About Us
At the Port Stephens Koala Hospital, we are dedicated to the rescue, rehabilitation, and conservation of koalas and other native wildlife. Our hospital is been at the heart of wildlife care and education, providing critical veterinary services, running successful breeding and release programs, and leading research and community initiatives to protect Australia’s iconic koalas.
We are seeking a full time or 4 day per week part-time Wildlife Superintendent & Head Veterinarian to oversee animal care operations, drive conservation initiatives, and provide expert veterinary leadership to ensure the health, welfare, and sustainability of our wildlife population.
About the Role
Responsible to the Board of Directors through the General Manager this is an outstanding opportunity for an experienced koala and wildlife veterinarian ready to lead a high-performance koala and other wildlife team within a supportive, progressive environment.
You’ll be responsible for:
- The delivery and facilitation of exceptional Koala and Wildlife care from the veterinary clinic section within the wider PSKH organisation.
- Koala and wildlife medicine, clinical treatment and surgery.
- Managing the day-to-day clinic operations within the wider PSKH organisation.
- Undertake veterinary assessments, procedures and surgery.
- Providing clinical leadership and mentoring the PSKH veterinary team
- Maintaining high standards of patient care and client communication
- Integrating and training of volunteer carers in day-to-day support activity
- Building and maintaining professional relationships with tertiary institutions and government agencies related to the care of wildlife.
- Being part of the wider senior management team within the PSKH organisation, reporting to the General Manager.
- Overseeing clinic performance and contributing to business growth
- Providing full and detailed reporting to the General Manager on a monthly basis of clinical activity
- Work with the General Manager and Wildlife Operations Manager to ensure all licencing and compliance requirements are met in a timely manner.
- Building strong relationships within the local community and other licensed rehabilitator wildlife groups.
About You
You’re an experienced veterinarian with strong clinical standards, great communication skills, management experience, and a supportive, team-oriented mindset. You understand and accept you will be working for the Port Stephens Koala and Wildlife Preservation Society (trading as Port Stephens Koala Hospital) and they are your employer and Veterinary Hospital Board, DCCEEW Biodiversity Conservation and DPI Exhibitor Licences holder.
You’ll bring
- A Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) and current registration and eligibility for full registration with the Veterinary Practitioners Board of NSW
- Prior employment in a leadership or senior clinical role with a minimum of 5 years’ experience in the diagnosis, treatment and rehabilitation of koalas and other wildlife.
- Confidence in managing both clinical and administrative responsibilities of a modern veterinary practice.
- A passion for teamwork, mentorship, and delivering exceptional wildlife patient care with experience in mentoring staff, students and volunteers.
- To be able to respond to the hospital, which is situated at One Mile, NSW when on roster or on-call.
- An ability to attend out of hours emergencies at the hospital when required.
- An ability to cooperate with other veterinary practices, registered wildlife groups and members of the public in the care and treatment of wildlife.
- Demonstrated expertise in surgery, anaesthesia and emergency care.
- Experience in managing high-incidence euthanasia and complex welfare decisions.
- Demonstrated research and/or post-graduate qualifications or membership with wildlife health management organisations.
Mandatory Requirements
- Veterinary degree registrable in NSW
- Eligibility for radiation user license
- Working With Children Check
- Unrestricted drivers’ licence
- Police History Check
- Tetanus, Q Fever and Rabies vaccinations
Work Location: In person
