About us

Lort Smith Animal Hospital is a Melbourne icon, serving its people and animals for 87 years. We are Australia’s biggest not-for-profit animal hospital treating over 20,000 animals a year across two locations. We provide a service that is best suited to the times and the needs of the community right now.

Join us as our new chapter is written, with the newly redeveloped North Melbourne Hospital now open in a modern state of the art building with improved spaces for patients and updated facilities to support the wellbeing and operations of our hard-working staff

What does working at Lort Smith mean?

We are an independent NFP. We are rewarded through our impact in the community – and our team holds the same values.
Being a community driven organisation means connection - we are here because of our belief in the human-animal bond which goes beyond companionship and the impact we have and leave on the world.

About the role

Based at North Melbourne, our redeveloped hospital will allow you to enjoy all the benefits of working in a contemporary facility specifically designed to optimise animal health and wellbeing. You will work together with a team of Vets and Nurses to deliver high quality, affordable animal care to all members of the community.

This part-time role will give you exposure to some of the most diverse nursing experiences – the opportunity of working together with our highly regarded exotics vets on birds, reptiles, amphibians, small furries, native wildlife and more.

This role is part time, however there may be the opportunity to pick up extra shifts in other departments of the North Melbourne hospital.

About you

You have high professional standards and a strong sense of purpose. You are curious, open-minded and respectful of others. You find motivation in delivering quality veterinary nursing and a genuine commitment to helping people and the animals they love. You have a positive attitude, collaborate with other team members and your ability to build rapport with clients is second-to-none.

You will also have:

• Formal qualifications in Veterinary Nursing – Certificate IV or Bachelor Degree
• Demonstrated experience in working with exotics
• Minimum of 3 years in an animal shelter, veterinary practice or hospital environment
• Triage skills
• Ability to engage in professional discussions with clients, displaying empathy and compassion
• Effective communication skills
• Willingness to learn and improve your skills
• Strong decision-making processes

In return, you’ll enjoy:

• Choice of flexible and varied rosters
• Outstanding support from a highly skilled team
• Wellbeing support, EAP and in-house chaplaincy
• Interesting and diverse caseloads – it’s never boring, especially in exotics
• Access to our own high-quality equipment to perform top level veterinary practices
• Great discounts on veterinary treatment, products and pet insurance
• Penalty rates & leave loading
• Pet friendly policies – you can bring your pet to work

To learn more about Lort Smith and the work we do, please visit: www.lortsmith.com or look us up on Instagram.

Contact us via [email protected] using the subject line: Vet Nurse - Exotics enquiry via EthicalJobs if you'd like us to send you a position description or for more information.

If you are excited about the prospect of joining our team and making a difference, please click 'Apply Now'. 

Lort Smith is a great place to work. We are an equal opportunity employer and actively support workplace diversity, equity and inclusion.

Preferred applicants will be asked to consent in writing for Lort Smith Animal Hospital to conduct police check and each application will be individually considered on its merits.