Animal Welfare Specialist 80 - 100%

22 April 2026
80 – 100%
Zürich

Job summary

Join the Veterinary Office of Zurich for a vital role in animal welfare. You'll enjoy a collaborative environment focused on improving livestock conditions.

Tasks

Monitor compliance with animal welfare regulations in farming.
Conduct inspections and implement corrective measures as needed.
Plan and carry out inspections, and process animal trade approvals.

Skills

Veterinary degree or related field, with experience in livestock care.
Strong communication skills for clear information sharing.
Ability to document findings accurately and effectively.

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About the job

Animal Welfare Specialist 80 - 100%

The Veterinary Office of the Canton of Zurich is committed to the health and well-being of animals. Monitoring animal welfare and animal health are among our core tasks. Animal-appropriate husbandry and care of farm animals form the basis for the well-being of the animals. To actively support the execution of our diverse and demanding tasks in the area of «Farm Animal Welfare», we are looking for a dedicated and motivated team member from June 1, 2026, or by agreement, due to the internal promotion of the current position holder.

Tasks
Our core task is to check compliance with the minimum animal welfare requirements in agricultural livestock holdings. For this purpose, we conduct on-site inspections regarding structural and qualitative animal welfare. If deficiencies are present, we define measures to ensure that legal requirements are met again. A focus of your tasks lies in the independent planning and execution of inspections. Follow-up work also includes administrative tasks such as drafting advisory letters or preparing official orders. Your responsibilities also include approving the trade, advertising, and transport of farm animals as well as proficiency tests for performing painful procedures on live animals. Additionally, you process reports from third parties regarding non-compliant treatment of farm animals. Finally, you prepare supporting documents on specific topics related to farm animal welfare. Through targeted information activities, you contribute to continuously strengthening the understanding of the needs of farm animals as well as the requirements of animal-appropriate husbandry.

Requirements
For this responsible position, we are looking for a veterinarian - alternatively, degrees in agronomy, biology, or a related field are also considered, provided you have verifiable experience in handling farm animals or in inspection services. Ideally, you bring experience in veterinary service. You have a quick grasp, are willing to independently familiarize yourself with other specialist areas, and develop further in our professional environment. Furthermore, you are communicative and able to convey even complex matters in an understandable form. You enjoy writing texts and careful documentation. Animal welfare is important to you. You gladly take on responsibility and at the same time appreciate teamwork.

Offer
- Responsible and varied area of responsibility
- Collaboration in a motivated team
- Independent work
- Further training opportunity to become an Official Animal Welfare Specialist (AFE)
- Social benefits and employment conditions according to cantonal guidelines
- Possibility of mobile work

Application
Do you feel addressed?
Then we look forward to receiving your online application by May 4, 2026.
For information about the tasks and challenges, please contact Ms. Sarah Wyss, Deputy Team Leader Farm Animal Welfare, at 043 259 41 41.
Information about our office can be found on the Veterinary Office's website.