The Community Vet plays a vital role in the work of the RSPCA NSW Community department.

RSPCA NSW Outreach Programs are the drivers of change in high priority communities, providing services and initiatives that improve the welfare of animals, the wellbeing of people and strengthens the human-animal bond. Our work prevents animal cruelty by delivering core veterinary services, resources and information that assists people to care for animals, and to value animals and the vital role they serve in individual and community well-being.

The Community Vet will assist in expanding and delivering the CAWS+ (Community Animal Wellbeing Scheme) initiatives, as well as delivering and participating in existing Outreach programs and activities and supporting the work of the various teams comprising the Community Department.

A core pillar will be to lead, deliver and grow our Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Programs (ICCAHP’s), which provide quality, needs-based veterinary services to remote and regional NSW.

This dynamic role requires a professional who is not only adept at leading and delivering programs but also flexible and willing to travel intrastate, staying in regional and remote communities up to a week out of the month. The Community Vet will be instrumental in meeting responsibilities that occasionally require work outside normal business hours and weekends, reflecting a dedication to achieving impactful outcomes in diverse and challenging environments. There is opportunity to maintain and grow veterinary skills working in the RSPCA NSW clinics if desired.

The Community Veterinarian is accountable for the key functions described below:

Program Management:

Support the Senior Manager Outreach Programs to expand and deliver CAWS+ (Community Animal Wellbeing Scheme +) initiatives in identified communities to create wholistic programs that address One Welfare issues in community. This includes:

• Community development activities such as Healthy Pet Days, desexing programs, community events as well as school and youth education activities
• Provide veterinary services to the public through Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHPs)
• Coordinate, deliver and grow Indigenous Community Companion Animal Health Program (ICCAHP)’s in regional NSW, including logistics, managing personnel, managing budgets, acquittal of grants, and funder relationships
• Ensure appropriate program data collection is implemented and data systems updated to enable continued monitoring and evaluation of activities and progress against the Outreach Business Plan, the RSPCA Strategic Plan and reports to stakeholders
• Collaborate and assist stakeholders with research projects associated with RSPCA NSW Outreach Programs activities

Advocacy & Stakeholder Engagement

• Establish and maintain relationships with relevant stakeholders including veterinarians, government agencies, industry and community groups
• Maintain collaborative relationships with Indigenous communities and all stakeholders to promote the benefits of partnering with RSPCA NSW to improve overall community health and wellbeing
• Provide assistance for the Community Programs Team social support programs, the Education Team with school and community-based education and assist the other areas of the Community department as required
• Raise community awareness and understanding of the positive and mutually beneficial links between human wellbeing and animal welfare through community and individual educational engagement

People Leadership and Management

• Develop and direct staff and volunteers, ensuring they are trained, fully enabled and utilised.
• Lead and contribute to a positive and inclusive work environment by effectively communicating and working collaboratively with team members and peers across all departments, and consistently role modelling the RSPCA NSW values and associated policies.
• Ensure a safe working environment whereby employees and volunteers perform their duties safely and adhere to all WH&S policies and procedures.

Professional Development

• Maintain current professional registrations and continue to undertake professional development in the relevant areas
• Shared Cultural safety and professional development opportunities
• Maintain relevant knowledge contributing to a One Health approach
• Maintain relevant veterinary clinical knowledge and surgical skills

Opportunity to maintain and grow veterinary skills working in the RSPCA NSW clinics if desired.

About You

• Bachelor of Veterinary Science or Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, essential
• Current registration with relevant state based Veterinary Practitioners Board
• Working With Children Check
• Unrestricted Class C NSW driver’s licence
• Cultural safety training or a willingness to undertake
• Minimum 3-5 years veterinary experience
• Proven experience in program or project management, including budget management
• Demonstrated capacity for strategic and operational analysis, planning and decision making
• Experience and passion for working with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities
• Experience working with diverse and under-resourced communities and demonstrated understanding of the challenges faced by these communities desirable
• A high level of competency and experience desexing
• Project management skills
• Excellent verbal and written skills with a diverse range of stakeholders of all ages
• Strong ICT skills
• Ability to accept responsibilities and accountabilities and be focused on delivering outcomes to meet RSPCA NSW objectives
• High sensitivity to reputational risk and ability to exercise discretion in the use of confidential information
• Conflict resolution, mediation and problem-solving skills
• Empathy for both humans and animals

This position requires the successful candidate to be flexible and willing to travel intrastate and stay in regional and remote communities. There is also a requirement for some work outside of normal business hours and weekend work.

Benefits and Perks of working with RSPCA NSW

• Health & Lifestyle benefits – Access to WHEREFIT Discount Program (activewear, gyms, health supplements, meals and apparel)
• 40% Royal Canin Discount for your beloved pets
• Access to Converge Employee, Volunteer Assistance Program (EVAP)
• 12 weeks Paid Parental and Adoption Leave
• Paid Community Service leave with SES or Rural Fire Service
• Animal Compassionate Leave
• Generous training and education opportunities
• Pathways to our Registered Training Organisation (RTO) courses

Apply Now

If this sounds like the role for you, we would love to hear from you! Simply click ‘APPLY NOW’ to send in your resume.

RSPCA NSW is an equal opportunity employer that understands and values the importance of creating a diverse and inclusive work environment. We are committed to making reasonable adjustments to provide a barrier-free recruitment process for people with a disability. If you require an adjustment or assistance during the recruitment process, please contact our recruitment team ([email protected]) using the subject line: Community Vet enquiry via EthicalJobs and identify the type of adjustment or assistance you are requesting. Our recruitment team will respond to your email promptly.