Veterinary Nurse - Wānaka (Fixed Term)

Veterinary Nurse – Aspiring (Wānaka)
Fixed Term, Full-time (12 month contract)

Are you a Veterinary Nurse looking for your next adventure? Join our friendly Aspiring (Wānaka) team, where every day brings the opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and the people who love them.

We’re a proactive, passionate team that values collaboration, growth, and creating a genuinely supportive workplace. This is a full-time, fixed-term role (40 hours per week) to cover parental leave, with occasional Saturday shifts and on-call weekends shared across a rotating roster with the nursing and reception team. You’ll be joining a fun, dedicated group of professionals who care deeply about both exceptional patient care and each other’s development.

About the Role:

This role is more than just a job, it’s your 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 relationships with their owners.

Reporting to the Clinic Coordinator, you’ll enjoy opportunities to collaborate with our wider network of clinics across Central Otago. With plenty of variety and scope to grow, this role offers the chance to make a genuine difference every day.

Our modern, purpose-built clinic is equipped with high-end technology, including in-house blood and urine analysers, ultrasound, x-ray, and advanced monitoring equipment. We’re strong advocates for nurses working to the full extent of their skill set, so if you love hands-on nursing in a fast-paced clinic environment, this could be the perfect 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 or equivalent qualification in Veterinary Nursing – ideally with 3+ 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.
• 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 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.co.nz - here 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?