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Veterinary Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinarian

New York, NY

$110K - $130K/yr

... Conservation Society (WCS) zoos. * Coordinate the veterinary student externship program and supervise externs, including providing input for final reviews (students). * Contribute to mentoring WCS ...

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Veterinary Conservation information

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$12

$21

$31

How much do veterinary conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Aug 12, 2026, the average hourly pay for veterinary conservation in the United States is $21.70, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $17.79 and $24.76 per hour, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is veterinary conservation?

Veterinary conservation is a specialized field that combines veterinary medicine with wildlife conservation efforts. Professionals in this area work to protect and improve the health of wild animal populations, often focusing on endangered species and their habitats. They may be involved in disease monitoring, wildlife rehabilitation, research, and advising conservation strategies. Veterinary conservationists collaborate with ecologists, government agencies, and non-profit organizations to promote biodiversity and ecosystem health. This field is crucial for maintaining the delicate balance of natural environments and ensuring the survival of various species.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a veterinary conservationist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Veterinary Conservationist, you need a veterinary degree (DVM or equivalent), expertise in wildlife health, and knowledge of conservation biology. Familiarity with field research tools, GPS tracking systems, and wildlife disease surveillance platforms is commonly required. Strong problem-solving abilities, communication skills, and cultural sensitivity help you collaborate with multidisciplinary teams and local communities. These skills ensure effective wildlife conservation interventions, promote ecosystem health, and support sustainable biodiversity management.

What is the difference between Veterinary Conservation vs Veterinary Technician?

AspectVeterinary ConservationVeterinary Technician
Required CredentialsVeterinary degree, specialized training in wildlife or conservationAssociate degree in veterinary technology, certification
Work EnvironmentWildlife reserves, conservation projects, zoosVeterinary clinics, animal hospitals, labs
Employer & Industry UsageEnvironmental agencies, conservation organizationsVeterinary clinics, animal care facilities

Veterinary Conservation professionals focus on wildlife health and conservation efforts, often working in outdoor or specialized settings. Veterinary Technicians assist in clinical settings with animal care and medical procedures. While both roles require animal health knowledge, Veterinary Conservation emphasizes wildlife and habitat preservation, whereas Veterinary Technicians support clinical veterinary practices.

What can you do with a veterinary conservation degree?

A veterinary conservation degree prepares individuals for roles focused on wildlife and habitat preservation, often involving fieldwork, research, and collaboration with conservation organizations. Graduates can work as wildlife veterinarians, conservation biologists, or in environmental policy, utilizing skills in animal health, ecology, and veterinary medicine. Certification and hands-on experience are valuable for advancing in this field.

How does a veterinary conservationist typically collaborate with other professionals in wildlife conservation projects?

Veterinary conservationists frequently work as part of interdisciplinary teams that include ecologists, biologists, park rangers, and government officials. Collaboration often involves coordinating fieldwork, sharing health data on wildlife populations, and developing strategies for disease prevention and habitat management. These professionals may also provide training to local staff and assist with community outreach to promote conservation goals. Effective communication and teamwork are essential, as the success of conservation initiatives depends on integrating veterinary expertise with broader environmental and policy efforts.

What does a veterinary conservation do?

A veterinary conservation professional focuses on protecting and preserving wildlife and their habitats through medical care, research, and conservation strategies. They may work in field settings or laboratories, often requiring knowledge of veterinary medicine, ecology, and conservation tools. Certification in veterinary medicine and field experience are typically necessary for this role.

How do you get a job in veterinary conservation?

To pursue a career in veterinary conservation, candidates typically need a veterinary degree or a related biological science qualification, along with experience in wildlife or conservation projects. Gaining skills in fieldwork, animal handling, and conservation techniques, as well as obtaining relevant certifications, can improve job prospects in this specialized field.
More about Veterinary Conservation jobs
What states have the most Veterinary Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Conservation jobs include:
Infographic showing various Veterinary Conservation job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% Locum Tenens, 1% As Needed, 82% Full Time, 15% Part Time, and 1% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Conservation and Recovery Specialist

White Oak Conservation

Yulee, FL โ€ข On-site

Full-time

Posted 12 days ago


Job description

Job Title: Conservation and Recovery Specialist
Department: Conservation and Recovery
Reports To: Conservation and Recovery Program Manager
FLSA Status: Non-exempt
Effective Date: September 2025
 
 
White Oak conserves and sustains some of the earth's rarest wild animals through innovative training, research, education, and conservation breeding programs that contribute to the survival of wildlife in nature.  The conservation programs span 600 acres along the St. Mary’s River in northeast Florida, surrounded by 22,000 acres of mixed forest and wetlands that make up the beautiful White Oak property.  Founded in 1982, White Oak leads professional efforts to improve veterinary care, develop holistic animal management techniques, and better understand the biology of critically endangered species by providing excellent care and managing conservation programs for over 30 species of imperiled wildlife in large, naturalistic habitats. 
 
