Applications for this position will only be accepted from current employees of RZSS (this includes seasonal staff who are currently undertaking work for us)
Please discuss with your current line manager prior to submitting your application
How you you’ll contribute to our mission
The Head of Veterinary Services will lead a team and provide veterinary services across the Royal Zoological Society of Scotland (RZSS), defining, developing and recommending appropriate plans and policies, contributing to the formulation of Conservation and Living Collection department strategies and research in support of RZSS’ vision and mission and ensuring a high standard of medical care for the animals held by the RZSS.
Some of the things you’ll do:
1. Manage all aspects of veterinary services of RZSS, including Living Collections, Discovery and Learning and Conservation Departments, to ensure they are delivered to the required standards, within budget and ensuring a first-class service culture is embedded within the team.
2. Ensure veterinary team has the appropriate skills, systems and procedures to meet or exceed the needs of their stakeholders including our visitors.
3. Analyses requirements and advises on scope and options for operational improvement.
4. Act as veterinary supervisor for the ECZM Residency program for Zoo Health Management.
5. Manage the veterinary and animal health aspects of the zoo licensing approval process and liaise with appropriate agencies, e.g. the Animal and Plant Health Agency, Scottish Government and DEFRA/UK Government and EAZA re-accreditation process for EZ and HWP to ensure both sites remain EAZA members.
6. Demonstrate commitment to continuous personal development to ensure knowledge and skills are up to date and best practice is followed.
What we’re looking for:
7. A current Member or Fellow of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons, adhering to the RCVS Professional Code of Conduct.
8. Up-to-date knowledge of current veterinary zoological techniques and best practice, nutritional requirements of non-domestic species and relevant clinical research
9. Good written and oral communication skills, able to present complex information to a non-technical audience.
Excellent knowledge and understanding of zoological legislation and best practice.
10. Significant demonstrable experience in the practice of veterinary medicine in zoological species.
Demonstrable people management skills (leading and managing a team)
If this role excites you and aligns with your career aspirations, click APPLY now.
This role is subject to standard pre-employment checks, including the candidate's right to work in the UK and Basic Disclosure check.
Please note that shortlisting of applications and interviews for this position will take place while the advert is live. The advert will close once a successful candidate has been found.
Interested candidates are therefore encouraged to submit applications, as soon as possible.
The Royal Zoological Society of Scotland is an equal opportunities employer. Our policy is to recruit a diverse workforce following the guidelines of the Equality Act .