Trainee Veterinarian Nurse

Trainee Veterinary Nurse – Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing

Are you looking to kick start your career? Obtain a Nationally Recognised Qualification that will give you the skills to take you anywhere Townsville City Council is currently seeking applications for the 2026 Trainee intake

• 24 Months Maximum Term Full Time, 9-day fortnight
• Earn while you learn opportunity available to complete a Veterinary Nurse Qualification
• TRMW55 ($25,248 per annum + superannuation). Adult (over 21 upon commencement) TR21MW $45,906 per annum + superannuation

Why Choose Us

Townsville City Council is the largest local government authority in Northern Australia. We are committed to creating value by growing Townsville through driving economic diversity and generating an enriching lifestyle.

Our organisation provides and maintains close to $9b worth of community assets including water and wastewater network and treatment plants, bridges, drainage, roads, waste management, community facilities, sporting venues and more.

We contribute to an active lifestyle for our residents and visitors through events, providing recreational facilities, protecting the natural environment and heritage, while creating a mentally and physically healthy city.

We are driving economic diversity and cultivating an enriching lifestyle, growing a city for this and future generations by building a vibrant, sustainable and innovative city.

Council's vision is for Townsville to be a connected, lifestyle driven and innovation focused city while continuing to deliver service excellence and to be led by our community to create an exciting today and future.

Our Vision: A globally connected community driven by lifestyle and nature.

Our Purpose: Grow Townsville

Our Values: Safety, Excellence, Respect, Value, Enjoyment

About the Role

Under close supervision, this position undertakes a competency-based traineeship to develop a range of skills in veterinary nursing through formal and on the job learning activities and assisting in contributing to the care of all animals in the Animal Care and Adoption Centre. You will work closely with the Animal Care and Adoption team to learn basic identification and treatment of animal illnesses and injuries, behaviour assessment, animal population health management and environmental enrichment.

This position consists of completing a 2-year Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing at UQ Skills. For more information on the qualification through UQ Skills, please follow the below link;

Certificate IV in Veterinary Nursing - UQ Skills - University of Queensland

This position will commence in February 2026.

About You

In an ideal applicant, we are looking for:

• Willingness to be part of, and promote, a positive safety culture whilst adhering to all Health and Safety policies and procedures.
• Minimum completed of Year 10 with passes in English and Mathematics.
• Minimum of Queensland C class provisional drivers' licence (or ability to obtain).
• Sound written and verbal communication skills.
• Sound computer skills.
• Ability to work effectively within a team environment.
• Willingness to undertake the requirements to successfully complete the associated qualification.

How to Apply

Your application can be submitted through the 'Apply' button. Please include a cover letter (maximum 2 pages), outlining how your skills, qualifications and experience would allow you to achieve success in this role. We also will require your resume and attached copies of any licences and qualifications as per the key requirements of the role. In your resume, please discuss your previous work experience and any certificates/qualifications you have completed.

If you wish to discuss this position further, please contact Mel (Coordinator Programs and Vet Clinic) on

For further information review the Position Description.

Closing Date: 11.45pm, Monday 6 October

What We Offer

• 17.5% annual leave loading
• Up to 5 weeks annual leave
• Up to 3 weeks Personal/Carers Leave
• 14 weeks paid Parental Leave
• Domestic and Family Violence Leave
• Natural Disaster Leave
• Up to *13.5% Superannuation employer contribution for contributing members
• Salary Sacrifice opportunities
• Learning and Development opportunities
• Fitness Passport program offering discounted membership to selected gym, pool, and yoga facilities
• Employee Loyalty Program offering discounts at selected local businesses
• Employee Assistance Program

Townsville City Council sincerely appreciates the funding received through the Queensland Government's First Start Program initiative, which supports the Council in offering this Traineeship opportunity.

* The Council contribution to employees' superannuation for contributing employees shall be 13.5% of the employees' ordinary time earnings subject to the employee contributing a minimum of 6% of their ordinary time earnings.

We are committed to creating a safe and inclusive workplace where diverse styles, backgrounds, experiences, and perspectives are valued, encouraged, and respected. People from diverse backgrounds (including but not limited to, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander, people with diverse gender identities and sexualities, people from different cultural and linguistic backgrounds, people with disability, and veterans) are encouraged to apply

All successful candidates are required to undergo drug and alcohol testing as part of the recruitment process. Please be aware Townsville City Council has a 'zero tolerance' policy to drugs and alcohol in the workplace.

If you need any adjustments to be made to the recruitment process or if you would like to discuss any accessibility requirements, please contact or phone for a confidential discussion.