Not for Profit | Full-time salary range $67,000 to $72,000

About Us

AWLQ is one of Queensland’s most dynamic and best-loved charities. Our organisation is the leader in the zero euthanasia movement nationally and is considered a national leader in animal welfare. AWLQ locally provides a safe haven for close to 11,000 stray and homeless animals each year while also assisting other communities in saving homeless animals.

In addition to our shelter work, we are committed to keeping pets and people together by providing lifesaving support and resources to people in need with companion animals. We are known for our grassroots and innovative community-based animal welfare work including our community vet clinics, Getting to Zero, Golden Hearts Seniors’ Support Program and the National Desexing Network.

Join us and make a difference!

As a valued and experienced Veterinary Nurse, you will use your positive energy, extensive experience, team leadership, and development skills to manage the daily Veterinary operations, supporting your team to treat and care for animals on the journey to their new homes.

AWLQ offers relocation assistance, and a competitive salary for the right candidate.

About the role

AWLQ is contracted by the Ipswich City Council to manage the Ipswich Animal Rehoming Centre to provide service to the community and their pets. The Centre receives an average of 3,500 animals annually, housing 150+ animals onsite and 100+ animals in foster daily.

As the Nurse Manager, you will oversee the day-to-day veterinary operations, guide and support your team, and have the ability to stay hands-on with nursing. You will work with our dedicated team to ensure the welfare of animals in care, dogs, cats, livestock, and small pets is to the highest standard. 

You will manage the surgery and consult schedules ensuring animals receive the care they need and progress as quickly as possible to adoption. You will help develop and expand programs including fostering, always looking for new opportunities, and providing feedback and recommendations to improve processes and operations. You will nurture your team providing growth and development. 

Key Responsibilities

• Team leadership: Provide guidance and support to the team so they love and thrive in their roles
• Policies and procedures: Assist with the implementation and compliance of new and existing policies and procedures
• Consult Support: Support veterinarians with routine health examinations and medical cases
• Nursing Support: Assist in radiography, surgical procedures, monitor patient anesthesia and post-operative procedures. Inhouse and external pathology procedures. Prepare medications as required
• Inpatient Care: Nurse hospitalised animals, monitors clinical signs and communicates with the eam
• Organisation Pro: Prepare and implement surgery and consult schedules
• Patient files: Data entry of health, treatment and patient information
• Processes: Compliance with AWLQ policy and procedure, in addition to compliance with state and federal legislation
• Recruitment, training and mentorship: Assist with recruitment, providing training and development of the nursing team and volunteers
• Equipment Maintenance: Scheduling and management of veterinary equipment
• Stock control and ordering supplies

What are the minimum requirements for this position?

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or recognised equivalent
• 5+ years' vet nursing experience
• Experience as a senior nurse or in a leadership position
• Excellent animal care and handling skills
• Experience in a busy, fast-paced work environment
• Good computer literacy, including Microsoft Office Suite
• Previous experience in a shelter/rescue environment will be highly regarded

To be successful in this role, you will have:

• Excellent Customer Service Skills
• Strong Interpersonal and Communication Skills
• Ability to manage your own time effectively and respectful of the time of others
• Completes tasks thoroughly with strong attention to detail within deadlines
• Versatility, flexibility and positivity