Wildlife Veterinarian

LOCATION: Eastern Suburbs of Melbourne, Victoria

TYPE OF WORK: Australian Native Wildlife

HOURS: Full Time or Part Time

AFTER HOURS: Occasional

SALARY: Competitive remuneration

JOB NO: 221,695SB2

- Work exclusively with wildlife

- Highly rewarding role

An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced and passionate Wildlife Veterinarian to join a dedicated travelling veterinary service, providing mobile veterinary care to native wildlife in the field.

This unique role offers the chance to work directly with native animals at the point of rescue and within DEECA-approved wildlife shelters. The service 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.

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 is a dedicated and skilled veterinarian with a strong interest in wildlife medicine.

Key qualifications and capabilities include:

- Veterinary degree registrable in Victoria.

- Minimum of two years’ experience in wildlife medicine, with strong clinical skills in the assessment, treatment, and rehabilitation of native wildlife.

- Ability to prioritise and triage cases to maximise animal welfare outcomes.

- An engaging, compassionate, and mature approach, with excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

- Capacity for resilience in managing the high incidence of euthanasia required in frontline wildlife medicine.

- Willingness to embrace the challenges of a mobile wildlife practice, including time on the road, uncertainty, and the need to perform euthanasia when necessary.

- Current Victorian Radiation Use Licence.

- Vaccinated (or willing to be vaccinated) for Rabies/Lyssavirus and Q fever.

- Category C firearms licence for the tranquilisation of larger species (training can be provided if needed).

- Experience with captive bolt usage for in-field euthanasia (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 (EAP) for employees and their partners.

If you are a compassionate veterinarian seeking a meaningful and impactful role, this is your opportunity to make a difference for Australia’s native wildlife.

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