Job Description

ECZM Residency Programme in Zoo Health Management
Chester Zoo, in conjunction with the University of Liverpool, is offering a European College of Zoological Medicine (ECZM) approved post-graduate Residency programme in Zoo Health Management based at Chester Zoo.
Closing date and time: 12PM Friday June 30th, 2025
About Chester Zoo:
We're not just an amazing, award-winning visitor attraction that's home to 20,000 incredible animals inside 128 acres of stunning gardens. We're not just the UK's most popular zoo. We're a major wildlife charity that's committed to the recovery of endangered species, globally. And, as the world faces an extinction crisis, we're making a hugely significant contribution to conservation at a time when it's needed most. We are Chester Zoo and we prevent extinction.
About the programme
This three-year residency within Chester Zoo's Animal Health team offers comprehensive training designed to meet the requirements for credentialing and sitting the examination to become a Diplomate of the European College of Zoological Medicine (Zoo Health Management specialty). The programme is scheduled to commence in November 2025, with annual renewal subject to satisfactory performance and progression.
The Resident will work under the guidance of on-site ECZM Diplomates and report directly to the Head of Veterinary Services. Collaborating closely with Chester Zoo's Animal Health team, animal care staff, and academic and clinical professionals from the University of Liverpool, the Resident will play a key role in safeguarding the health and welfare of the zoo's diverse animal collection.
Key responsibilities include:

• Developing and implementing preventative health strategies
• Conducting disease surveillance and diagnostic testing
• Assessing and managing quarantine procedures for new arrivals
• Providing medical and surgical care for ill or injured animals
• Performing post-mortem examinations
• Upon successful completion, the Resident will be well-prepared for a career in a variety of zoological and wildlife health settings, including zoos, wildlife parks, research institutions, and academia.

About You
To be considered for this role, candidates must have the right to work and be eligible to practice veterinary medicine in the UK (i.e., eligible for membership with the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons and must not require visa sponsorship).
The ideal candidate will:

• Have at least two years of post-qualification experience as a veterinary surgeon or 1 year rotating multi-disciplinary internship (as defined by EBVS).
• Demonstrate competence in mixed, large, and small animal practice
• Be fluent in both written and spoken English
• Be familiar with current veterinary techniques and best practices
• Preferably have experience working with zoological collections
• Show evidence of research capability and scientific publication

We're looking for a highly motivated and enthusiastic individual with a strong commitment to excellence in animal care and a proactive, collaborative approach to their work.
Interviews will take place between the 21st and 23nd of July, 2025. If you have specific questions regarding the role, please email Dr. Javier Lopez via j.lopez@chesterzoo.org. For additional information, please visit www.chesterzoo.org