Veterinary Nurse (Locum)

RSPCA Queensland; Cairns Regional; On-site; AUD 55,000 - 69,000; Full time

Job summary

RSPCA Queensland in Cairns is seeking a Locum/Contract Veterinary Nurse to join the veterinary team for up to 3 months. You will deliver high-quality nursing care, assist with examinations, treatments and procedures, and support community animal welfare initiatives.

Join an experienced team in a busy hospital, providing compassionate care to a diverse caseload while enjoying a flexible roster with no night shifts and minimal weekend commitments.

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Technology.
• Experience in surgical nursing, emergency or critical care.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume hospital environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality nursing care and assist with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Administer medications and perform routine laboratory and pathology testing.
• Triage patients, maintain records, and support hospital operations.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and hygienic environment.
• Work collaboratively to deliver exceptional patient care.

Skills

Vet Nursing Cert IV

Surgical nursing

Emergency care

Time management

Communication

Education

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Bachelor of Veterinary Technology

Job description

Looking for more than just your next contract? Spend up to three months in beautiful Cairns with RSPCA Queensland, supporting animal welfare and creating lasting impact for animals and communities across the region. No weekend work needed!

About RSPCA Queensland

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 Opportunity

As a Locum/Contract 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.

Supported by an experienced veterinary team, you will:

• Provide high-quality nursing care and assist with examinations, treatments, and procedures.
• Administer medications and perform routine laboratory and pathology testing.
• Triage patients, maintain records, and support hospital operations.
• Ensure a clean, safe, and hygienic environment.
• Work collaboratively to deliver exceptional patient care.

What We're Looking For

• Whether you're looking for casual locum work or a fixed-term opportunity of up to 3 months, we'd love to hear from you. We're flexible and happy to tailor arrangements to suit your lifestyle and commitments.
• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing, Bachelor of Veterinary Technology, or recognised overseas equivalent.
• Previous experience in surgical nursing, emergency or critical care within a companion animal setting.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced, high-volume hospital environment.
• Strong organisational and time management skills with high attention to detail.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Explore the very best of tropical Cairns on your days off, from the Great Barrier Reef and Daintree Rainforest to waterfalls, islands and vibrant local markets, while enjoying a work-life-friendly roster with no night shifts and minimal weekend commitments.
• Enjoy the opportunity to live and work in tropical Cairns while contributing to a cause that makes a genuine difference to animals and local communities.
• Gain hands-on experience with a diverse and rewarding caseload.
• Be part of a purpose-driven organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare across Queensland.

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.