About this role
Head Veterinary Nurse (Full-Time) | Greencross Vets Ballarat | Ballarat, VIC
Lead with Compassion. Inspire Your Team. Help Shape the Future of Our Clinic.
Greencross Vets Ballarat is seeking an experienced and passionate Head Veterinary Nurse to join our team and play a key role in the ongoing success of our clinic.
This is an exciting opportunity for a confident senior nurse who enjoys mentoring others, driving high clinical standards, building a strong team culture, and fostering accountability, all while remaining hands-on in veterinary nursing.
If you're looking for a leadership role where your ideas are valued, your team is genuinely supportive, and your nursing and leadership skills are utilised every day, we'd love to hear from you.
A Clinic with Heart, Humour, and Genuine Team Spirit
At Greencross Ballarat, you won't feel like just another employee.
We're a collaborative, close-knit team that genuinely cares about each other, our patients, and our clients. We support one another through the busy days, celebrate our successes together, and firmly believe that a positive workplace culture is just as important as exceptional patient care.
Our nurses are highly valued members of the team and are trusted to take an active role in patient care, client communication, and clinic operations. We advocate for continuous learning, encourage professional development, and strive to deliver the highest standard of veterinary medicine possible.
We're also known for our kindness, compassion, good food, and healthy sense of humour.
About Our Clinic
Located just 75 minutes west of Melbourne, our clinic operates from a charming historic building dating back to Ballarat's gold rush era.
Recently renovated and thoughtfully designed, our hospital combines modern veterinary medicine with a welcoming and comfortable environment.
Our facilities include:
Full surgical suiteMultiparameter anaesthetic monitoringElectrocautery and suctioniM3 dental unit with digital dental radiographyDigital radiographyTonometryUltrasoundDedicated dog and cat wardsWe're a growing small animal practice with a large and loyal client base and a fantastic reputation within the local community.
About the Role
As Head Veterinary Nurse, you'll be a steady, dependable presence who is always thinking one step ahead. You'll lead by example, support your team, and help ensure the clinic operates smoothly and efficiently every day.
Beyond the clinical aspects of the role, you'll be instrumental in creating an environment where people feel valued, supported, accountable, and motivated to do their best work. You'll play a key role in maintaining the positive culture we are known for while ensuring high standards, clear expectations, and continuous development across the nursing team.
Your responsibilities will include:
Managing and supporting the veterinary nursing teamMentoring, training, and developing nurses across all experience levelsBuilding and maintaining a positive, engaged, and accountable team cultureIdentifying and implementing initiatives that support team wellbeing, morale, recognition, and engagementLeading by example and fostering a culture of collaboration, professionalism, and continuous improvementIdentifying performance concerns and working alongside the Practice Manager to implement appropriate coaching, development plans, and accountability measuresSupporting a culture of ownership, accountability, and continuous improvement across the nursing teamSupporting veterinarians in consultations, treatments, and proceduresUndertaking surgical nursing, pathology, hospital nursing, and team-based consultingProviding emergency and critical care nursing support when requiredSupporting workflow management and operational efficiencyAssisting with administrative and reception duties when requiredHandling client enquiries professionally in person, by phone, and via emailCoordinating equipment maintenance and repairs alongside the Practice ManagerIdentifying opportunities to improve processes and clinic performanceThis role offers the ideal combination of leadership, mentorship, culture-building, and hands-on nursing.
About You
We're looking for someone who:
Holds a Certificate IV in Veterinary NursingHas a minimum of 3+ years of clinical veterinary nursing experienceHas previous leadership, mentoring, or senior nursing experience, or is ready to step into a leadership roleEnjoys coaching and developing other nursesIs passionate about building a positive, engaged team cultureCan balance empathy and support with accountability and high standardsEnjoys recognising and celebrating team achievementsIs confident having coaching and performance conversations when requiredHas strong surgical nursing and anaesthetic monitoring skillsDemonstrates excellent organisational and time-management abilitiesIs calm, friendly, empathetic, and professionalHas strong communication and customer service skillsLeads with positivity, professionalism, and a solutions-focused mindsetHas experience with RxWorks (desirable but not essential)Most importantly, you're someone who enjoys helping others succeed and wants to be part of a clinic where teamwork, client relationships, and patient care are genuinely valued.
We're looking for a leader who understands that great clinics are built by great teams, and who is passionate about creating a culture where people are supported, challenged, recognised, and inspired to deliver exceptional care every day.
Why Ballarat?
Often described as "Mini Melbourne", Ballarat offers all the culture, cafés, restaurants, and amenities of a vibrant city without the congestion or metropolitan price tag.
Living and working in Ballarat means enjoying:
A thriving food and café sceneBeautiful parks, gardens, and outdoor spacesAffordable housing and lifestyle optionsExcellent schools and family-friendly communitiesA rich arts, culture, and history sceneEasy access to Melbourne by road or railProximity to Geelong, the Surf Coast, and the Great Ocean RoadIt's the ideal place to build a rewarding veterinary career while enjoying a fantastic quality of life.
Why Join Greencross?
As part of Australia's leading veterinary care network, you'll have access to a range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development, and career growth, including:
Ongoing continuing education and professional development opportunitiesAccess to VetEducation, VetWebinars, LinkedIn Learning, and other learning platformsAnnual Greencross Clinical & Leadership ConferenceCareer progression opportunities across a national network of clinics and hospitalsAccess to a broad community of veterinary professionalsStaff discounts on veterinary services and products, including Royal CaninPetbarn retail discountsAccess to Fitness PassportAccess to Pounce employee discounts across travel, retail, fuel, entertainment, and moreConfidential Employee Assistance Program (EAP)Mental health and wellbeing support programsA genuine commitment to work-life balanceApply Today
If you're an experienced Veterinary Nurse looking to take the next step in your career and lead a supportive, dedicated team, we'd love to hear from you.
Join Greencross Ballarat and help create an environment where exceptional patient care, strong team culture, accountability, and professional growth thrive every day. 🐾