Job Opportunity

FZS Zambia Wildlife Veterinarian

Frankfurt Zoological Society (FZS) works in partnership with the Department of National Parks and Wildlife (DNPW) through the North Luangwa Conservation Programme (NLCP) and Nsumbu-Tanganyika Conservation Programme (NTCP) to protect and conserve the North Luangwa and Nsumbu-Tanganyika landscapes, respectively. The NLCP & NTCP support effective and efficient protected area management, with a wider focus on empowering communities to manage natural resources in the Game Management Areas adjacent to the parks. The NLCP’s mission of ‘Linking livelihoods and landscape’ and the NTCP’s mission of ‘Conserving landscapes, enriching lives’ both seek to address their key challenges by taking holistic approaches for more resilient socio-ecological systems.

Purpose of the Job

FZS Zambia is seeking a young Wildlife Veterinarian to learn from international experts and experienced local partners, with the potential to develop into a leading role in all wildlife veterinary-related operations in the North Luangwa and Nsumbu-Tanganyika landscapes. The purpose of the role is to support wildlife management, ecological monitoring, and research programmes that contribute to the successful conservation of key species (including black rhino, elephant, lion, wild dog, and buffalo) and their habitats.

The successful candidate will be expected to accompany the team and/or scouts on expeditions in the field related to wildlife capture and ecological data collection, requiring physical exertion on rugged terrain both in North Luangwa and Nsumbu National Parks and surrounding GMAs.

Name of position: Wildlife Veterinarian
Reporting to: Ecology and Conservation Science Managers
Works closely with: NLCP & NTCP project teams, DNPW and other government partners, local communities, and international supporters
Location: North Luangwa National Park; accommodation provided
Salary: Competitive based on qualifications + experience
Start date: As soon as possible

Key Roles & Responsibilities

• Coordinate veterinary and ecological monitoring activities with partners and stakeholders
• Coordinate capacity building and training initiatives for the team
• Collaborate on wildlife capture and translocation operations
• Conduct de-snaring operations and other interventions in response to human-caused injury
• Conduct wildlife disease surveillance, diagnosis, and, where applicable treatment
• Implement or contribute to ecological monitoring programmes, including wildlife surveys, carnivore monitoring, and aquatic biodiversity monitoring
• Manage ecological monitoring and veterinary databases and analyse and report on ecological monitoring data
• Communicate results to partners, donors, local stakeholders, and the public using appropriate mediums

Qualifications, skills and attributes

• A degree in Veterinary Science from a recognised university
• Minimum 2 years of fieldwork experience or internship
• Experience in ecological survey techniques
• Good written and spoken English communication skills
• Proficiency in MS Office (Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, etc.)
• Proficiency in GIS, including desktop and mobile applications
• Valid motorbike and vehicle driving licenses
  Able to communicate in Bemba/Senga/Bisa

Your application should include a chronological CV in PDF format and a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), including your earliest possible starting date and expected package. The cover letter will be used to judge the quality of your application and should answer the following:

• What interests you most about the position?
• Describe your veterinary experience, especially with wildlife.
• What are the most important personal attributes and technical skills you will bring to the role?
• How does wildlife veterinary work compliment species conservation and restoration?
• Three traceable references with a short description of your working relationship, and their contact details.