Trainee Veterinary Nurse

About the Role

Are you passionate about wildlife conservation? Do you want to make a meaningful difference in the lives of endangered species?

Free the Bears is an international conservation organisation dedicated to rescuing, rehabilitating, and protecting wildlife threatened by the illegal wildlife trade and bear bile farming across Southeast Asia. In Laos, we operate the Luang Prabang Wildlife Sanctuary and the Tat Kuang Si Bear Rescue Centre, providing lifelong care to more than 150 rescued sun and moon bears, as well as macaques, gibbons, red pandas, pangolins, birds, reptiles, and other wildlife.

Job Description:

We are seeking a motivated and reliable candidate to join our veterinary team as a Trainee Veterinary Nurse. This role is ideal for someone with a background in agriculture, animal care, biology, pharmacology or a strong interest in wildlife conservation, who is eager to develop veterinary nursing skills through hands-on training.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist veterinarians with routine health checks, treatments, and medical procedures
• Prepare and administer medications under veterinary direction
• Coordinate with animal care staff to ensure treatment plans are accurately implemented
• Monitor animal behaviour, appetite, and physical condition, and report any concerns
• Assist with basic diagnostic procedures, including sample collection and routine lab testing
• Maintain high standards of cleanliness and hygiene within hospital areas
• Clean, organise, and maintain veterinary equipment
• Support the care and management of animals in quarantine
• Assist with ordering veterinary supplies and conducting regular stocktakes
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date animal records (both paper-based and digital systems)
• Follow established biosecurity protocols and contribute to disease prevention practices

Essential Characteristics:

• High school diploma or equivalent
• Additional training or education in agriculture, animal care, biology, pharmacology
• Strong interest in animal welfare and conservation
• Highly motivated, compassionate, and hardworking
• Strong attention to detail with good organisational and time-management skills
• Ability to work respectfully within a diverse, multicultural team
• Good written and spoken English
• Fluent in written and spoken Lao
• Basic computer skills, including Microsoft Excel, Word, and PowerPoint
• Ability to work independently, take initiative, and adapt to changing priorities
• Positive attitude and strong teamwork skills
• Willingness to work weekends and public holidays (with time off in lieu)
• Ability to work in physically demanding conditions (outdoor work)
• Ability to ride a motorbike and/or drive a car

Desirable Attributes:

• Experience working in a veterinary or animal care setting
• Experience in a wildlife sanctuary or conservation environment

Contract:

• Full-time, five-days per week, 2-year contract with potential to extend. Subject to a 3-month probationary period

Salary:

• Competitive starting net salary of 250-300 USD/month, depending on experience

Reporting to:

• Regional Veterinary Programme Manager

Benefits & Terms:

• Competitive salary commensurate with qualifications and contract type
• Employer contributions to social, health, and unemployment insurance (after probation)
• Medical insurance
• Use of project motorbike (if available)
• 15 days annual leave plus Lao public holidays
• Opportunity to earn monthly performance-based bonuses
• Annual 13th month salary bonus in accordance with organizational policy
• Professional development opportunities