Job Description

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.

n

Our Purpose: We exist for animals to live better lives.

n

About the Role

n

As a 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.

n

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.

n

No two days are the same. From assisting with surgery and diagnostics, to supporting neonatal animals, monitoring hospital patients and participating in community outreach programs, you'll contribute to a broad and rewarding caseload where your skills make a genuine difference.

n

Based in Cairns, this role offers the opportunity to build a rewarding career while being part of a close‐knit team committed to creating better outcomes for animals and the people who care for them.

n

What We're Looking For

n

We're looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse who is passionate about animal welfare and enjoys working in a varied, hands‐on environment.

n

You are confident in your clinical nursing skills, thrive in a fast‐paced setting and can adapt to the changing needs of patients, veterinarians and the wider team. You bring a calm, compassionate approach to animal care and enjoy collaborating with others to achieve the best possible outcomes.

n

Most importantly,



you're someone who wants to use your veterinary nursing skills for purpose‐driven work and is motivated by the opportunity to make a positive impact on animals, owners and the wider community.

n

What You'll Do

n

In this role, you will:

n

n
- Provide high-quality medical and behavioural nursing care to animals in RSPCA Queensland's care.
n
- Assist veterinarians with examinations, diagnostics, treatments and surgical procedures.
n
- Monitor patients under sedation and general anaesthetic and maintain accurate clinical records.
n
- Perform pre‐operative and post‐operative nursing care, including preparation and sterilisation of surgical equipment.
n
- Administer medications and treatments, including oral, topical, aural, SQ, IM and IV medications where appropriate.
n
- Triage incoming and identify medical or behavioural concerns.
n
- Support neonatal care for vulnerable kittens and puppies.
n
- Assist with diagnostic procedures, pathology testing and patient monitoring.
n
- Support community animal welfare programs and outreach events through triage, clinical assessments and basic treatments.
n
- Safely handle and restrain a variety of species, including behaviourally challenging animals.
n
- Maintain accurate patient records and contribute to data integrity across clinical systems.
n
- Work collaboratively with veterinary and animal care teams to deliver positive welfare outcomes.
n

n

What You'll Bring to the Role

n

n
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent qualification.
n
- Demonstrated experience in a veterinary nursing role, with confidence across a broad range of nursing duties.
n
- Strong knowledge of animal health, patient care, medications and veterinary nursing practices.
n




- Experience supporting surgical procedures, anaesthetic monitoring and post-operative care.
n
- Excellent observation skills and the ability to recognise and escal....
n
- Solid communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build positive relationships with colleagues and community members.
n
- Sound organisational and time management skills, with the ability to prioritise competing tasks.
n
- A collaborative, adaptable and proactive approach to your work.
n
- Genuine passion for animal welfare and alignment with RSPCA Queensland's purpose and values.
n
- Ability to perform physical duties, including manual handling and safely lifting a minimum of 10kg.
n

n

Why Join Us?

n

n
- 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.
n
- Employee Perks: From free on-site parking to exclusive discounts, novated leases, free pet vaccines, and 50% off Royal Canin pet food, we've got you covered! You can also adopt a new furry friend with free adoption options.
n
- Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
n
- Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.
n

n

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.

n

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.

📌 Veterinary Nurse (Cairns Regional)
🏢 RSPCA Queensland
📍 Cairns Regional