Vet Nurse/Technician

Wairoa CoastVet Ltd is a veterinary mixed practice located in Wairoa, Hawkes Bay, providing services to both companion animals and farm animals in a rural regional setting.

We are looking for a qualified Veterinary Assistant to support our veterinary team in daily clinical and operationation duties in 2026. We cover both large and small animals so looking for someone who is just as happy working with cows and horses as they are with cats and dogs. Our clinic does grooming and has a boarding component also, that is managed by our vet nurses. We believe in utilising our vet nurses skills so your daily jobs under veterinary supervision can range from taking xrays, collecting bloods (cows, cats, dogs and horses), administering medications and helping our vets on large animal callouts eg caesarian sections. We have a substantial equine component so someone comfortable around horses would also be an advantage. There is some dairy work with the majority being sheep and beef on the large animal side. We do the local SPCA work also and some DOC work with native birds.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assisting veterinarians during consultations, examinations, and treatments
• Safely handling and restraining animals (small animals and farm animals)
• Monitoring hospitalised patients and assisting with post-operative care
• Assisting with basic nursing care under veterinary supervision
• Preparing patients, equipment, and treatment areas for medical and surgical procedures
• Cleaning, sterilising, and maintaining clinical and surgical equipment
• Maintaining clinic hygiene, infection control, and workplace health and safety standards
• Assisting with stock control and general clinic operations

Attributes: Applicant should have good attention to detail and record keeping, enjoys interacting with clients and animals, happy to clean and cover other staff when needed. Some reception/admission duties would be required and at least one weekend a month Saturday clinic. Applicants need to be already qualified with at least veterinary nursing diploma or equivalent and have a minimum of 2-3 years of relevant experience in a veterinary clinic or animal care environment.

Minimum of 40 hours per week, this is a permanent role. Potential to help out in separate after hours roster for additional income. Potential for head vet nurse position for the right candidate. We are a child friendly clinic and so looking for someone who fits in well with our current team.