At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide veterinary care to small animals in a beautiful riverside setting.
- Company: Long-standing small animal clinic with a holistic approach.
- Benefits: Earn $120 per hour, enjoy a houseboat home and a car.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant community and outdoor activities in stunning Buronga.
- Why this job: Experience meaningful work with a lifestyle that brings joy and adventure.
- Qualifications: Veterinary qualifications and a passion for animal care.
The predicted salary is between 100 - 120 £ per hour.
Ready for a locum role that feels more like a life chapter than a job? From 1st May to 31st July 2026 (and likely the same each year), join a long-standing small animal clinic on two riverfront acres in Buronga NSW. Where your commute is a stroll along the Murray River, and your bed rocks gently on a houseboat in the marina.
You’ll earn $120 per hour and enjoy shorter days than most clinics: Tuesdays 8:30–4:30, Wednesdays 8:30–6:00, Thursdays 8:30–4:30, and Saturdays 8:30–12:30. After-hours is light, usually nothing between 7pm and 7am, with the odd emergency or quick phone call for a trusted client.
It’s sole charge, but never lonely: their Practice Manager (Cert IV, 25 years in the clinic) anchors the team alongside a nurse-receptionist, a groomer, and kennel staff. The work is the kind that keeps skills sharp and days satisfying. Dogs and cats are their mainstay, with the occasional horse or unexpected visitor from the surrounding countryside. All patients are seen onsite, no home visits, in a clinic built to do things well.
You’ll handle routine desexing, dentistry, lump removals, wound management and, for rescue patients, the occasional femoral head removal or amputation. We keep patient numbers to about 30 a day, so care is never rushed. They have been serving their local community for thirty years. Their outlook is proudly holistic; “let food be thy medicine” is a guiding principle. Alongside conventional care, they offer veterinary chiropractic, Chinese medicine, acupuncture, behaviour programs, treadmill rehab, and a heated hydrotherapy pool. If you’ve got interest or skills in these areas, you’ll feel right at home.
The setting is a pleasure to work in: paddocks and an undercover dressage arena, shaded yards for up to 30 dogs, and an air-conditioned equine barn that doubles as an all-weather workspace. Within the complex, their grooming centre, boarding facilities, and puppy school hum along, calling on the vet as needed.
Outside work, Mildura shines. It’s one of Australia’s great country towns, perched on the mighty Murray and a gateway to the Outback. You might cruise on a paddlesteamer, kayak at sunrise, waterski, fish for Murray cod, sample local wines, enjoy live music, explore World Heritage-listed Mungo National Park, or visit the silver city of Broken Hill. Adelaide’s beaches are four hours away; Melbourne and Sydney are just a quick flight from the local airport.
If you’re after meaningful medicine, sensible hours, and a lifestyle that makes you grin, we would love to hear from you. Do the work you love. Live by the river and take home memories that last a lifetime.
Locum Vet Surgeon employer: Vet Finders
At Gayton Vets, we pride ourselves on fostering a supportive and collaborative work environment where clinical autonomy is encouraged, allowing our Small Animal Vets to practice high-quality medicine with ownership of their cases. Located in the picturesque Horley, Surrey, our team enjoys a strong work-life balance with generous benefits including a competitive salary, extensive CPD support, and a close-knit community that values compassionate care for both pets and their owners. With easy access to vibrant local amenities and beautiful outdoor spaces, Gayton Vets offers an enriching workplace for those passionate about veterinary medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Locum Vet Surgeon
✨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 Locum Vet Surgeon 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 Locum Vet Surgeon.
✨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 Locum Vet Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Locum Vet Surgeon 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 Locum Vet Surgeon 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.
