At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide veterinary care for both companion and large animals in a supportive team.
- Company: A friendly mixed veterinary practice in beautiful Dairy Flat, Auckland.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous leave, CPD allowance, and relocation support.
- Other info: Experience the best of country living just minutes from Auckland's vibrant city life.
- Why this job: Enjoy a balanced lifestyle with flexible hours and weekends off while making a difference.
- Qualifications: 5+ years of veterinary experience, ideally with a focus on companion animals.
What if you could have the kind of caseload that keeps you sharp, a team that’s got your back, and weekends that actually feel like weekends? Here’s a role that offers all three, in a part of New Zealand where beaches, vineyards, and city life are all within easy reach.
Our client is a 3-vet, 5-nurse practice in Dairy Flat, about 20 minutes north of Auckland’s city centre. They’re looking for a mixed or companion focused veterinarian with 5+ years’ experience to join their relaxed, capable team.
The position is 30–40 hours per week over 4–5 days, and they’re genuinely flexible, they can shape hours around family, school, or lifestyle commitments if you’re the right fit. Their work is roughly 80% companion animal and 20% large animal, with the largies made up of lifestyle blocks and pleasure horses. They don’t deal with big dairies or stud farms, and equine work is mostly triage and routine care. There’s an excellent ambulatory equine service nearby for anything complex, so you’ll never feel out of your depth or without support.
You’ll work alongside a great team, experienced nurses, supportive colleagues, and a strong clinic manager and clinical director, so while leadership experience isn’t essential, there’s scope to take on more responsibility if that appeals.
The week in a nutshell:
- 30–40 hours, 4–5 days — flexible options available.
- Saturday mornings shared 1 in 4, 8am–12pm only.
- After-hours: currently not required; if needed, only on the large animal side.
- Minimal sole charge, mainly Saturday mornings.
What they offer:
- Salary $120,000–$145,000 NZD (based on experience)
- 4 weeks annual leave, 10 days sick leave, 13 public holidays.
- $2,500 CPD allowance, plus advanced practitioner pathway for higher study (e.g. memberships, Masters)
- Accredited employer, they handle visa sponsorship and offer $2,000–$5,000 relocation support.
Dairy Flat offers the best of both worlds, a genuine country lifestyle just minutes from city convenience. You’ll swap traffic noise for birdsong, yet still be 20 minutes from Auckland’s buzz. In less than ten minutes, you can be walking on white sandy beaches or swimming in clear blue water; head the other way and you’ll find the forest trails, waterfalls, and endless views. Within an hour are wineries, surf breaks, and a marine sanctuary for diving and snorkelling, everything that makes New Zealand living so special, right on your doorstep.
So, what’s next? If you’re ready to take your career somewhere new, with endless opportunity, feel appreciated for your skills and the care you bring every day, then this could be your next adventure. Don’t stress about having the perfect CV. Just reach out, start the conversation, and ask us anything. We’ll be honest about what life here is really like. Do meaningful work while living where nature, beaches, and community meet.
Mixed 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 Mixed Veterinarian
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, join local groups, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Get social! Use platforms like LinkedIn to showcase your skills and experience. Share relevant content, engage with others, and let potential employers see your passion for veterinary work.
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply; make it personal! When reaching out to potential employers, mention why you’re excited about their practice specifically. Show them you’ve done your homework and are genuinely interested in joining their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we’re here to help you every step of the way, so don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions.
We think you need these skills to ace Mixed Veterinarian
Some tips for your application 🫡
Be Yourself:When you're writing your application, let your personality shine through! We want to get to know the real you, so don’t be afraid to share your passion for veterinary work and what makes you tick.
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the role. Highlight your experience with both companion and large animals, and any specific skills that align with our practice. We love seeing how your background fits into our team!
Showcase Your Experience:With 5+ years of experience required, make sure to showcase your relevant work history. Include any leadership roles or special projects you've been involved in, as we appreciate a proactive approach!
Apply Through Our Website:We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you’re considered for this exciting opportunity. Plus, it shows you’re keen to join our team!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vet Finders
✨Know Your Stuff
Before the interview, brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially in mixed practice. Familiarise yourself with common cases you might encounter, both in companion and large animals. This will show that you're not just experienced but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this practice values teamwork, be ready to discuss how you've collaborated with colleagues in the past. Share examples of how you've supported your team or taken on leadership roles, even if they were informal. This will highlight your fit within their supportive environment.
✨Ask About Flexibility
Given the flexible hours mentioned in the job description, come prepared with questions about how they accommodate work-life balance. This shows that you value a healthy lifestyle and are keen to integrate into their culture, which is important for both you and the practice.
✨Emphasise Your Passion for the Area
The location is a big selling point, so express your enthusiasm for living in Dairy Flat. Talk about your love for nature, beaches, and community life. This will demonstrate that you're not just looking for any job, but that you're excited about this specific opportunity and lifestyle.
