Assistant Veterinarian, Laos Programme

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Do you want to make a real difference in the lives of endangered species? Free the Bears is an international conservation organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wildlife threatened by the illegal wildlife trade and bear bile farming across Southeast Asia.

In Laos, we operate the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, where we provide lifelong care for more than 140 rescued sun and moon bears, alongside macaques, gibbons, red pandas, pangolins, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.

Our sanctuary is supported by a team of local and international staff and features a fully equipped wildlife hospital with gas anaesthesia, digital radiography, ultrasound, and diagnostic laboratory facilities. Through our Veterinary Programme, we work to strengthen local veterinary capacity and apply a One Health approach to wildlife care, biosecurity, and zoonotic disease surveillance, while maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare.

Job Description:

As the Assistant Veterinarian, you will be trained in the daily operations of the wildlife veterinary hospital, providing high-quality care to rescued animals. You will support routine health procedures, assist with diagnostics and treatments, help maintain hospital organisation, and contribute to the overall welfare of animals in our care.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Perform visual health assessments and assist with regular veterinary rounds.
• Perform behavioural monitoring of animals undergoing treatment.
• Dispense and administer medications.
• Assist with all aspects of routine health checks, treatments, and ongoing clinical care.
• Conduct basic in-house laboratory testing and prepare samples for external analysis.
• Maintain accurate medical and behavioural records.
• Help organise, clean, and maintain the veterinary hospital and clinical equipment.
• Assist with animal rescues and emergency cases when required.
• Support inventory management, including stock checks and ordering of drugs and consumables.

Essential Characteristics:

• Qualified veterinarian.
• Strong commitment to wildlife welfare and conservation.
• Highly motivated, compassionate, and hardworking.
• Excellent attention to detail with strong organisational and time-management skills.
• Ability to work effectively and respectfully within a diverse, multicultural team.
• Good command of written and spoken English.
• Proficiency in Lao language.
• Ability to work autonomously, take initiative, prioritise tasks effectively, and adapt to changing work demands at short notice.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a positive, collaborative approach to teamwork.
• Willingness and flexibility to routinely work weekends and public holidays (with time off in lieu).

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience in a veterinary hospital setting
• Experience working with wildlife in a sanctuary setting
• Able to ride a motorbike and drive a car

Contract:

Full-time, five-days per week, 2-year contract with potential to extend. Subject to a 3-month probationary period

Salary:

Competitive starting net salary of 350 – 500 USD/month, depending on experience

Location:

Based at Free the Bears’ Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary and Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, both ~1hour from Luang Prabang City.

Reporting to:

Resident Veterinarian, Consulting Veterinarian and Regional Veterinary Programme Manager

Benefits & Terms:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and contract type
• Employer contributions to social, health, and unemployment insurance after probation
• Medical insurance
• Use of project motorbike, if available
• 15 days annual leave plus Lao public holidays
• Annual 13th month salary bonus in accordance with organizational policy
• Professional development opportunities

As a global organization 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.