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Veterinary Conservation Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Veterinary Compensation: $34.80 Per Hour The San Francisco Zoological Society ("Society") is a ... ultimately conserve it. The Society's leadership team is comprised ofa President & Executive ...

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Veterinary Conservation information

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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:
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.
Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)

Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)

Georgia Aquarium

Atlanta, GA • On-site

$15.50 - $19.50/hr

Full-time

Posted 6 days ago


Georgia Aquarium rating

7.2

Company rating: 7.2 out of 10

Based on 5 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

16th of 33 rated wildlife parks and zoos


Job description

Position Title: Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA)
Department: Animal Health
Classification: Non-Exempt/Full-time
Employee Type: TSN - Team Spec FT Non-exempt
Direct Report: Sr. Manager, Animal Health & Commissary Operations
Position Summary:
The Veterinary Technician Assistant (VTA) works with a diverse team in the implementation, and daily operation of the Animal Health Department through clinical animal care, husbandry, research, and conservation medicine for a wide variety of taxa. This individual works interdependently with other animal health staff, zoological operations staff and staff from the University of Georgia, College of Veterinary Medicine (UGA-CVM) to ultimately yield the highest standard of aquatic animal veterinary care. Under the direction of the AHC and the Veterinary Technicians, the VTA will be responsible for assisting the Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians with departmental operations, organization and general maintenance. This individual will have a secondary role in operating medical and diagnostic equipment and related instrumentation in the department, including Animal Health support areas at the Animal Care Facility (ACF). Cooperation in a reliable program of Quality Control (QC) for departmental equipment / procedures is essential.
Responsibilities:
  1. Supports GAI's veterinary and animal care staff to ensure an exceptional level of daily, primary clinical care for all species maintained by GAI.
  2. Helps prepare for animal health procedures/exams and assists with medical treatments as directed under the guidance of the AHC and Veterinary Technicians.
  3. Is responsible for assistance with the maintenance of all veterinary diagnostic and related equipment. Maintains inventory of supplies, medications and other clinically related items in all on site Animal Health areas and at the Animal Care Facility with assistance from technicians and volunteers.
  4. Under the direction of the AHC and Veterinary Technicians, assists in maintaining the GAI veterinary pharmacy & inventory, ensuring compliance with controlled substances regulations, removing and replacing expired therapeutics and medical supplies.
  5. Assists with maintenance and operation of the GAI Diagnostic Laboratory as needed via sample processing, stocking/ordering supplies and cleaning/organizing.
  6. Assists as needed with the GAI pathology program via transfer of specimens to the necropsy suite and cleaning/organizing the necropsy suite.
  7. Works within GAI's Hospital, Diagnostic Laboratory and Animal Care Facility participating enthusiastically in a program of QC for all in-house veterinary diagnostic, medical/surgical equipment and associated instrumentation.
  8. Assists in maintaining GAI diagnostic and related medical records at the highest standards. Updates medical records as necessary. Attends daily clinical meetings, medical rounds and gives progress reports.
  9. Is detail oriented and willing to perform a wide variety of tasks, most of which will not be directly animal related.
  10. Is on-call for emergency duty during certain critical time periods (i.e., when necessary, provides technical support outside standard working hours, during animal transports, critical medical cases, etc.).
  11. Works seamlessly with all GAI staff and volunteers and is a consistently positive role model helping to maintain a cohesive, harmonious working environment.
  12. Performs other duties as workload necessitates.

Qualifications:
  1. Experience as a veterinary technician assistant in a veterinary clinic or in a zoo/aquarium setting.
  2. Some experience with clinical care and handling of aquatic animals and aquatic animal holding systems is highly desirable.
  3. Familiarity with basic principles of diagnostic veterinary medicine and pathology, including familiarity with a clinical laboratory setting is desirable.
  4. Effective problem analysis and resolution skills.
  5. Above average ability to organize, manage time and set priorities while meeting deadlines.
  6. Ability to be flexible and shift priorities to meet departmental requirements and program needs.
  7. Ability to maintain a high level of professionalism, integrity and confidentiality.
  8. Superior verbal and written communication skills essential.
  9. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Products (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Access, Outlook).

Commitment:
I commit to Georgia Aquarium, Inc. to be a part of the following:
Mission: Georgia Aquarium is a nonprofit committed to inspiring awareness and preservation of our ocean and aquatic animals worldwide.
Vision: To be the Premier Aquarium in the World for Science, Entertainment, Education and Conservation.
Values: Integrity, Innovation, Leadership, Teamwork, Respect, Excellence, Appreciation & Inclusion
Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.