Role:  Veterinary Officer - Taronga Western Plains Zoo

• Located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo, Dubbo, New South Wales  

• Ongoing, full-time position 

• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, Clerk Grade 8/9 Ranging from $138,101 to $150,863 Annual Package (includes base salary ranging from $121,845 to $133,105 plus superannuation & leave loading) 

• 5 weeks annual leave 

• Roster includes weekends and public holidays (penalty rates apply) 

About the role.... 

You will be working with an experienced wildlife health team at a new purpose-built wildlife hospital located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Some key features of this role:  

• Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to a large population of non-domestic hoof-stock including giraffe, zebra, hippo, deer, antelope, elephants and rhinoceros. A significant proportion of the caseload involves field procedures and herd health management.  

• The wildlife health team provide a free veterinary service for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, treating over 700 native animals each year. This role involves wildlife triage, treatment and rehabilitation including consultations with wildlife carers.  

• The wildlife hospital showcases veterinary work to zoo visitors, with animal treatment rooms, surgical facilities and laboratories on display. Delivering guest experience and education is embedded in wildlife hospital operations and is an integral part of the daily requirements of this role. 

• This role provides veterinary support for several ex-situ conservation breeding programs based at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Opportunities for fieldwork may be available periodically. 

• The wildlife health team are supported by Taronga’s wildlife pathologists, science team and nutritionist, and a network of veterinary specialists for assistance with complex cases.  

• Veterinarians also support the education and training of under-graduate and post graduate students. 

About you.... 

Please note - Visa sponsorship considered for international applicants.  

We are looking for candidates that have: 

• Tertiary qualifications 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 skill in all aspects of the veterinary management of zoo and wild animals, and the implementation of effective preventative medicine programs in zoos. 

• Experience in the veterinary management of non-domestic hoof stock, including mega vertebrates.  

• Experience in the treatment and rehabilitation of free-ranging wildlife. 

• Demonstrated knowledge of zoo animal husbandry and management practices, including breeding, nutrition, animal housing and enclosure design. 

• Demonstrated ability to work effectively in a small team using excellent interpersonal and communication skills to promote a team culture that values diversity and collaborative working relationships. 

• Demonstrated ability to set priorities, plan and co-ordinate daily activities in an animal health care setting. 

• Pre employment TB screening, Q Fever, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations (required prior to commencement).  

• Current NSW Working with Children Check or ability to obtain 

• NSW Class C Driver’s Licence and ability to drive a vehicle with manual transmission 

• Current NSW Tranquilliser Firearms Permit or ability to obtain 

Benefits… 

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following: 

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga’s Zoos in Dubbo and Sydney 

• A wide range of discounts on our award-winning accommodation 

• Discounted food and beverage purchases across both sites 

• Fitness Passport 

• + more! 

We Value Diversity… 

Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community – be it based on gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.  

Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation. 

About Applying… 

Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the two target questions as part of your application. 

1. Outline the top five factors that you consider most important for delivering an effective animal health service in an open range zoo setting – explain each of your choices. Maximum 300 words.  
   

2. How do you prioritise the needs of individual animals with animal health requirements of the overall zoo population, including conservation and breeding programs and requests from outside organisations (including private vets, government agencies, wildlife carers). Maximum 300 words. 

Applications Close: 11:59pm Tuesday 23 December 2025