An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and passionate Senior Wildlife Veterinarian to join a dedicated wildlife veterinary service, providing mobile veterinary care to native wildlife in the field.
This unique full-time role combines hands-on wildlife medicine with leadership and mentoring. Approximately 50% of the role involves clinical work, while the remaining 50% is dedicated to supporting and developing veterinary team members, supervising veterinary students on placement, contributing to external wildlife and conservation committees, and maintaining strong relationships with key industry stakeholders.
The service provides veterinary care directly to native wildlife at the point of rescue and within DEECA-approved wildlife shelters. It also plays a critical role in veterinary response efforts during statewide emergencies and catastrophic events affecting wildlife, including bushfires, floods, heat-stress events and disease outbreaks.
Working as part of a team of veterinarians and veterinary nurses, the successful applicant will operate from a fully equipped 4WD vehicle containing specialist veterinary equipment, including a mobile X-ray machine and mobile anaesthesia machine, allowing for comprehensive in-field assessments.
The role involves serving as a first responder to wildlife cases and providing clinical support to local shelters managing complex cases across a variety of native species. Each shift, veterinarians are supported by a veterinary nurse, with additional peer veterinary support available both within and outside the organisation. Strong working relationships will also be developed with affiliate veterinary practices within the designated response zone.
As a senior member of the veterinary team, the successful applicant will provide mentorship and clinical guidance to veterinarians and veterinary nurses, support veterinary students undertaking placements, and contribute to the ongoing development of wildlife veterinary services and programs.
While wildlife medicine is highly rewarding, this role will also require humane euthanasia of severely injured or unwell animals as a frequent part of practice. Candidates should carefully consider their preparedness for this aspect of the role.
The successful applicant will be expected to participate in relevant training and may also be required to train for and integrate into emergency response teams during natural disasters or other major emergencies impacting wildlife.
The ideal candidate will have substantial experience working with native wildlife and a genuine passion for wildlife medicine, conservation and animal welfare. This role would suit a veterinarian with postgraduate qualifications in wildlife medicine or zoological medicine, or someone who has gained extensive experience working in wildlife hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, zoos or wildlife sanctuaries.
As this is a senior role, applicants should be comfortable providing mentorship and clinical guidance to veterinarians, veterinary nurses and veterinary students, while also building positive relationships with a range of external stakeholders and partner organisations. Strong communication skills, sound clinical judgement and the ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team will be highly regarded.
Essential requirements:
Veterinary degree registrable in Victoria.
Current Victorian driver’s licence.
Current Victorian Radiation Use Licence.
Vaccinated (or willing to be vaccinated) for Rabies/Lyssavirus and Q fever.
Category C firearms licence and captive bolt experience, or willingness to undertake training.
This organisation is a respected not-for-profit offering competitive remuneration and a professional, supportive and collaborative workplace culture. It fosters team engagement through regular events and provides extensive career development opportunities. A strong emphasis is placed on staff training and continuing education, including in-house and external professional development. Additionally, the organisation prioritises staff wellbeing through comprehensive mental health initiatives and Employee Assistance Programs for employees and their partners.
Located in Melbourne’s eastern suburbs, this role offers the opportunity to enjoy all the benefits of living in one of Australia’s most vibrant and liveable cities. Melbourne is renowned for its diverse food scene, cultural attractions, sporting events, parks and easy access to beaches, wineries and regional destinations. Whether you’re looking for career opportunities, outdoor adventures or a thriving arts and entertainment scene, Melbourne offers an exceptional lifestyle.
