Job Description
Job Title:
Head Veterinarian
Section (optional):
King Khalid Wildlife Research Centre, Saudi Arabia
Department:
West and North Africa Programme
Directorate:
Conservation Programmes
Responsible to:
Dr Rob Sheldon, KKWRC Director
Job Description
Key Purpose of the Job
As the Head Veterinarian, you will be responsible for all aspects of animal health and
disease monitoring of the conservation breeding programme at The King Khalid Wildlife
Research Centre, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia. You will supervise the work of two experienced
vets and work closely with the wider KKWRC team, especially the Living Collections
Manager and the Laboratory Manager.
You will work closely with the vet team to ensure they develop their skills and abilities
through a programme of personal development and on-going training.
A key component of the job is to supervise and undertake field and laboratory based
research into wildlife diseases relevant to the conservation objectives of KKWRC and The
Saudi Wildlife Authority. This research includes completing existing projects, developing new
research and publication in peer-reviewed journals.
Main Duties and Responsibilities
You will be responsible, for carrying out work necessary to achieve the objectives of the
2015 contract with SWA, including the following:
1. Oversee a small team of two veterinarians based at KKWRC covering veterinary
support for two conservation breeding centres.
2. Manage the routine screening of gazelles, oryx, ibex and other species at KKWRC
against diseases identified by risk assessment, including microbiological,
parasitological, haematological and biochemical investigations.
3. Supported by the veterinarians at KKWRC, implement effective disease investigation
and management protocols.
4. Develop and oversee animal health and wildlife disease focussed projects within the
Protected Area network of the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia.
5. Work closely with KKWRC Laboratory Manager to develop the diagnostic capacity to
identify [under the authority of the Saudi Wildlife Authority (SWA) and its parent body,
the Ministry of Agriculture] major diseases that affect wildlife and which are prevalent
in the Kingdom, especially diseases that are major causes of mortality.
6. To occasionally provide diagnostic services for animals at private collections in the
Kingdom.
7. Improve veterinary and wildlife health capacity at KKWRC through training.
8. Characterise and carry out laboratory studies of disease agents affecting wildlife,
particularly gazelles, oryx, and ibex in the Kingdom.
9. Provide timely monthly, quarterly and annual reports on the activities of the KKWRC
Veterinary Team.
10. Maintain an active research and publishing program with the other senior members
of KKWRC, The Saudi Wildlife Authority and other potential collaborators.
11. Work closely with the Office Manager and Operations/Collections Manager to
manage the expenditures of KKWRC’s veterinary program .
12. Work closely with colleagues at KKWRC and in the Zoological Society of London
veterinary community, and carry out other duties as required for the effective
execution of the contract between the Zoological Society of London and SWA.
13. Other duties that might arise from time to time and after agreement with the Director,
KKWRC.
Expectations of job holder
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To ensure that all work is carried out in accordance with the rules of The Kingdom of
Saudi Arabia, and is undertaken in a culturally appropriate manner.
To ensure that the policy for equality of opportunity is adhered to and promoted in all
aspects of the post holder’s work.
To ensure effective quality control and continuous improvement in all aspects of the work
and responsibilities attached to this post.
Demonstrate professionalism towards sensitive and confidential information.
To comply with and promote Health and Safety policies and procedures and to
undertake recommended Health and Safety training as and when necessary.
To be committed to professional self-development, through participation in in-service
training as necessary for the successful carrying out of the job.
To undertake such other duties as are commensurate with the grade of the post.
NB: This job description is designed to outline a range of main duties that may be
encountered. It is not designed to be an exhaustive list of tasks and can be varied in
consultation with the post holder in order to reflect changes in the job or the organisation.
Person Specification
Qualifications & Experience
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You will have a proven track record of delivering veterinary care to captive
collections, preferably of threatened species, and ideally some experience with those
(or closely related) species at KKWRC (gazelles, oryx and ibex).
Membership of the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (MRCVS) is highly
desirable.
A relevant post-graduate qualification would be beneficial, for example a Masters in
Wild Animal Health or Conservation Medicine.
