At a Glance
- Tasks: Lead a passionate team of veterinarians and support farmers in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Riverside Vet Clinic, part of a supportive veterinary community in Ashburton.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, sign-on bonus, relocation support, and generous leave.
- Other info: Enjoy skiing, hiking, and a welcoming community while building your career.
- Why this job: Make a real impact while enjoying a great lifestyle in beautiful Ashburton.
- Qualifications: Experienced Dairy Veterinarian with leadership and teamwork skills.
Lead Dairy Veterinarian | Great Farmers. Great Team. Great Lifestyle. | Ashburton, New Zealand
You've spent years becoming a trusted dairy veterinarian.
Now you're ready to lead and help build something.
Not from behind a desk.
But alongside a great team, great farmers and a practice with an exciting future.
You'd like a little more influence.
Not less clinical work... just a bigger say in how things are done.
Welcome to Riverside Vet Clinic.
Based in Ashburton, part of the Farmfirst & Petfirst Veterinary community.
They’re looking for an experienced Dairy Veterinarian to lead their large animal team as they move into an exciting new chapter.
This isn't about becoming "the boss."
It's about helping good people become even better, supporting less experienced vets and technicians, building stronger relationships with farming clients, and continuing to develop a practice you’re genuinely proud of.
You'll still spend plenty of time on farm because that's where the interesting conversations happen and enduring relationships are built.
Why Riverside?
They’re a team of seven veterinarians, supported by four fantastic large animal technicians who keep everything moving during the busy seasons.
Their clients range from large progressive dairy farms to sheep, beef, deer on high-country stations, so no two weeks are ever quite the same.
Being part of the Farmfirst & Petfirst community means you’ll also have the backing of a New Zealand-owned veterinary group that invests heavily in technology, education and innovation.
From AI-assisted clinical notes to their own Animal Health Planning software, they’re always looking for ways to spend less time on paperwork and more time helping farmers.
They believe work should be somewhere you can enjoy yourself, grow your skills and make a genuine difference, for your clients, your colleagues and yourself.
- What’s in it for you
- $150,000-$180,000 salary plus 3.5% Kiwi Saver.
- $10,000 sign-on bonus and $5,000 relocation support.
- Profit share and on-call remuneration.
- Company vehicle.
- Four weeks annual leave, birthday leave and long service leave.
- Gym membership and season ski pass for your first year.
- A supportive team that likes working together (and having a laugh while they do it)
Why Ashburton?
People often move here for the job and end up staying for the lifestyle.
One weekend you can be skiing. The next you're fishing, hiking in the back country or heading into Christchurch for dinner before being home the same evening.
The commute is measured in minutes, and houses are still affordable.
The coffee's good.
The farming community is welcoming, and veterinarians are genuinely respected for the work they do.
It's a bloody good place to build a career, and an even better place to build a life.
So, what’s next?
If you’re looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is encouraged, and your life outside work is just as important as the care you provide, this could be the move that changes everything.
Send your CV (even if it’s not up to date) or reach out with any questions. They want to know the person, not just the paperwork.
The next few years at Riverside are going to be exciting. Why not help them write the next chapter?
Lead Veterinarian employer: Vet Finders
Riverside Vet Clinic is an exceptional employer that values collaboration and personal growth, offering a unique opportunity for experienced veterinarians to lead a dedicated team in the heart of Ashburton. With a strong focus on innovation and technology, employees benefit from a supportive work culture, competitive salary packages, and a lifestyle that balances professional fulfilment with outdoor adventures. Join a community where your contributions are recognised, and enjoy perks like a sign-on bonus, relocation support, and ample leave to ensure a rewarding career and life.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Lead Veterinarian
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Lead Veterinarian at Vet Finders.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Vet Finders!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Lead Veterinarian.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Vet Finders.
We think you need these skills to ace Lead Veterinarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Lead Veterinarian at Vet Finders, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Lead Veterinarian at Vet Finders. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Vet Finders will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vet Finders
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