White Oak Mission:
Saving endangered wildlife and habitats through sustainable populations, expanding education initiatives, and responsible land stewardship.
 
Job Summary:
The Conservation and Recovery Specialist will perform as a member of the White Oak team to achieve exceptional animal care and facility care standards in their area of focus to sustain and grow White Oak’s species recovery programs and achieve its conservation goals.  This position is focused on avian and canid recovery programs, with possible engagement with other taxa, such as amphibians.
 
Essential Duties:
o Participates in the daily care of the animals to promote a naturally enriching environment; including diet preparation, feeding, cleaning, medicating, observing, and training. 
o Participates in animal restraint, incubation/hatching, animal transfers, introductions, operant conditioning, assisted-reproduction in cranes, and passerine mist-netting.
o Participates in and assists with area research projects.
o Maintains and cares for surrounding areas to ensure a natural environment and ecological health.
o Fosters department delivery of guest engagement programs featuring wildlife populations.
o Assists veterinarian staff with animal care procedures, treatments and sample collection, as directed by area supervisor.
o Keeps Florida grasshopper sparrow breeding documents up to date throughout breeding season.
o Creates hatch, nest fail and other breeding related calendar alerts to help monitor diet changes and consumption, as well as to monitor breeding behavior.
o Notifies supervisor of facility maintenance, equipment, supplies, and animal feed needs.
o Assists with minor animal care facilities maintenance including: mowing, weed eating, netting, pressure washing, dirt and substrate work, limb pick up, and minor repairs.
o Organizes, preps, and conducts controlled burns on property.
o Prepares burn plans for controlled burns conducted on property; documents action reports.
o Maintains records and reports related to wildlife.
o Collects, maintains, organizes, and assembles data and spreadsheets for accurate analysis.
o Assists Leads with program data and statistical analysis for scientific publications.
o Maintains, cleans and organizes work and break areas, food storage, food prep, vehicles and equipment.
o Conducts camera trapping operation, maintenance, and review.
o Conducts the daily care of several invertebrate prey species and collection of wild invertebrate prey species.
o Observes and ensures area safety protocol, safe vehicle and equipment operation.
o Applies herbicide application and performs other needed pest management activities.
o Assists with intern training and mentoring.
o Participates in trainings including animal husbandry and management, ZIMS record keeping, research, conservation and recovery projects, chainsaw operation, venomous snake handling, and other education projects.
 
The above cited duties and responsibilities describe the general nature and level of work performed by people assigned to the job.  They are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all the duties and responsibilities that an incumbent may be expected or asked to perform.
 
Education and Work Experience Requirements:  
• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Bachelor’s degree in Biology, Animal Science, Wildlife Management or related field, preferred.
• Minimum of one year of animal/wildlife experience.
• Species conservation or recovery program experience, preferred.
• Experience with animal husbandry practices such as feeding, cleaning, medicating, and enrichment.
• Canid experience, preferred.
 
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities:
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Basic computer skills, including data entry and record keeping.
• Ability to operate small machinery and farm equipment safely.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Team-oriented with the ability to collaborate effectively across departments.
• Flexibility and adaptability to work outdoors, in variable conditions.
• Occasional work on holidays or weekends.
• Highly collaborative and team oriented.
• Passion for White Oak’s mission and genuine appreciation for wildlife and conservation
 
Physical Requirements, Hazards, and Special Working Conditions:
• Must have valid Florida or Georgia drivers’ license.
• Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force to lift, push, pull, carry, or otherwise move objects, climb a 5-foot ladder and work outdoors in all conditions
• Must be able to work holidays, nights and weekends when required.
 
White Oak Conservation is committed to creating an environment where diverse perspectives are welcome, and to nurturing a culture where everyone feels valued and appreciated. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to gender, race, color, age, national origin, religion, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity/expression, citizenship, pregnancy or maternity, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable national, federal, state, or local law. 
Employment Type: FULL_TIME