Head Veterinary Nurse

He angitūtanga: The opportunity
We are seeking a passionate, pragmatic and experienced Head Veterinary Nurse to lead the direction, development and delivery of our newly forming veterinary nursing team. This is a leadership role for someone who leads by example and isn’t afraid to get stuck in alongside their team.

This role will manage a small team of veterinary nurse staff and work collaboratively across departments to ensure alignment with Orana’s conservation goals and strategic direction. It is the perfect opportunity for someone who is practical, collaborative, solutions-focused, and committed to doing what it takes to get the job done, whether that’s hands-on animal care or supporting wider team operations.

This position will:

• Lead and motivate the veterinary nursing team, managing rosters and performance.
• Assist veterinarians with routine, emergency, and surgical procedures.
• Administer medications, monitor anaesthesia, and maintain accurate medical records.
• Oversee hospital and quarantine care for animals.
• Manage veterinary supplies, equipment maintenance, and drug inventory.
• Conduct routine health checks, welfare assessments, and support biosecurity protocols.
• Perform diagnostic testing, sample collection, and assist with post-mortems.
• Support capture, restraint, and transport of animals using low-stress techniques.
• Ensure compliance with health, safety, and regulatory standards.
• Engage in professional development and contribute to research and conservation initiatives.

He kōrero mōu: About you
You are a pragmatic, communicative, hard-working, empathetic individual keen for the opportunity to help Orana Wildlife Park build its onsite veterinary care capability. You thrive in a practical, hands-on environment and are ready to roll up your sleeves to help establish and grow our veterinary nursing team from the ground up. This is not a role for those who shy away from hard work or dynamic challenges—adaptability and resilience are essential.
You are a fun and confident leader, with a strong commitment to and background in veterinary nursing and care. You will bring creativity, strategic thinking and a collaborative, growth mindset to your work.

You will have:

• Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing (or equivalent).
• Minimum 5+ years of experience in a veterinary nursing role (zoo, wildlife, or exotic species experience preferred).
• Full drivers licence
• Experience working with wildlife, exotic species, or large animal care
• Familiarity with biosecurity protocols, health and safety regulations, and veterinary compliance standards.
• Strong leadership capability with experience managing staff.
• Experience aligning own and direct reports’ working practice to organisational strategic plans and budgets.
• Strong technical veterinary nursing skills, including diagnostic testing, surgical assistance, and wound care.
• Ability to handle and restrain a variety of species, ensuring animal and staff safety.
• Excellent record-keeping and data management for medical histories, drug use, and veterinary procedures.
• Strong communication skills, with the commitment and ability to educate and train animal care staff.
• Detail-oriented with excellent organizational and time-management skills.
• Adaptability and problem-solving skills, particularly in dynamic and unpredictable zoo environments.
• Willingness and ability to work in all weather conditions, handle physically demanding tasks, and assist across departments when needed.

Ngā āhuatanga kei a mātou: What we offer
You will join an incredibly passionate team who are committed to their animals and the Trust’s conservation goals.
This is a full-time, permanent position, working 40 hours per week. The working roster will be either Tuesday – Saturday, or Sunday – Thursday as the two nursing staff we are recruiting for will each cover one weekend day as part of their team roster to ensure we have seven day a week cover.

As a member of our team, we are able to offer you: