Wildlife Veterinarian (Casual)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
Employer: Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH)
Reports to: Lead Veterinarian, General Manager
Key Relationships: Veterinarians, Vet Nurses, hospital volunteers, wildlife care groups
Date: June 2026
ABOUT US
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH) is a state-of-the-art facility dedicated to the care of injured, sick, and orphaned wildlife in the Northern Rivers region of New South Wales. Located in the picturesque hinterland community of Wollongbar, just a short drive from Lismore and the coast, the NRWH is poised to become a leading centre for wildlife medicine and conservation.
Opening its doors in early 2025, the NRWH offers a full range of veterinary services for wildlife, including triage, intensive and intermediate in-patient and out-patient care, short-term rehabilitation, and complements the work of existing local wildlife care groups.
Beyond individual animal care, the NRWH aims to make a significant impact on wildlife conservation. By working collaboratively with wildlife care groups, hospitals, networks, universities, TAFE, local communities, organisations, and government and non-government agencies, the NRWH contributes to systemic improvements in wildlife conservation.
The NRWH is committed to providing a supportive and nurturing environment for both animals and staff. The hospital's facilities are designed with human and animal welfare in mind. The NRWH prioritises employee well-being, offering a supportive workplace culture, a healthy work-life balance, and access to an employee assistance program.
ABOUT THE ROLE
The wildlife veterinarian will provide gold-standard veterinary care and take a holistic approach to patient treatment, attending to the medical, surgical, nutritional and behavioural needs of in-patients whilst using best practice diagnostic equipment including sonography, pathology and radiography. They will provide excellent service to members of public & carer groups. The wildlife vet will support the Lead Vet, be assisted by the nurses and work alongside the General Manager; administrative staff; & trained volunteers. There will be opportunities to contribute to internal and external wildlife research programmes.
Casual roles available. Remuneration negotiable commensurate with experience.
KEY RESPONSIBILITIES
- Provide veterinary health care to sick or injured wildlife, including maintenance of medical records, nutrition and necropsy of deceased animals
- Provide outpatient services to wildlife care groups
- Participate in disease investigation, surveillance programs and research initiatives
- Work with the team to foster & maintain a collaborative professional work environment
- Assist in educating, training and mentoring veterinary staff, students and wildlife carers
The successful applicant will be flexible, approachable, highly motivated, passionate and empathetic. They will work well within a team and autonomously under pressure.
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KEY SELECTION CRITERIA – Knowledge and Skills
The successful applicant is required to meet the following essential selection criteria:
- Demonstrate strong ethics, initiative, resourcefulness & adaptability to ensure patients are provided a high standard of veterinary care and welfare
- Demonstrated competence in handling, treatment & rehabilitation of Australian wildlife
- Experience in mentoring/ training staff and students
- Ability to implement safe work practices that ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff
- Strong time management & ability to perform under stress in a fast-paced environment
- Experience and understanding of the principles and methods of scientific research
- Highly developed interpersonal, verbal and written communication skills with the ability to work effectively in a team and with stakeholders
- Align with NRWH vision, mission and values
KEY SELECTION CRITERIA - Education and Experience:
- Must possess a degree in Veterinary Science that is registerable in Australia, & be eligible to work legally in Australia
- Ideally 3 years practical veterinary experience, including 1 year working with wildlife, within a wildlife facility or an exotics veterinary facility
SELECTION CRITERIA - Highly Desirable:
- Membership of ANZCVS or Masters degree in relevant field
- Current NSW radiation user licence or ability to obtain
SELECTION CRITERIA - Desirable:
- Venomous snake handling experience and training
- Training in capture & immobilisation of wildlife and current firearms license
- Current First Aid Certificate
- Current vaccination or protective titres against rabies, tetanus and Q fever
If you are interested in this role, we would love to hear from you. Please submit your cover letter & CV (maximum 2 pages each) to: [email protected]
The Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and we encourage interest from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. We value diversity, inclusivity, gender equity and we promote human friendly practices.
Employees of the NRWH must comply with and maintain up to date knowledge in:
OH&S legislation
Privacy legislation
Confidential Information Policy
NRWH Code of Conduct
Pay: $80,000.00 – $100,000.00 per year
Work Location: In person
