Veterinary Nurse

RSPCA Queensland; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Employee perks

Learning & development

Purpose-driven impact

Job summary

RSPCA Queensland is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Nurse to join our Far North Queensland team in Cairns. You’ll deliver high‑quality medical and behavioural care to animals in our care and support community welfare initiatives alongside a local veterinarian and care staff.

You’ll assist with examinations, diagnostics, surgery, anaesthetic monitoring and neonatal care, while maintaining precise records and contributing to positive welfare outcomes for animals, owners and the wider community.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent qualification is required.
• Demonstrated experience in a veterinary nursing role with diverse duties.
• Strong knowledge of animal health, patient care and medications.
• Experience supporting surgical procedures, anaesthetic monitoring and post‑operative care.
• Excellent observation skills and ability to recognise and escalate concerns.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills with colleagues and community members.
• Sound organisational and time management skills, with ability to prioritise tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide high‑quality medical and behavioural nursing care to animals in RSPCA Queensland's care.
• Assist veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments and surgical procedures.
• Monitor patients under sedation and general anaesthetic and maintain accurate clinical records.
• Perform pre‑operative and post‑operative nursing care, including preparation and sterilisation of equipment.
• Administer medications and treatments (oral, topical, aural, SQ, IM, IV) as appropriate.
• Triage incoming cases and identify medical or behavioural concerns.
• Support neonatal care for vulnerable kittens and puppies.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures, pathology testing and patient monitoring.
• Support community animal welfare programs and outreach events.
• Safely handle and restrain a variety of species.
• Maintain accurate patient records and data integrity across clinical systems.
• Work collaboratively with veterinary and animal care teams to deliver positive welfare outcomes.

Skills

Excellent communication

Observational skills

Time management

Team collaboration

Calm under pressure

Adaptability

Physical stamina

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent

Job description

For nearly 140 years, RSPCA Queensland has been a leading animal welfare charity, dedicated to improving the lives of animals - whether domestic, farmed, or native. We care for over 42,000 animals annually, relying on the generosity of animal lovers like you to fund 91% of our life-changing services.

Our Purpose: We exist for animals to live better lives.

About the Role

As a Veterinary Nurse with RSPCA Queensland, you'll play a vital role in improving the health, welfare and quality of life of animals across Far North Queensland.

Working alongside our local veterinarian and animal care team, you'll provide high-quality medical and behavioural care to animals in RSPCA care while also supporting proactive community animal welfare initiatives. This is a unique opportunity to combine hands‑on veterinary nursing with meaningful animal welfare work, helping animals both within our shelter and out in the community.

No two days are the same. From assisting with surgery and diagnostics, to supporting neonatal animals, monitoring hospital patients and participating in community outreach programs, you'll contribute to a broad and rewarding caseload where your skills make a genuine difference.

Based in Cairns, this role offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while being part of a close‑knit team committed to creating better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

What We’re Looking For

We're looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse who is passionate about animal welfare and enjoys working in a varied, hands‑on environment.

You are confident in your clinical nursing skills, thrive in a fast‑paced setting and can adapt to the changing needs of patients, veterinarians and the wider team. You bring a calm, compassionate approach to animal care and enjoy collaborating with others to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Most importantly, you're someone who wants to use your veterinary nursing skills for purpose‑driven work and is motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on animals, owners and the wider community.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Provide high-quality medical and behavioural nursing care to animals in RSPCA Queensland's care.
• Assist veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments and surgical procedures.
• Monitor patients under sedation and general anaesthetic and maintain accurate clinical records.
• Perform pre‑operative and post‑operative nursing care, including preparation and sterilisation of surgical equipment.
• Administer medications and treatments, including oral, topical, aural, SQ, IM and IV medications where appropriate.
• Triage incoming and identify medical or behavioural concerns.
• Support neonatal care for vulnerable kittens and puppies.
• Assist with diagnostic procedures, pathology testing and patient monitoring.
• Support community animal welfare programs and outreach events through triage, clinical assessments and basic treatments.
• Safely handle and restrain a variety of species, including behaviourally challenging animals.
• Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to data integrity across clinical systems.
• Work collaboratively with veterinary and animal care teams to deliver positive welfare outcomes.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent qualification.
• Demonstrated experience in a veterinary nursing role, with confidence across a broad range of nursing duties.
• Strong knowledge of animal health, patient care, medications and veterinary nursing practices.
• Experience supporting surgical procedures, anaesthetic monitoring and post-operative care.
• Excellent observation skills and the ability to recognise and escal….
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and community members.
• Sound organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks.
• A collaborative, adaptable and proactive approach to your work.
• Genuine passion for animal welfare and alignment with RSPCA Queensland's purpose and values.
• Ability to perform physical duties, including manual handling and safely lifting a minimum of 10kg.

Why Join Us?

• Comprehensive Support: Enjoy 8 weeks of paid parental leave, flexible working arrangements, study leave, and even leave for your furry companions. We also provide access to counselling and mental health services.
• Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, free pet vaccines, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we’ve got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
• Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
• Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.

Successful candidates will be required to undergo a Police Check for the safety and well-being of the community, staff, and animals. A pre-employment medical assessment may also be required.

RSPCA Queensland acknowledges the Australian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples as the Traditional Custodians of the land. We are an equal opportunity employer committed to a fair and inclusive hiring process, welcoming applicants of all backgrounds, regardless of faith, ethnicity, sexual orientation, or gender identity.