Wildlife Veterinary Nurse

About RSPCA Queensland

For more than 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

Every patient has a story. Every shift has the potential to save a life.

As a Wildlife Veterinary Nurse at RSPCA Queensland’s Wildlife Hospital, you’ll be part of one of the busiest and most rewarding wildlife hospitals in Australia, providing expert care to thousands of injured, sick and orphaned native animals each year.

Working alongside an experienced team of veterinarians, veterinary nurses and wildlife professionals, you’ll deliver exceptional nursing care across a diverse range of species from tiny gliders and possums to koalas, birds of prey, reptiles and everything in between. No two days are the same and every patient presents a new opportunity to learn, grow and make a genuine difference.

Whether you’re assisting in surgery, providing emergency and critical care, supporting rehabilitation or helping prepare animals for release back into the wild, you’ll play a vital role in giving Australia’s native wildlife a second chance.

What We’re Looking For

You’re a compassionate and capable Veterinary Nurse who thrives in a fast-paced clinical environment and remains calm, focused and organised when priorities shift. You enjoy working as part of a collaborative team, communicate confidently with colleagues, volunteers and wildlife carers, and are always willing to step in where needed.

You have excellent clinical judgement, a keen eye for detail and take pride in delivering exceptional patient care. Adaptable and resilient, you’re able to manage a diverse caseload, think critically under pressure and make sound decisions in challenging situations. You’re proactive in your approach, eager to continue learning and committed to maintaining the highest standards of animal welfare and nursing practice.

Most importantly, you’re someone who approaches every patient with empathy, every challenge with professionalism, and every day with a positive, team-first attitude.

What You’ll Do

In this role, you will:

• Provide high-quality nursing care for injured, sick and orphaned native wildlife.
• Assist veterinarians with triage, diagnostics, treatment and surgical procedures.
• Deliver emergency, critical care and post-operative nursing support.
• Provide reception support, including answering phones, responding to enquiries and assisting visitors to the Wildlife Hospital.
• Monitor patient recovery and maintain accurate clinical records.
• Perform routine laboratory procedures and diagnostic testing.
• Deliver daily husbandry, feeding and enrichment for hospitalised wildlife.
• Support wildlife rehabilitation and release planning.
• Work collaboratively with veterinarians, nurses, wildlife carers and volunteers.
• Assist with stock management and maintaining a well-equipped clinical environment.
• Help educate wildlife carers and members of the public on wildlife care and welfare.

What You’ll Bring to the Role

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Australian recognised equivalent).
• Experience working as a Veterinary Nurse in a clinical environment.
• Wildlife, emergency or critical care nursing experience will be highly regarded.
• Strong clinical nursing and patient care skills.
• Excellent communication and teamwork skills.
• Confidence working in a busy, fast-paced hospital environment.
• Exceptional organisation and the ability to prioritise competing demands.
• A calm, resilient and adaptable approach to challenging situations.
• Passion for wildlife conservation and animal welfare.
• Required vaccinations (or willingness to obtain), including Q-Fever, Lyssavirus, Hepatitis B and Tetanus.

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.

At RSPCA Queensland, every role contributes to a better future for animals.

Interested?

If this sounds like the perfect opportunity for you, apply today!

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.