and inclusion. Other benefits include 25 days holiday, life assurance, stakeholder pension (employer contribution is matched up to 12%), complimentary zoo tickets with a 30% discount in shops and online, subsidised canteen, enhanced paternity and maternity leave, season ticket loan, cycle to work scheme, discounted gym membership and access to a wide range of learning and development opportunities.

Applicants will need to upload their CV and covering letter (detailing relevant experience and skills, stating why they want the position and including details of availability) and can do this by clicking the "Apply for this job online" button.

Closing date for applications: Midnight (23:59) on 7 June 2023

The Zoological Society of London is a charity registered in England and Wales: no. 208728.