Working in a conservation role, this is your chance to support an iconic species to avoid extinction while living and working in a desirable lifestyle location in the NSW Northern Rivers. Part-time position, approx. 3 days per week (negotiable depending on availability), including on call and weekend work (shared with other staff).

• Must currently be eligible to work as a veterinarian in Australia (sponsorship is not available).
• Minimum hourly rate is negotiable commensurate with experience.
• Overtime rates and other employment conditions are in line with the Animal Care and Veterinary Services Award 2020.

 

ABOUT US

At Friends of the Koala, we believe in a future for koalas in the NSW Northern Rivers. Operating for over 35 years, we have an established history of working towards positive outcomes for koalas in a region that is home to one of the last significant, genetically diverse koala populations in Australia.

We operate the only specialised Koala Hospital in the region, which is licensed through the veterinary board of NSW. We are equipped with an anaesthetic machine, drip pumps, ultrasound, digital x-ray and are in the process of upgrading our Koala Hospital and Koala Care Facility, including the purchase of more equipment.

We are licensed through NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service to rescue, rehabilitate, and release sick and injured koalas. With the support of over 150 active volunteers and 400 plus members, we tend to approx. 350 sick, injured, and orphaned koalas each year. That's over a third of all wild koalas rescued in NSW and more than any other individual rescue group of wildlife hospital in the country.

Our Community Education and Administration Centre is our operational hub for community engagement and advocacy activity. Through our Community Nursery, we issue koala food trees and other rainforest species to private landholders and tree planting groups. We also negotiate with landowners to preserve and extend known koala habitat through targeted Habitat Restoration Projects.

If you believe in a future for this iconic species, we would love your support to ensure that NSW Northern Rivers koalas can continue to thrive in the years ahead.

 

ROLE PURPOSE

To ensure koalas receive an exceptional standard of triage and treatment whilst under our care, leading to improved rates of release to the wild.

 

RESPONSIBILITIES & KEY DUTIES 

• Triage koalas upon arrival.
• Administer medications, carry out treatments, medical and surgical procedures as appropriate and in accordance with best practice professional standards.
• Attend emergency call outs and koala rescues where appropriate.
• Take samples and collect data for our current research projects.
• Complete thorough veterinary medical records for each patient.
• Supervise the veterinary nurse and the koala care teams on duty.
• Assist with education and training activities.
• Liaise with carers and members of the public regarding the koalas in our care.
• Undertake media duties when necessary.

 

SELECTION CRITERIA

Essential 

1. Eligible for veterinary registration in NSW and have unrestricted rights to work in Australia (visa sponsorship is not available).
2. Experience with wildlife medicine and surgery (previous koala work preferable).
3. Knowledge and understanding of the key elements of the Code of Practice for injured, sick, and orphaned koalas.
4. Ability to work sole charge, including as part of an out of hours/on call roster.
5. Communicate in a friendly and effective manner with key contacts including the media, other staff, volunteers, external local community groups and associated veterinary contacts.
6. A professional approach to duties and standard of personal presentation.
7. Must hold a current driver’s licence.

 

Desirable 

1. Flexible, cooperative, and positive attitude.
2. Excellent time management and organisational skills.
3. Emergency and critical care experience.
4. Orthopaedic surgical skills.

 

HOW TO APPLY

Your application should include a resume with contact details for two professional referees and a cover letter (2-3 pages maximum) outlining how you your skills and experience meet the selection criteria for the role.

Please email PDF copies of your application documents to [email available after registering below] by 4pm on Thursday September 30. We will be reviewing applications as they come in so, please do not wait until just before due date to submit your application.

 

Please confirm closing dates at original source link and ensure you take note of appropriate time zones for position closing times.  Please note, Veterinarycareers.com.au takes no responsibility for closing dates or removal of job positions advertised.

For next steps in application please register below.