• Employer: Northern Rivers Wildlife Hospital (NRWH)
• Reports to: General Manager
• Key Relationships: Veterinarians, Vet Nurses, hospital volunteers, wildlife care groups

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 late 2024, the NRWH will offer a full range of veterinary services, including triage, intensive and intermediate in-patient and out-patient care, and short-term rehabilitation. The hospital will also scale to accommodate longer-term rehabilitation of certain species, complementing 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 will contribute 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 Lead Vet will be involved in commissioning the new Wildlife Hospital. They will be a role model for the veterinary team and will lead by example to ensure a high standard of care and ethics is upheld for each patient.

They will train and mentor the veterinary team with a holistic approach to patient care, attending to the medical, surgical, nutritional and behavioural needs of in-patients, whilst using best practice diagnostic equipment including sonography, pathology and radiography.

There will be opportunities to contribute to internal and external wildlife research programmes. The Lead Vet will provide excellent service to members of public and carer groups.

The role is permanent full-time/ part-time (negotiable). Remuneration package negotiable commensurate with experience.

Key Responsibilities

The Lead Vet is required to manage the day-to-day case load of the hospital, including:

• 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 develop 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.

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
• Exceptional leadership skills with experience in mentoring/ training staff and students
• Ability to implement safe work practices that ensure the safety and wellbeing of staff
• Strong time management & the 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
• At least 5 years practical veterinary experience, including a minimum of 5 years 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 click Apply Now to submit your application.

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