Animal Nursing Assistant

Based in Townsville Queensland, JCUVet is North Queensland’s only veterinary teaching hospital, referral, and specialist centre. JCUVet is passionate about training exceptional veterinary professionals while delivering specialised, GP and emergency veterinary care to our community. By integrating teaching with high-performing clinical services, we have a veterinary hospital that advances the profession today and secures its future tomorrow.

As an Animal Nursing Assistant (ANA), you will play an essential role in the day-to-day operation of JCUVets, helping to maintain a clean, safe, organised and well-functioning hospital environment for our patients, clients, students and staff. This is a highly hands-on role with a strong focus on hospital cleaning, laundry, maintaining equipment and supplies, and supporting the veterinary nursing team. ANAs contribute to the smooth running of the hospital by ensuring clinical areas are clean and ready for use, laundry and equipment are available when needed, and the hospital is maintained to a high standard throughout the day. This position is a full time, maximum term contract for 14 months.

Working alongside our veterinary nurses, veterinarians and wider hospital team, your responsibilities will include:

• Hospital cleaning and maintenance: Maintaining cleanliness and presentation throughout the hospital, including wards, kennels, consultation rooms, treatment areas, theatres, staff facilities, and other shared spaces.
• Patient accommodation: Cleaning and disinfecting cages, kennels, runs, bedding and other patient areas to maintain appropriate hygiene standards.
• Laundry and linen management: Operating washing machines and dryers, sorting, washing, drying, folding and distributing laundry, towels, blankets, bedding, scrubs and other linen to ensure adequate supplies are available throughout the hospital.
• General hospital upkeep: Keeping work areas, storage spaces and shared facilities clean, tidy and organised, identifying areas requiring attention and helping ensure the hospital remains functional and presentable.
• Stock receiving and replenishment: Assisting stock manager in receiving deliveries, checking and unpacking stock, putting items away in their designated storage locations, and restocking hospital areas as required to ensure supplies are readily available to staff.
• Equipment and instrument preparation: Cleaning and preparing instruments, assisting with the packing of surgical kits and ensuring equipment is ready for use in accordance with hospital procedures.
• Clinical area preparation: Cleaning and resetting consultation rooms, treatment spaces, wards and theatres between patients or procedures as directed.
• Waste management: Collecting and disposing of general, clinical and other waste in accordance with hospital procedures, infection control requirements and workplace health and safety guidelines.
• Animal care and husbandry: Assisting with basic animal care, handling and husbandry tasks under the direction of veterinary staff, including maintaining clean and comfortable patient environments.
• Team support: Assisting veterinary nurses and other hospital staff with routine tasks that support patient care and help the hospital operate efficiently.
• Routine and scheduled cleaning: Completing daily cleaning duties, checklists and other allocated tasks to ensure cleaning and maintenance responsibilities are consistently met.

We are looking for a reliable and motivated individual who enjoys working in a fast-paced environment and takes pride in contributing to the smooth day-to-day running of a busy veterinary hospital. To be successful in this role, you will have:

• A willingness to undertake and complete a Certificate II in Animal Care as part of your development in the role.
• A genuine passion for animal care and welfare, with an interest in learning about animal handling and husbandry.
• A willingness to undertake regular, hands-on and physical tasks, including cleaning, washing, folding laundry, restocking and maintaining hospital areas.
• Excellent attention to detail and a commitment to maintaining high standards of cleanliness, hygiene and organisation.
• Strong communication, teamwork and organisational skills.
• The ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.
• Solid computer skills, including familiarity with Microsoft Office, and the ability to learn and use hospital systems such as EzyVet and VetRadar.
• A reliable, positive attitude and a willingness to learn, accept feedback and develop new skills.

What we offer:

• Above award rates + super.
• Up to 14 weeks paid parental leave.
• Access to Fitness Passport and Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Continuous learning and development opportunities.
• Work-life balance – Enjoy a roster designed to support your work-life balance!
• Work at the cutting edge inside a university-based teaching hospital with access to the latest equipment.

For more information, please contact ***************@jcu.edu.au. Check us out at www.jcuvet.com.au. JCUVet is an equal-opportunity employer and welcomes applications from all suitable applicants. This position requires Australian work rights. Applicants must be Australian citizens, permanent residents, or hold a valid visa with permission to work.