Veterinary Nurse - Wānaka

Veterinary Nurse – Aspiring (Wānaka) 
Permanent, Full-time

Are you a Veterinary Nurse looking for your next adventure? Join our welcoming Aspiring (Wānaka) team, where every day is an opportunity to make a positive impact on the lives of pets and their people.

We’re a proactive and passionate team that thrives on collaboration, growth, and creating a supportive environment. This is a full-time permanent role (40 hours/week) plus the occasional Saturday shift/on call weekends, shared on a rotating roster with the nursing and reception team. It’s your chance to work with a fun and dedicated group of professionals who care as much about your development as they do about delivering exceptional care.

About the Role:

This is more than just a job, it’s a chance to be part of something special. As a Veterinary Nurse, you’ll work alongside a skilled and supportive team, helping animals live their healthiest, happiest lives while building strong connections with their owners.

You’ll be reporting to the Lead Veterinary Nurse, with plenty of opportunities to collaborate with our wider network of clinics across Central Otago. This role offers variety, growth, and the chance to make a genuine difference every day.

Our facilities are modern and purpose built with high-end technology including in-house blood and urine analyzers, ultrasound, x-ray and monitoring equipment. We are huge advocates of nurses making the most of their skill sets so if you thrive with hands on work in a face paced clinic this is the role for you!

Key Responsibilities:

• Deliver compassionate, expert care, including administering medications and anaesthesia.
• Monitoring anaesthetics and patient recovery and respond to changes in their condition.
• Assist in surgeries, ensuring the smooth running of procedures.
• Support pet parents by explaining treatment plans and post-care advice clearly and confidently.
• Share your skills and knowledge to mentor and guide team members.
• Collaborate with veterinarians and clinic staff to optimise workflows and deliver seamless care.
• Keep things running smoothly by managing supplies and maintaining accurate records.

What you'll bring!

We’re looking for someone who’s as passionate about animals as we are and brings:

• New Zealand working rights.
• A Diploma qualification or equivalent in Veterinary Nursing – ideally with 2+ years of experience, but if you’re newly qualified and eager to grow, we’d still love to hear from you.
• An interest or confidence in anaesthesia and patient monitoring, with a willingness to learn and grow in these areas. Bonus if you have an interest in orthopaedic surgeries!
• A warm, approachable personality that helps both clients and teammates feel at ease and supported.
• Great communication skills, helping you collaborate well with your team and explain care plans clearly to pet parents.
• A genuine sense of compassion - you're someone who treats every patient with kindness and care.
• A team-first mindset - you enjoy being part of a collaborative, supportive team.
• Curiosity and a growth mindset - you’re open to learning and keen to keep building your skills in veterinary care.
• Reliable and professional - you take pride in being someone your team can count on.
• A shared passion for providing top-quality care and strengthening the connection between pets and the people who love them.

About us:

At Petfirst + Farmfirst Veterinary, we’re more than just a veterinary practice we’re a passionate community of animal lovers committed to making a positive difference for both animals and people. Our clinics, located across some of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions, are equipped with cutting-edge tools and technology to support our teams. But our real strength lies in our people. We believe work should be more than just a job - it should be a place where you can thrive, follow your passions, and find meaning in what you do every day.

We’re on a mission to create a community where pets flourish, and their owners feel confident in their ability to care for them. As a proudly Kiwi-owned group, we’re transforming the way we deliver veterinary care, combining great people with innovative technology to offer exceptional care. We’re equally dedicated to our team, providing a supportive environment where you can grow, develop your skills, and build a fulfilling career. Whether you’re passionate about making a difference for animals, people, or your colleagues, you’ll find a home with us.

Why join us?

• Need someone to talk to? Our employee assistance programme through Vitae has got your back, anytime.
• Feeling stuck? Let’s chat about your future in our 6-month development review.
• Dream big! We’re here to support your career goals and help create a better you.
• Never stop learning! Dive into CPD and self-education opportunities on us.
• Your wellbeing, your way – that’s what our Connected Lives programme is all about.
• Earn what you’re worth with our competitive remuneration packages.
• Future you, will thank present you for that 3% KiwiSaver contribution we’re making.
  
• Unlock amazing discounts on animal care services and products just for being part of our team through our Teamfirst programme.
• Flu season? Not for you? We’ve got your annual jab sorted.
• Birthday pancakes in bed? Absolutely! Enjoy that extra paid day off.
• Stick with us and earn some serious time off with long service leave.
• New addition to the family? Enjoy extra parental leave top-ups.
• Not the primary caregiver? We’ve still got paid leave for you.
• Need to juggle work and life? Our flexible arrangements have you covered.
• Live in one of New Zealand’s most beautiful regions

Why Wānaka?
Nestled on the shores of Lake Wānaka and framed by the Southern Alps, Wānaka is a place where natural beauty and vibrant community come together. Known for its stunning landscapes, year-round adventure, and welcoming spirit, it’s a location that offers more than just a lifestyle – it’s an experience.

Here, you can finish your workday and be on the lake, up a mountain, or out on a trail within minutes. Whether it’s skiing at Treble Cone, hiking in Mount Aspiring National Park, mountain biking world-class tracks, or enjoying the buzzing café and arts scene, Wānaka gives you adventure and relaxation in equal measure.

Despite its international reputation as a destination, Wānaka still retains a small-town warmth. You’ll find yourself part of a connected, supportive community – with the bonus of Queenstown just an hour away for extra options when you want them.

If you’re looking to grow your veterinary career in a place that blends breathtaking scenery with a strong sense of belonging and plenty of room to play, Wānaka might just be the perfect fit.

Ready to join us?

Apply through Seek and be sure to attach your cover letter and CV or contact Susannah (Clinic Coordinator) on 027 331 9086 for a confidential discussion.

Once you’ve applied, one of our friendly team members will email you within a week to update you on your application progress.

Please note we’ll be shortlisting and conducting interviews throughout the advertising period.

We’re excited to meet you and can’t wait to welcome a new team member into our Aspiring (Wānaka) clinic! Could it be you?