Veterinary Nurse - TWPZ

Company description:

At Taronga Zoo in Sydney and Taronga Western Plains Zoo in Dubbo, we lead conservation efforts in the field and participate in regional and global conservation breeding programs to establish insurance populations for species threatened in the wild. We also operate two wildlife hospitals that treat and rehabilitate injured native wildlife, as well as providing best practice health care for the animals at our Zoos.

Taronga has a deep commitment to conservation science. In Australia and internationally, we work with universities, governments and conservation partners to respond to challenges impacting wildlife and people. We also have a proud tradition of delivering conservation education programs that increase knowledge and awareness and inspire students to become global leaders in conservation. Taronga receives support from the NSW Government and the Taronga Foundation. Established in 2000, the Taronga Foundation raises funds for conservation, education programs and wildlife in our care.

Job description:

• Located at Dubbo's iconic, Taronga Western Plains Zoo
• Ongoing full-time position
• TCSA Salaried Employees Award, annual package starting from $82,614 (Trade keeper 1-4)
  (including base salary starting from $72,890 + 11% superannuation + allowances and penalty rates where applicable (depending on experience)
• 5 weeks annual leave
• 7-day roster, which may include weekends and/or public holidays (penalty rates apply)
• Casual roles are also available. If you are interested in either full-time or casual work, please apply!

Taronga Western Plains Zoo is looking for an experienced, driven, and motivated Veterinary Nurse who is interested in joining a leading organisation in conservation, education, animal management and transformational guest experiences.

About the Role:

As a Veterinary Nurse you will be working with an experienced wildlife health team at our remarkable, new purpose-built wildlife hospital located at Taronga Western Plains Zoo.

Some key features of this role:

• Taronga Western Plains Zoo is home to a large population of non-domestic hoof-stock including giraffe, zebra, hippo, deer, antelope, elephants and rhinoceros. Experience with husbandry and anaesthesia of hoof stock will be highly regarded.
• The wildlife health team provide a free veterinary service for sick, injured and orphaned native wildlife, caring for over 700 native animals each year. This role involves wildlife triage, treatment and rehabilitation.
• The wildlife hospital showcases veterinary work to zoo visitors, with animal treatment rooms, surgical facilities and laboratories on display. Delivering guest experience and education is embedded in wildlife hospital operations and is an integral part of the daily requirements of this role.
• This role provides veterinary support for several ex-situ conservation breeding programs based at Taronga Western Plains Zoo. Opportunities for fieldwork may be available periodically.
• The wildlife health team are supported by Taronga's wildlife pathologists, science team and nutritionist, and a network of veterinary specialists for assistance with complex cases.
• Veterinary nurses also support the education and training of students in various fields.

About You…

We are looking for candidates that have:

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Certificate III in Wildlife and Exhibited Animal Care or equivalent recognised qualification.
• Experience working as a clinical veterinary nurse in a zoo or similar environment, including anaesthetic and surgical nursing experience with a variety of large and small animal species.
• Sound knowledge and competency in all aspects of veterinary nursing including but not limited to, triage and first aid, sampling techniques, in-house laboratory testing, drug calculations and administration techniques.
• Experience and practical knowledge using a variety of veterinary equipment including radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, dental equipment, capnography, and pulse oximetry etc.
• Husbandry experience in a hospital environment for a wide variety of wildlife species, including enclosure set up, animal enrichment programs, and diet transitions.
• Skills and experience in animal capture and restraint with a wide variety of species
• Demonstrated ability to follow Work Health & Safety procedures in an animal health environment, including radiation safety, biological hazards and dangerous drugs.
• A proactive, positive outlook with strong problem-solving skills.
• Ability to balance competing priorities and maintain high standards in a complex, busy and extremely varied workplace.
• NSW C Class Drivers Licence (or the ability to transfer current unrestricted licence)
• Pre employment TB screening, Q Fever, Rabies and Tetanus vaccinations are a requirement of this role
• Current NSW Working with Children Check; or willingness to obtain.

Benefits…

Our employees enjoy generous employment conditions including some of the following:

• Complimentary family and friends passes across both Taronga's Zoos in Dubbo and Sydney
• A wide range of discounts on our award-winning accommodation
• Discounted food and beverage purchases across both sites
• Fitness Passport
• + more!

We Value Diversity…

• Taronga is an equal opportunity employer, where we recognise the diversity of our workforce and community - be it based on gender, age, culture, religion, language or personal circumstances.
• Taronga is also committed to building on the perspectives, experience, knowledge and skills that this diversity brings to our organisation.

About Applying…
Please submit your resume and a cover letter of one page. You are also required to complete the three target questions as part of your application.

1. Provide an example of a situation where you took personal responsibility for improving an outcome for a patient in your care. How did you approach the situation and what did you learn?
2. How do you approach working in a team that is consistently busy and has to balance complex competing priorities. What strategies do you employ to ensure a harmonious team environment and culture? Provide examples.
3. Please indicate whether you are interested in a full-time or casual position.

Applications Close: 11:59PM 30 August 2026

We offer:

Together, we take on meaningful projects and work towards our shared vision of a better and wilder future. It's all about the mini moments that contribute to our mighty mission and shape our collective success.