Start Date:                 1st Oct 2025, or As soon as possible

Closing date for applications: Until the position is filled. Interested applicants are encouraged to send their application early.

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Do you have a desire to make a real difference in the care of wildlife and endangered species? Free the Bears is an international conservation organisation dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating bears and other wildlife that have been exploited in bear bile farms and the illegal wildlife trade in Southeast Asia. Our main aim is to provide sanctuary for rescued wildlife, ensuring the best care and welfare, and working towards the protection and preservation of species in the wild. Applications are currently sought from resourceful self-starters to fill the role of Consulting Veterinarian in Phnom Penh, Cambodia and to be part of an international organisation driving change in the fields of wildlife conservation and animal welfare.

Free the Bears sanctuary in Cambodia currently provides life-long care to 120 bears, including Malayan Sun Bears and Asiatic Black Bears. Our Veterinary Programme focuses on developing the capacity of local veterinary teams to deliver gold-standard levels of veterinary care to rescued wildlife and integrating a One Health approach to biosecurity and zoonotic disease surveillance through provision of international-standard equipment and training. Our Veterinary Programme currently consists of the Regional Veterinary Programme Manager, a Cambodian Resident veterinarian, an Assistant Veterinarian, and a part-time government veterinarian. We also have a specialist Veterinary Advisor and a network of specialist veterinarians who help consult on complicated cases. We have an established modern wildlife hospital featuring a full range of medical and diagnostic equipment including gas anaesthesia, radiography, ultrasound, biochemistry etc.

The primary role of the Consulting Veterinarian will be to work closely with the local veterinarians, assisting them in daily tasks including rounds, health check procedures, preventative medicine, and treatments, while also providing mentorship, guidance and structure in their role. You will also work closely with the Regional Veterinary Programme Manager to help develop training programs for local veterinarians and aid in reviewing veterinary protocols. Over the past few years, the local veterinarians have received foundational training in various aspects of veterinary health and care including darting and basic anaesthesia, basic ultrasound, radiography, selected laboratory techniques, selected dental procedures, selected pharmacology. The next phase of their professional development will focus on deepening their understanding and gaining a more comprehensive knowledge of the theory behind their practical work. The Consulting Veterinarian will sit within our Regional Veterinary Programme, providing remote support to the teams and may travel to the other sanctuaries as required.

The ideal candidate will be an experienced zoo, mixed animal or small animal practitioner. Due to the physiological and anatomical similarities of bears to large dogs, many clinical skills are transferrable (ultrasound, dentistry, radiography, internal medicine, etc). The Resident Vet can train specifics on darting bears, Free the Bears veterinary protocols and bear and other wildlife behaviour as it relates to stress and illness.

Essential Experience:

• Qualified veterinarian
• At least 3-5 years clinical experience
• Excellent clinical skills including experience with basic surgery, ultrasound, radiology, dentistry, cytology, anaesthesia, basic ophthalmology, internal medicine
• Patient and motivated
• Teaching and mentoring skills
• Excellent attention to detail
• Able to work laterally within a team as well as lead a team
• Awareness and respect for cultural values in a diverse team setting
• Excellent command of written and spoken English language
• Effective contribution to a positive team environment
• Capable of following and teaching established protocols and procedures
• Flexibility and adaptability to cope with changes in work priorities at short notice
• Ability to work weekends and public holidays as required
• Ability to travel to Free the Bears sites in Laos, Vietnam, at short notice if required

Desirable skills and experience:

• Confident teaching to small and large groups
• Previous experience working in a developing country, particularly Southeast Asia
• Local language skills would be advantageous
• Full, clean driving license
• Ability to ride motorbike, or willingness to learn

Contract: 6 months to 1 year, full-time, five-days per week, with potential to extend depending on needs and funding.

Salary: Net salary of USD1,800– 3,000/month, based on qualifications, experience, and duration of assignment, with benefits (see below). Local taxes paid by Free the Bears. Consultants are responsible for meeting tax obligations in their tax residency.

Location: Based at Free the Bears’ Cambodia Bear Sanctuary, Phnom Tamao Zoological Park, Protected Forest, and Arboretum ~1hour from Phnom Penh City, Cambodia.

Benefits:

• Basic/Economy return flight to/from project location (50% up-front, 50% upon completion of assignment)
• Site-adjacent accommodation in shared staff house available
• Paid leave of 2.5 days per month for the duration of the contract, inclusive of Public Holidays.
• Visa and local travel expenses
• Monthly mobile data package provided
• Use of project motorbike, if available
• Support with travel and health insurance for Southeast Asia, excluding Singapore.
• Accommodation, travel allowance and visa costs for official business travel.

As a global organisation that works with partners and communities across a wide range of countries, Free the Bears values diversity and is committed to equality of opportunity. We welcome applicants of traditionally underrepresented communities to apply regardless of ethnicity, age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, socioeconomic status or disability to help us build an inclusive environment across all areas of our work.