ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Veterinary Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Oakland Zoo

Veterinarian, Veterinary Services

Oakland, CA · On-site

$107K - $120K/yr

Contribute to conservation and research efforts through clinical care of wildlife patients, as well as data and sample collection. * Mentor veterinary students, externs, volunteers, and other ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsVeterinary Conservation Jobs

Veterinary Conservation information

See salary details

$12

$21

$31

How much do veterinary conservation jobs pay per hour?

As of Jul 1, 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 is the highest paying conservation job?

In conservation, senior roles such as Conservation Director or Chief Conservation Officer tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $100,000 annually. These positions typically require extensive experience, leadership skills, and advanced knowledge of environmental policies and management strategies.

What can you do with an animal conservation degree?

A veterinary conservation professional can work in wildlife rehabilitation, habitat management, research, and conservation planning. They often collaborate with environmental organizations, use tools like GIS, and may require certifications in wildlife handling or veterinary medicine. Career options include fieldwork, policy development, and education focused on protecting endangered species and ecosystems.

What does a conservation veterinarian do?

A conservation veterinarian specializes in protecting and managing the health of wildlife and endangered species, often working in the field or in conservation organizations. They diagnose and treat illnesses, develop health management plans, and collaborate with researchers and conservationists to support species survival and ecosystem health.

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 is the highest paying job in the veterinary field?

In the veterinary field, specialized roles such as veterinary surgeons or veterinary specialists tend to have the highest salaries, often exceeding $150,000 annually. These positions typically require advanced certifications, extensive experience, and often involve working in private practices, teaching, or research environments.
More about Veterinary Conservation jobs
What states have the most Veterinary Conservation jobs? States with the most job openings for Veterinary Conservation jobs include:
What job categories do people searching Veterinary Conservation jobs look for? The top searched job categories for Veterinary Conservation jobs are:
Veterinary Conservation jobs near you
Infographic showing various Veterinary Conservation job openings in the United States as of June 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% Locum Tenens, 64% Full Time, 28% Part Time, 2% Temporary, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 96% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 3% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $45,144 per year, or $21.7 per hour.

Postdoctoral Research Fellow - Wildlife Health and Conservation *St Kitts*

Covista

Miami, FL • On-site

$46K - $63K/yr

Full-time

Posted 17 days ago

Job description

Company Description
**This position is an in-person job opportunity located on the Caribbean island of St. Kitts.
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is the number one provider of Doctors of Veterinary Medicine (DVMs) to the U.S.* and offers a DVM program that is accredited by the American Veterinary Medical Association Council on Education. Located on St. Kitts, RUSVM includes the Ross University Veterinary Clinic and is accredited by the American Animal Hospital Association. A cutting-edge curriculum, with innovative use of technologies and simulations, provides the best possible training for tomorrow's veterinarians.
RUSVM prepares students to become veterinary leaders by drawing connections among animals, people and the planet, as a member of the One Health Initiative. We offer research programs focused on emerging infectious and zoonotic diseases, conservation medicine and ecosystem health. Visit veterinary.rossu.edu for more information, and follow RUSVM on Instagram, Facebook and LinkedIn.
*Based on the total number of DVM graduates at RUSVM compared to U.S. schools in 2024.
Job Description
Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine (RUSVM) is inviting applications for one Postdoctoral Research Fellowships in Wildlife Health and Conservation, with a focus on sea turtles, shorebirds, and seabirds.
About the Position
This exciting opportunity will involve conducting research on endangered and threatened wildlife species, collecting population and health data, and contributing to management and policy-related initiatives. Current projects span nesting behavior, foraging ecology, disease surveillance, sex ratio assessments, clinical cases, necropsy, and conservation education.
The successful candidate will work with a multidisciplinary supervisory team:
• Dr. Kimberly M. Stewart (RUSVM, SKSTMN, WIDECAST)
• Dr. Karen L. Eckert (WIDECAST)
• Dr. Terry Norton (WIDECAST, SKSTMN, The Turtle Hospital)
• Dr. Scott Rush (Mississippi State University)
Key Responsibilities
• Lead and collaborate on intramural and extramural grant applications.
• Publish at least two manuscripts per year (case report, short communication, or full manuscript).
• Present research at WIDECAST AGM and ISTS annually.
• Supervise and train student volunteers and research elective students (minimum 20 per year).
• Train graduate and veterinary students in field and laboratory techniques
Qualifications
Essential Qualifications
** Willingness to relocate to the Caribbean island of St Kitts for the duration of the appointment. This is not a remote or hybrid opportunity. **
• PhD in wildlife management, conservation medicine, or related field.
• Previous research experience with sea turtles and/or seabirds/shorebirds.
• Strong record of research productivity (publications, presentations).
• Ability to work independently and lead projects.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
Desirable Skills
• Ability to swim, walk at least five miles on soft sand, and lift a minimum of 50 pounds.
• Proficiency with data management tools (Microsoft Office, EarthRanger, KoboToolbox).
• Flexibility to work nights/early mornings and respond to field emergencies as needed.
Additional Information
Benefits of the Fellowship
• Work alongside leading conservation scientists in the Caribbean.
• Access to extensive management data from ongoing projects.
• Opportunity to contribute to meaningful conservation outcomes and policy.
• Professional development through grant writing, publications, and conference presentations.
How to Apply
  • Cover letter (max 2 pages) detailing research experience & interest in both project areas.
  • CV with a complete list of publications.

Equal Opportunity - Minority / Female / Disability / V / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation

Apply