Veterinary Nurse (Locum)

Work Initiatives; Townsville City; On-site; AUD 60,000 - 75,000; Part time

Job summary

RSPCA Queensland is seeking a Locum/Contract Veterinary Nurse in Townsville for up to 3 months to provide hands-on nursing and behavioural care to animals in our care and in the community. The role offers a supportive team, a flexible schedule, and a focus on welfare in North Queensland.

The successful candidate will join a dedicated veterinary team, work with examinations, treatments, and routine pathology, and contribute to proactive community animal welfare initiatives, with no weekend work

Qualifications

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or Bachelor of Veterinary Technology or recognised overseas equivalent.
• Experience in surgical nursing, emergency or critical care within a companion animal setting.
• Ability to work 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

Communication skills

Time management

Attention to detail

Team collaboration

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 Townsville with RSPCA Queensland, combining hands-on veterinary nursing with meaningful animal welfare work and making a lasting difference for animals across North Queensland.

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 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. No weekend work needed!

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.
• Make the most of your time in North Queensland, spending your days helping animals in need and your free time exploring Magnetic Island, coastal walks and the region's stunning natural attractions, all while enjoying a roster with no night shifts and minimal weekend work.
• Gain hands‑on experience with a diverse and rewarding caseload.
• Achieve better work-life balance with fewer weekend commitments.
• Be part of a purpose‑driven organisation dedicated to improving animal welfare across Queensland.

Interested?

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.