SANCCOB, a globally recognised leader in seabird conservation, is seeking to employ a full-time Veterinary Nurse to join the Veterinary Team in Table View, Cape Town. The main scope of work will be to assist SANCCOB’s Clinical Veterinarian with the veterinary treatment of wild African Penguins and other seabirds for rehabilitation and release.
Institution
The Southern African Foundation for the Conservation of Coastal Birds (SANCCOB NPC)
Location
Table View, Cape Town
Job Title
Veterinary Nurse
Reports To
Clinical Veterinarian
Closing Date
31 July 2026
Starting Date
As soon as possible
Full-time / Part-time
Full-time permanent position
Work Hours
This is a full-time role based on a 40-hour working week, which includes participation in an on-call roster covering after-hours, weekends, and public holidays. SANCCOB operates as a response organisation, with its seabird hospital open seven days a week. Given the nature of the work, flexibility in working hours is essential, although these will generally align with a 40-hour work week.
Travel
Be willing and able to travel locally and internationally, as required.
The purpose of this position is to support the Clinical Veterinarian in the day-to-day running of the seabird hospital. This is a hands-on, practical role requiring active involvement in all aspects of patient care, including clinical support, laboratory work, cleaning and disinfection, and maintaining strict biosecurity standards.
The successful candidate must be able to respond to emergency situations at short notice, including after-hours callouts, and be willing to travel when required. A valid driver’s licence is essential. Participation in an after-hours on-call roster, shared with the Clinical Veterinarian and locum veterinarians, will form part of this role.
Comprehensive on-site training will be provided, with a focus on African Penguins and other seabird species. Once fully trained, the candidate will also be responsible for supporting the training and supervision of staff, interns, and volunteers.
This role offers a unique opportunity to contribute meaningfully to seabird conservation, work with a diverse range of interesting and often complex seabird patients and gain specialised experience in avian medicine, including disaster response. The position is based within a dynamic, creative, and supportive environment that encourages innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Reporting directly to the Clinical Veterinarian, oversee all seabird hospital operations, including the seabird nursery, ensuring that protocols and standards are consistently maintained in accordance with SANCCOB’s standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Assist the Clinical Veterinarian with the examination and treatment of seabird patients undergoing rehabilitation, including blood sample collection and analysis, microscopy, microchipping, and accurate record keeping.
- Monitor anaesthesia and provide assistance during surgical procedures.
- Support post-operative recovery and ensure appropriate handover of patients to seabird rehabilitators.
- Assist with and perform radiographic procedures as required.
- Supervise, train, and mentor students, staff, and volunteers.
- Provide daily care and treatment of seabirds, including admitting and stabilising new patients, wound management, and administering medication.
- Participate in after-hours and weekend on-call duties as required.
- Manage and control veterinary stock and supplies.
- Prepare and submit monthly veterinary reports.
- Assist with the annual review and updating of veterinary standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ensure high standards of hygiene and cleanliness are maintained throughout the seabird hospital and all associated equipment.
- Maintain surgical theatres, radiography, and admissions areas in a clean, organised, and operational state always.
- Ensure strict biosecurity protocols are implemented and consistently upheld within the seabird hospital.
- The ideal candidate is a team player who is physically fit, hard-working, dedicated, self-motivated and has a passion for seabirds and conservation.
- The successful candidate will require the following:
- Demonstrated ability to work in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOPs).
- Ability to perform effectively in a fast-paced environment and adapt to changing priorities and situations.
- Strong critical thinking and analytical skills.
- Excellent planning, time management, and communication skills.
- Ability to guide, train, and support others with patience and professionalism.
- Ability to work both independently and collaboratively within a team environment.
- A personable, caring, and compassionate approach to animal welfare.
- Willingness and ability to work extended hours, including weekends, public holidays, and in varying weather conditions.
- A strong passion for conservation and wildlife care.
- A Diploma or Degree in Veterinary Nursing, with registration with the South African Veterinary Council.
- A valid driver’s licence and access to reliable transport.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Outlook, Word, and Excel.
- Experience in wildlife or avian nursing will be advantageous.
- Experience managing small teams and/or volunteers will be advantageous.
- Experience in writing, including reports and standard operating procedures (SOPs), will be advantageous.
- Must be a South African citizen or a hold a valid South African work permit.The successful candidate will require the following: o Senior certificate (Matric certificate)
REMUNERATION:
Subject to negotiation. Remuneration package commensurate with qualifications, experience, and SANCCOB’s remuneration model.
HOW TO APPLY:
To apply, please submit your CV (maximum 2 pages), with at least 3 contactable references, and a letter of motivation (no longer than 500 words) to Dr David Roberts at [email protected]. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted. SANCCOB is an equal-opportunity employer and encourages applicants from diverse backgrounds. We invite you to join us in our mission to protect seabirds and make a difference for the future of our planet’s ecosystems. SANCCOB reserves the right not to make an appointment should a suitable candidate not be found.
