Veterinary Nurse

RSPCA Queensland; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 80,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Parental leave

Flexible working

Study leave

Counselling services

Free on-site parking

Employee discounts

Royal Canin discount

Free pet adoption options

Job summary

RSPCA Queensland in Townsville seeks a Veterinary Nurse to join our team and help improve animal welfare across North Queensland.

This role blends hands-on veterinary nursing, community outreach, and welfare initiatives. You’ll work with regional leaders to support programs, assist with clinical procedures, and connect animals with essential care for healthier, safer communities.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Australian recognised equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' veterinary nursing experience.
• Surgical nursing experience is highly regarded.

Responsibilities

• Support delivery of community and prevention programs with the Community Liaison Officer.
• Coordinate bookings and communication for clients needing veterinary care.
• Assist veterinarians with clinical and surgical procedures for community clients and RSPCA animals.
• Support delivery of community veterinary initiatives and outreach across the region.
• Liaise with veterinary clinics and stakeholders to support program delivery.
• Provide education to pet owners on animal health and responsible ownership.
• Assist with treatments and ongoing care for animals within the shelter.

Skills

3 years veterinary nursing experience

Surgical support

Clinical nursing

Empathy & communication

Organisation skills

Autonomous work

Team collaboration

Microsoft Office

Physical capability

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Tools

Outlook

Excel

Job description

About the Role

As a Veterinary Nurse based in Townsville, you'\'ll play a vital role in improving the lives of animals across North Queensland - not just within the shelter, but out in the community where support can make the biggest difference.

Working 4 days per week, this unique role combines hands-on veterinary nursing, community outreach and animal welfare initiatives. You'\'ll work closely with our Regional Veterinary Lead and Community Liaison Officer to support community-based veterinary programs, assist with clinical and surgical procedures, and help connect animals and their owners with the care they need to stay healthy, safe and together.

No two days are the same. One day you might be supporting a community veterinary program or assisting with surgical procedures, while the next you'\'re helping prepare animals for adoption, providing welfare support to pet owners, or contributing to initiatives that create lasting change for animals across the region.

This is more than a traditional veterinary nursing role. It'\'s an opportunity to use your skills to improve animal welfare at every stage of the journey - supporting animals in our care, strengthening outcomes for pets and their owners, and helping create happier, healthier communities for animals to thrive.

What We\'re Looking For

We'\'re looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse who is passionate about animal welfare and motivated by the opportunity to create positive change in the community.

You'\'ll bring strong clinical nursing skills, confidence supporting veterinary procedures and the ability to build positive relationships with animal owners, volunteers and community members. You'\'re organised, adaptable and comfortable managing a varied workload that combines clinical support, stakeholder engagement and animal care.

You'\'ll be equally comfortable working independently and collaboratively, bringing a proactive approach and genuine commitment to delivering the highest standards of animal welfare.

Most importantly, you'\'ll be someone who shares our vision of creating better lives for animals and values compassion, teamwork and community impact.

What You\'ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Support the delivery of community and prevention programs alongside the Community Liaison Officer.
• Coordinate bookings and communication for clients requiring veterinary care.
• Assist veterinarians with clinical and surgical procedures for both community clients and RSPCA animals.
• Support the delivery of community veterinary initiatives and outreach activities across the region.
• Work closely with the Regional Veterinary Lead to improve animal welfare outcomes within the local community.
• Liaise with veterinary clinics, community partners and stakeholders to support program delivery.
• Provide education and guidance to pet owners on animal health, welfare and responsible pet ownership.
• Support local inspectorate and community-based animal welfare initiatives as required.
• Assist with treatments and ongoing care for animals within the shelter.
• Support the preparation and care of animals awaiting adoption or foster placement.
• Contribute to general shelter operations, including animal care and welfare activities.
• Provide support and guidance to volunteers, helping maintain high standards of animal care and customer service.
• Assist with animal transportation when required.
• Deliver compassionate and professional support to animal owners, volunteers, staff and members of the public.

What You\'ll Bring to the Role

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Australian recognised equivalent).
• Minimum 3 years' veterinary nursing experience.
• Previous surgical nursing experience (highly regarded).
• Strong clinical nursing skills and confidence supporting veterinary procedures.
• The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• The ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism and clarity to people from diverse backgrounds.
• Strong organisational and administrative skills, with confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.
• A collaborative approach, with the ability to support and guide volunteers and team members.
• A proactive mindset and commitment to delivering high standards of animal care and customer service.
• Physical capability to undertake manual handling tasks, including lifting up to 10kg.
• A genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to improving outcomes for animals and the communities they are part of.
• Alignment with RSPCA Queensland's vision, values and purpose.

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, 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.