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 Role
As a 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.
Working 4 days per week, this unique role combines hands-on veterinary nursing, community outreach and animal welfare initiatives. You’ll work closely with our Regional Veterinary Lead and Community Liaison Officer to support community-based veterinary programs, assist with clinical and surgical procedures, and help connect animals and their owners with the care they need to stay healthy, safe and together.
No two days are the same. One day you might be supporting a community veterinary program or assisting with surgical procedures, while the next you’re helping prepare animals for adoption, providing welfare support to pet owners, or contributing to initiatives that create lasting change for animals across the region.
This is more than a traditional veterinary nursing role. It’s an opportunity to use your skills to improve animal welfare at every stage of the journey – supporting animals in our care, strengthening outcomes for pets and their owners, and helping create happier, healthier communities for animals to thrive.
What We’re Looking For
We’re looking for an experienced Veterinary Nurse who is passionate about animal welfare and motivated by the opportunity to create positive change in the community.
You’ll bring strong clinical nursing skills, confidence supporting veterinary procedures and the ability to build positive relationships with animal owners, volunteers and community members. You’re organised, adaptable and comfortable managing a varied workload that combines clinical support, stakeholder engagement and animal care.
You’ll be equally comfortable working independently and collaboratively, bringing a proactive approach and genuine commitment to delivering the highest standards of animal welfare.
Most importantly, you’ll be someone who shares our vision of creating better lives for animals and values compassion, teamwork and community impact.
What You’ll Do
In this role, you will:
- Support the delivery of community and prevention programs alongside the Community Liaison Officer.
- Coordinate bookings and communication for clients requiring veterinary care.
- Assist veterinarians with clinical and surgical procedures for both community clients and RSPCA animals.
- Support the delivery of community veterinary initiatives and outreach activities across the region.
- Work closely with the Regional Veterinary Lead to improve animal welfare outcomes within the local community.
- Liaise with veterinary clinics, community partners and stakeholders to support program delivery.
- Provide education and guidance to pet owners on animal health, welfare and responsible pet ownership.
- Support local inspectorate and community-based animal welfare initiatives as required.
- Assist with treatments and ongoing care for animals within the shelter.
- Support the preparation and care of animals awaiting adoption or foster placement.
- Contribute to general shelter operations, including animal care and welfare activities.
- Provide support and guidance to volunteers, helping maintain high standards of animal care and customer service.
- Assist with animal transportation when required.
- Deliver compassionate and professional support to animal owners, volunteers, staff and members of the public.
What You’ll Bring to the Role
- Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or Australian recognised equivalent).
- Minimum 3 years’ veterinary nursing experience.
- Previous surgical nursing experience (highly regarded).
- Strong clinical nursing skills and confidence supporting veterinary procedures.
- The ability to work autonomously, manage competing priorities and adapt to changing demands.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
- The ability to communicate with empathy, professionalism and clarity to people from diverse backgrounds.
- Strong organisational and administrative skills, with confidence using Microsoft Office, particularly Outlook and Excel.
- A collaborative approach, with the ability to support and guide volunteers and team members.
- A proactive mindset and commitment to delivering high standards of animal care and customer service.
- Physical capability to undertake manual handling tasks, including lifting up to 10kg.
- A genuine passion for animal welfare and a commitment to improving outcomes for animals and the communities they are part of.
- Alignment with RSPCA Queensland’s vision, values and purpose.
Why Join Us?
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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.
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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.
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Professional Growth: Access expansive learning and development programs to help you elevate your career and skill set.
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Purpose-Driven Impact: Be part of a mission-driven organisation where every task makes a tangible difference to animal welfare.
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.
