"Laboratory and Technical Support Officer, Small Animal Surgery Nurse"

•  493740
•  Townsville
•  Professional
•  Full time
•  Closing on: Jan 11 2026

James Cook University (JCU) is creating a brighter future for life in the Tropics and beyond, through education and research that makes a difference locally and globally.

We now have an exciting opportunity for an energetic and experienced Laboratory and Technical Support Officer, Small Animal Surgery Nurse to support our Vet Sciences team.

• 36.25 hours per week | Fixed term until January 2027
• Based at our Townsville Bebegu Yumba campus
• HEWL 5: $76.633 - $86,920 plus up to 17% employer superannuation contributions
• A 2.75% pay rise from December 31, 2025.

ABOUT THE ROLE

The Laboratory and Technical Support Officer, Small Animal Surgery Nurse provides high-quality technical support for undergraduate practical classes and clinical teaching activities, enhancing hands-on learning experiences for veterinary students. This role provides high-quality veterinary nursing and technical support for undergraduate practical classes, including live animal and cadaveric surgeries. This role is essential in ensuring the highest standards of animal care and welfare, and in creating a safe, real-world clinical learning environment for future veterinary professionals.

• Delivering veterinary nursing support during live and cadaveric surgeries and clinical teaching activities, and providing pre- and post-operative animal care, ensuring the wellbeing of animals and supporting academic requirements.
• Support surgical and anaesthetic nursing by prepare patients and theatres, maintain sterility, monitor anaesthesia, and support safe, efficient surgical procedures.
• Preparing and setting up of equipment and learning materials prior to classes and providing advice on operation of equipment during classes as required and directed by academic staff.
• Clearance of surgical theatres and teaching facilities, storage and stock checks of equipment at the conclusion of classes.
• Routine maintenance and calibration check of equipment.
• Ensuring Veterinary facilities are operational and functional for use by adequately sourcing resources in line with purchasing and procurement policy and maintaining the safe functionality of all equipment through servicing and calibration

WHAT YOU CAN ACCOMPLISH IN THE ROLE

In this role, you will play a vital part in delivering engaging, hands-on learning experiences that prepare future veterinary professionals. By providing technical and veterinary nursing support during clinical and teaching activities, including live animal surgeries and anaesthesia, you will contribute directly to the quality of education and the wellbeing of animals within the Veterinary Sciences program.

Your contribution will help create a learning environment that reflects real-world clinical settings, enhancing students’ practical skills and confidence. This is an opportunity to apply your technical expertise in a meaningful way supporting teaching excellence, advancing student success, and promoting high standards of animal care and welfare.

Special Conditions

It is a requirement of this position to hold:

• Current First Aid Certificate;
• Current C’ Class Queensland drivers license; and
• Current Working with Children Blue Card.
• Certificate IV Veterinary Nursing or equivalent
• Q Fever vaccination or demonstrate immunity or willingness to get vaccinated.

WHY JCU?

JCU offers a dynamic and culturally diverse workplace where your ideas are valued, your professional growth is supported, and your work-life balance is respected. Working under the values of Authenticity, Excellence, Integrity, and Respect, we support and empower our people through the provisions of;

• A generous superannuation scheme with up to 17% employer contributions with UniSuper
• 5 weeks of annual recreation leave plus leave loading
• 15 days paid sick/carers leave per year
• Up to 6 months paid parental leave
• A range of flexible working options
• Staff study assistance and paid study leave
• Ongoing professional development support
• Fitness Passport
• Corporate discount on health insurance
• Free Employee Assistance Program (coaching and counselling)
• Well-equipped modern facilities and contemporary workspaces with access to on-site childcare and medical services at our Townsville and Cairns’ campuses

If you're looking to combine your technical expertise with a meaningful role in education and animal health, we’d love to hear from you.

HOW TO APPLY AND CONTACT DETAILS

Are you ready to make a difference? Join us at JCU, where your future meets the tropics.

Click the ‘apply’ button to be redirected to the JCU careers page and follow the below steps:

1. Complete the application form
2. Upload your current resume
3. Upload a cover letter outlining your relevant experience in relation to the key requirements of the role and how your skills and experience will ensure your success in the role. 

Applications close on Sunday 11th January 2026 at 11:55 PM AEST.

For any enquiries about the role, please contact Dr Amanda Norton at amanda.norton1@jcu.edu.au.

ABOUT OUR PROCESS

At JCU, we are committed to employing individuals who meet the requirements of the role and align with our values. All applicants will be contacted and advised of an outcome once the recruitment process is finalised.

Please visit our Information Privacy Policy to understand how your information is collected, stored, accessed and used.

SHAPE YOUR FUTURE WITH JCU

At JCU we’re not just shaping minds; we’re shaping the future.

As Australia’s only university established to focus on the issues of Northern Australia and the Tropics worldwide, JCU is dedicated to helping the world’s tropical regions to prosper. With our main campuses located in the vibrant and diverse tropics of Northern Queensland, JCU is at the forefront of research and education in some of the world’s most critical areas, including marine biology, environmental science, tropical and rural health, and more.

Find out more about JCU and our locations.