Full time Shelter Veterinary Nurse Team Leader – 9-month temporary contract (July Start)

About us:

Here at The Lost Dogs' Home, we provide veterinary care and treatment for more than 15,000 cats and dogs each year. Our shelter hospital provides a high standard of veterinary care for all stray, surrendered and injured animals as prepare them for their new life. We pride ourselves on employing qualified individuals who demonstrate a strong personal connection to animals, the community, and the cause.

Our team of highly skilled vets and nurses enjoy the excitement of shelter work and love that they play such an integral part of an animal’s journey to finding a forever home. You will be supported by a team who will provide guidance and mentorship along the way, and you will have the opportunity to further develop your nursing skills in the unique world of shelter medicine.

About the role

We are currently seeking a Shelter Veterinary Nurse Team Leader to fulfil the role on a temporary basis. Supported by the Veterinary Services Manager and Lead Shelter Veterinarian, the Shelter Nurse Team Leader will be responsible for overseeing and assisting the coordination of our 16 dedicated Shelter Veterinary Nurses. Our new candidate will assist the Shelter Veterinary Medicine Team to provide efficient, streamlined and compassionate veterinary services for all animals in our care.

Some of the key responsibilities include:

• Lead, mentor and manager the Shelter Veterinary Nurses;
• Uphold a positive team ethos within the immediate team through positive participation and communication;
• Train staff in appropriate safe and stress-free nursing and animal handling techniques;
• Oversee preparation of rosters ensuring leave coverage, and approving timesheets;
• Manage staff including facilitating regular one-to-one catch ups, goal setting;
• Review, develop and implement team and organisation protocols;
• Ensure quality animal care by liaising with the Lead Shelter Veterinarian;
• Ensure comprehensive records of admissions, care, treatments, rehabilitations and outcomes are maintained;
• Carry out veterinary related tasks under the guidance of the veterinarian.

 About you

We are looking for an experienced veterinary nurse to lead and manage our exceptional veterinary nurses, a natural leader to continue the great culture we have in our team. We are seeking someone who understands and promotes our values and is passionate about patient care and maintaining high standards of stress free care.

The successful applicant will:

• Have significant experience working as a Veterinary Nurse;
• Possess a Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (essential);
• Have excellent time management and organisational skills;
• Experience in a shelter environment (desired);
• Be a proven team player, with the ability to show initiative in a fast-paced environment;
• The ability to motivate and lead a team to high standards;
• Have sound emotional maturity, resilience, and animal welfare ethics.

What we can offer you:

• Fantastic career development and opportunities to develop skills not only in shelter medicine but also in the animal welfare industry;
• Great work-life balance, Monday – Friday role, only the occasional weekend required;
• An animal only role, no reception or client facing duties;
• A compassionate, supportive and proud work environment;
• Access to our Employee Assistance Program and onsite counselling service;
• Discounts at our Frank Samways Vet Clinic.

 
If you are looking for a rewarding leadership role in the animal welfare industry and are interested in joining our team, please apply via our careers page, ensuring you have attached your cover letter and current resume in Word or PDF format.
  
The Lost Dogs' Home is an equal opportunity employer committed to providing a working environment that embraces and values diversity and inclusion. Only candidates with the right to work in Australia may apply for this position.