Senior Veterinary Nurse — Lead & Mentor (Part-Time)

Spca; Christchurch; On-site; NZD 60,000 - 80,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Birthday day off

Pet insurance

Exclusive discounts and offers

Wellness support

24/7 confidential wellness support

Job summary

SPCA Christchurch is seeking a Senior Veterinary Nurse for a permanent part-time role (32 hours per week). You will provide high‑quality medical and surgical nursing care, mentor the team, and help coordinate daily hospital activities to ensure exceptional animal welfare.

You will work closely with the Head Veterinary Nurse and veterinarians, supporting emergency care, record keeping, and practice development in a busy shelter environment.

Qualifications

• Qualified Veterinary Nurse with at least 2 years' clinical experience.
• Experience training or mentoring others.
• Strong skills in routine medical and surgical veterinary nursing.
• Experience in fast-paced clinical environments and handling competing priorities.
• Sound judgement and animal welfare-focused decisions.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality medical and surgical nursing care, assisting veterinarians with treatments and anaesthetics.
• Assess and monitor patients; recognise when veterinary attention is needed and provide nursing support in emergencies.
• Coordinate daily activities and patient flow within the hospital to support efficient teamwork and patient safety.
• Train, mentor and support staff, students and volunteers, building confidence and consistent care standards.
• Promote Fear Free handling and species-specific care and enrichment for shelter animals.
• Maintain accurate clinical records and uphold hygiene, infection control and health and safety standards.
• Support the Head Veterinary Nurse with developing nursing practices and identifying improvements.

Skills

Veterinary nursing

Mentoring/training

Communication

Education

Qualified Veterinary Nurse

Job description

SPCA Christchurch is seeking a Senior Veterinary Nurse for a permanent part-time role (32 hours per week). You will provide high‑quality medical and surgical nursing care, mentor the team, and help coordinate daily hospital activities to ensure exceptional animal welfare.

You will work closely with the Head Veterinary Nurse and veterinarians, supporting emergency care, record keeping, and practice development in a busy shelter environment.