A good publication, presentation and research history.
Some international experience is preferable.
Knowledge
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A current understanding of best practice in the care and welfare, veterinary
treatment, nutrition, disease surveillance and preventive medicine, pertaining to
relevant species.
Some knowledge around the planning and design of new animal facilities to ensure
the highest standards of husbandry and care.
Basic understanding of the relevant legislation pertaining to the practice of veterinary
medicine in Saudi Arabia would be of benefit.
Skills & Abilities
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Must be able to demonstrate the ability to work as part of a wider team.
The use of remote drug-delivery systems such as dart guns.
Familiarity with basic laboratory techniques in parasitology, microbiology and other
diagnostic tests.
Gross post mortem examinations, detailed recording of findings and onward
submission of diagnostic specimens.
Fluent spoken and written English is essential.
Other Requirements
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Able to work independently, yet as part of a team, often in physically and socially
demanding conditions.
An enthusiasm for continuing professional development.
Clear evidence, through long-term affiliations and memberships, of a commitment to
both conservation and animal welfare.
A valid international driving licence, with some experience of off-road driving is an
advantage.
Ability to work flexible hours where required.
Job Description Analysis for Job Evaluation Process
A.
Applied Knowledge, Skills and Expertise
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Extensive knowledge and expertise in veterinary care of captive animals.
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Skilled in disease diagnosis, post-mortem examination and laboratory diagnostic
techniques
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Effective team player with a track record of working as part of diverse teams.
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B.
Responsibilities
i.
Human resource management
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Oversee the work programmes of two permanent vets based at KKWRC.
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Work closely with other Heads of Department to deliver the KKWC annual work plan.
ii.
Physical resource management
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Ensure that the veterinary facilities are maintained and equipped to a high standard
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Ensure the effective, sustainable and responsible management of equipment and
consumables at KKWRC.
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Working closely with the KKWRC Director develop plans for veterinary care at a
second conservation breeding centre (PMSGBC).
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C.
Building Relationships
i.
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Interpersonal skills
The position requires excellent verbal and written communication skills.
The post-holder is expected to act in a professional, respectful and constructive
manner when dealing with colleagues at ZSL and other organisations.
The position is based in Saudi Arabia and the post-holder must show a high degree
of cultural sensitivity and awareness
ii.
Communication
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iii.
Liaison
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Closely liaise with the Living Collection Manager to optimise welfare and husbandry
opportunities where applicable.
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Collaborate with all teams and work areas at KKWRC to ensure smooth delivery of
the KKWRC work plan.
D.
Mental Demands
i.
Judgment and decision making
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Apply a balanced, proactive and evidence-based approach to decision making.
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Ability to make sounds decisions under pressure and often at short notice.
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The ability to juggle competing demands and priorities is essential.
ii.
Original thought and problem solving
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Must be able to solve problems using own judgement
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The job holder is expected to plan their own day-to day work.
iii.
Concentration
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iv.
E.
The position requires a high level of verbal and written communication with
colleagues at ZSL and other organisations, contractors and suppliers.
The job holder is expected to focus on task prioritisation and completion for extended
periods working to an agreed KKWRC work plan.
Flexibility
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The job holder is expected to react to changing circumstances and the acquisition of
new knowledge by applying an adaptive approach to decision making, planning and
management.
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A high degree of flexibility is essential in situations where planned tasks are
superseded by unscheduled events that require priority.
Working Conditions
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The position is primarily based at KKWRC, Thumamah, Riyadh, Saudi Arabia. The
vet team need to make regular visits to the PMSGBC Living Collection 300km north
of Riyadh.
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The role involves occasional travel to the ZSL head office in London, and possibly to
relevant international conferences and workshops.
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Accommodation is provided, and a KKWRC vehicle will be made available for travel
within Saudi Arabia.
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Weather conditions can be extreme with temperatures reaching 50C during the
summer months.
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Working hours are 42 hours per week. The nature of the job requires occasional
evening and weekend work, and some flexibility.