Job opportunities

Veterinary Nurse

About us:

Wild Planet Trust is a registered education, scientific and conservation charity established in 1957 and based in Devon, UK. We own two zoos in southwest England, plus two local nature reserves and a National Nature Reserve. We support conservation in the United Kingdom and overseas using funds generated by the people who visit the zoos and the expertise and dedication of our staff.

 

Paignton Zoo first opened its doors as the Torbay Zoological Gardens in 1923. Over 100 years later, our site, and work, has grown considerably and we are now one of the South West’s largest conservation organisations and top visitor attractions. Over 230 species of animal call Paignton Zoo home. As well as being a zoo, we are also a botanical garden with over 4,000 species on record.

We have an exciting opportunity for a Veterinary Nurse to join our Animal Health Services team on a permanent contract. The role is part-time, working 20 hours over 3 to 4 days within a 7-day week including weekends and bank holidays. The specific schedule can be discussed during the interview. The salary for this position is £15,319.20 per annum.

What will this role involve?

As a Veterinary Nurse, you will play a vital role in supporting the healthcare, welfare, and veterinary treatment of our diverse animal collection. You will contribute to all aspects of animal care, including veterinary treatments, nutrition, disease monitoring, and preventative medicine, ensuring the highest standards of welfare for all species at Paignton Zoo.

As a Registered Veterinary Nurse (RVN), you will adhere to the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) code of conduct and embody our mission to help halt species decline.

Key responsibilities:   

·         Support the veterinary team in the comprehensive care of all Paignton Zoo animals, including those in quarantine. This includes assisting in healthcare assessments, veterinary treatments, nutrition, disease surveillance, and preventative medicine.

·         Maintain stock levels and readiness of medical equipment, drugs, and disposables. Ensure accurate record-keeping using Zoological Information Management System (ZIMS) and assist in compliance with regulations, including BALAI and CITES.

·         Assist with veterinary procedures, including triage, treatment administration, medication dispensing, and anaesthesia maintenance and monitoring. You will also support animal escape and emergency response plans, including remote anaesthesia when required.

·         Provide in-patient care, including husbandry, training, and enclosure setup. This will involve ensuring quarantine protocols are followed according to relevant legislation.

·         Collect and process clinical pathology samples for diagnostic tests, and perform basic in-house microscopy.

·         Help maintain the cleanliness and biosecurity standards of the veterinary department, ensuring a safe and sterile environment.

·         Other tasks may be assigned as needed to ensure the smooth operation of the veterinary department.

This is an exciting opportunity to join a dedicated team committed to delivering the highest standards of veterinary care for zoo and wild animals while contributing to wildlife conservation efforts.

What skills and experience are required?

You must be an RCVS Registered Veterinary Nurse with veterinary nursing experience. Experience in clinical nursing across a range of animal taxa, including zoo, exotic, and wildlife species, is highly desirable. A post-graduate qualification would be advantageous.

Benefits of joining our team include:

•                     33 days paid holiday pro-rata (inclusive of Bank Holidays)

•                     Company sick pay

•                     Branded uniform provided (as required)

•                     Relevant internal and external training provided

•                     Free entry to our zoos for staff and immediate family

•                     Complimentary tickets

•                     Discounts in our Catering and Retail outlets (as applicable)

•                     Free staff parking

•                     Employee Assistance Programme

•                     Employee Discounts Platform

 

Please note, we will be reviewing applications and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period for this role. The role may therefore be filled prior to the closing date.

 

We are committed to equality of opportunity for all staff and applications from individuals are encouraged regardless of age, disability, sex, gender reassignment, sexual orientation, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief and marriage and civil partnerships.