Senior Veterinary Nurse – Christchurch

Christchurch | Permanent Part-Time | Use your skills to make a difference for animals in need

Our Christchurch Centre is looking for a Senior Veterinary Nurse to join our team, providing high-quality clinical care while supporting and mentoring those around you. Working alongside our Head Veterinary Nurse, veterinarians and wider team, you'll combine hands-on nursing with helping coordinate daily hospital activities and maintaining high standards of animal care.

• Location: SPCA Christchurch Centre
• Employment: Permanent, part-time
• Hours: 32 hours per week
• Experience: Qualified Veterinary Nurse with at least 2 years’ clinical experience and experience training or mentoring others

ABOUT THE ROLE

As a Senior Veterinary Nurse with SPCA, you'll play an important role in ensuring animals receive the highest standard of care throughout their time with us. You'll be a source of guidance and support for the team, sharing your knowledge and helping daily clinical work run smoothly.

• Provide high-quality medical and surgical nursing care, assisting veterinarians with treatments, anaesthetics and clinical procedures
• Assess and monitor patients, recognise when veterinary attention is needed and provide appropriate nursing support in emergency situations
• Help coordinate daily activities and patient flow within the hospital, supporting efficient teamwork while maintaining patient safety and capacity for care
• Train, mentor and support staff, students and volunteers, building their confidence and helping maintain consistent standards of care
• Promote Fear Free handling and shelter practices, ensuring animals receive appropriate species-specific care and enrichment
• Maintain accurate clinical records and uphold high standards of hygiene, infection control and health and safety
• Support the Head Veterinary Nurse with developing nursing practices and identifying opportunities to improve how we work

Every day can look a little different in a shelter environment. You'll need to be comfortable adapting to changing priorities, working across a range of cases and helping others navigate a busy clinical day.

WHAT WE'RE LOOKING FOR

• A qualified Veterinary Nurse with at least 2 years’ clinical experience
• Strong skills in routine medical and surgical veterinary nursing
• Experience training or mentoring others, with an approachable manner and the ability to inspire and encourage team development
• Experience working effectively in a fast-paced clinical environment with competing priorities
• Sound judgement and the ability to make informed decisions that put animal welfare first
• Strong communication and relationship-building skills, including working with staff, students and volunteers
• Good organisation, attention to detail and accurate clinical record keeping
• The ability to remain calm, professional and empathetic in challenging or emotional situations
• A commitment to ongoing learning and a genuine connection to SPCA's goals and values

SPCA PURRRKS

At SPCA, working with purpose is just the beginning. Our team is passionate about animal welfare and proud to make a real difference across New Zealand. If you're looking for a role where your values, wellbeing and contributions truly matter, here's what we offer:

• A workplace culture where collaboration, development and kindness are key
• Enjoy a paid day off for your Birthday, it’s our way of celebrating you! 
• Exclusive discounts and benefits, including pet insurance and retail offers
• Access to 24/7 confidential wellness support
• Feel good knowing your work is improving the lives of animals in need

APPLY NOW

If you're an experienced Veterinary Nurse who enjoys sharing your knowledge and supporting others, we'd love to hear from you. Bring your clinical skills and compassion to a role where you can make a real difference for animals in need. Apply now!

We have a diverse, inclusive and values-driven culture at SPCA. We value a diverse work environment because teams are stronger with different perspectives and experiences, so we welcome people from all walks of life to apply. All applicants must possess the legal right to work in New Zealand.