Opportunities in Northpoint, Cork, Ireland, Ireland

Student Veterinary Nurse / Animal Care Assistant - Weekends Only

Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital, Northpoint, Co. Cork Part-Time | Permanent €14.15 per hour Application Closing Date: 1st September 2026

Kickstart Your Veterinary Career While You Study Are you currently studying Veterinary Nursing and looking for hands-on clinical experience alongside your studies? This is an excellent opportunity to join a friendly, supportive, and clinically driven veterinary team while continuing your education. Whether you're looking to gain valuable practical experience, build confidence in a busy hospital environment, or earn alongside your studies, this role offers the chance to develop your skills and work alongside experienced Veterinary Surgeons and Veterinary Nurses in a progressive, referral practice.

Weekend-Only Working Pattern This is a part-time weekend position, ideal for students looking to balance work with college commitments. You will work Saturday and Sunday, 9am-6pm - totalling 18 hours per week, with Bank Holiday shifts from 9am-6pm on occasion. There may also be the opportunity to pick up additional shifts during college holidays, mid-term breaks, study periods, and throughout the year to support annual leave and sickness cover, providing flexibility and the potential to increase your earnings and clinical exposure when available.

Build Your Skills in a Busy Veterinary Hospital This role will give you exposure to a wide variety of nursing and patient care responsibilities, allowing you to apply your learning in a real clinical environment while working closely with an experienced team. Duties will include supporting the nursing team with patient care, preparing and maintaining clinical areas, assisting with inpatient monitoring, laboratory work, infection control procedures, client interactions, and general hospital duties. As your confidence and experience grow, you'll have opportunities to become more involved in clinical cases and develop practical skills that will benefit your future veterinary career. No two days are the same, making this an exciting role for someone who is eager to learn and gain valuable industry experience.

What You'll Be Doing As a Student Vet Nurse / Animal Care Assistant, you'll be at the heart of the hospital, helping to ensure our patients are comfortable, safe and receiving the very best care throughout their stay. Working closely with our veterinary surgeons and nurses, you'll assist with the day-to-day care of hospitalised patients, including feeding, walking, monitoring and handling animals in a calm and compassionate manner. You'll play an essential role in maintaining exceptionally high standards of cleanliness and hygiene throughout the hospital, ensuring kennels, clinical areas and equipment are clean, safe and ready for use. You'll also support the wider team with general hospital duties, patient observations and record keeping, while occasionally assisting with reception and client-facing tasks to help ensure a welcoming experience for pet owners visiting the practice. This is a varied position that combines animal care, teamwork, organisation and client support, making it an excellent opportunity for someone looking to gain experience within a professional veterinary environment.

Who We're Looking For You must either be a current Student Veterinary Nurse or hold a QQI qualification in Animal Care, Animal Science or a related discipline - these are essential requirements for this position. While previous experience in a veterinary practice, kennels, cattery, rescue centre or animal care setting would be advantageous, it is not a requirement. This is an entry-level opportunity, and we are equally interested in candidates who bring a positive attitude, willingness to learn and strong work ethic. You will have a genuine passion for animal care, excellent communication skills, and a positive, team-focused attitude. The ideal candidate will be reliable, eager to learn, willing to take initiative, and excited to develop their knowledge in a supportive clinical environment. Previous experience working with animals is beneficial but not essential, as full support and training will be provided.

Why Join Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital? Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital is one of Ireland's most established and respected veterinary referral centres, offering an exceptional range of services and expertise under one roof. Our hospital provides routine and advanced veterinary care including surgery, orthopaedics, diagnostic imaging, CT, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, rehabilitation, hospitalisation and a dedicated 24-hour emergency service. Joining Sunbeam means becoming part of a highly skilled and supportive team where learning and development are encouraged every day. You'll work alongside experienced clinicians and nurses, including certificate holders across a range of disciplines such as Emergency & Critical Care, Internal Medicine, Exotics and Neurology. It's a fantastic environment for anyone looking to expand their knowledge, gain valuable clinical exposure and build a long-term career within the veterinary profession.

Benefits We offer a competitive salary and an excellent range of benefits designed to support your wellbeing, development and future career. Our benefits package includes annual leave, birthday leave, paid maternity, paternity, bereavement and sick leave, alongside access to wellbeing initiatives such as our Employee Assistance Programme, Cycle to Work Scheme, retail discounts, free flu vaccinations and company-wide wellbeing programmes. We're also committed to supporting career growth through structured development opportunities, annual pay reviews, career progression pathways and access to our Leadership Academy. Additional benefits include pension contributions and discounted veterinary fees for your own pets. Benefits are subject to pro-rata entitlement where applicable.

Join Our Team This is more than just an Animal Care role. It's an opportunity to join a respected referral hospital, work alongside an exceptional team, and build valuable experience in a profession dedicated to improving the lives of animals every day. If you're looking for a rewarding, hands-on role where you'll learn, grow and make a meaningful contribution, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today and start your journey with Sunbeam Veterinary Hospital.