Vet Work in Victoria - 210,744LH2

An exciting opportunity has become available for a veterinarian at a mixed practice in regional Victoria.

Both new graduates and experienced vets are welcome to apply. The start date is flexible.

This is an opportunity to work with a team of 5 other veterinarians. One of these veterinarians works in a supporting role for staff within the practice. This includes providing support and mentorship, as well as guidance as required.

The large animal work consists of mostly routine equine work with a small amount of beef cattle, alpaca and sheep work.

The clinic is purpose built. Equipment at the practice includes digital x-ray, IM3 digital dental x-ray, IDEXX, pulse oximeter, capnograph, IV infusion pumps, ultrasound and dental machine. The practice is computerised using Vision VPM software.

Shifts are usually 8.00 am to 5.30 pm Monday to Friday, with 1 in 3 Saturdays to be worked. Vets work a four-day week with a one-hour lunch each shift. There is usually a four-day weekend after a weekend worked.

Some after-hours work is required, but experienced vets provide full physical support throughout the first 12 months. Nurses are rostered on after hours for support. After-hours is shared with a neighbouring practice, meaning one weekend in 6 on-call, which may end up being 1 in 8 when support is no longer required. One weeknight on call per fortnight. Generous after-hours remuneration with the potential to earn well over $20,000 extra.

New graduates will be well supported. The lead vet and business owner are willing to offer a paid trial and assistance with travel costs for interested applicants wanting to visit the practice.

The employer is willing to assist with a work permit (sponsorship) for suitable overseas candidates. Applicants must have a Bachelor of Veterinary Science (or equivalent) and be eligible for registration as a veterinary practitioner in Australia.

The practice is located close to the Grampians and wineries. It is a great area for bushwalking, climbing and horse riding. The town is only an hour from large rural centres.

Comments from a 2020 graduate:

''Wow, I could not have asked for a better start to my veterinary career at this clinic.

You start off slow, doing routine vaccinations and then gradually building your confidence with more complex cases. Collaboration on cases is routine and encouraged, so you never feel like you're on your own. Surgery work is much the same, starting off with the basic desexings and then progressing to more complex surgeries, always with the help of a more senior vet.

Initially, for the on-call and weekend work, you will start working with another senior vet. When you do start to work by yourself, you will always be able to contact someone to ask for help or backup. You are also rostered on with more senior nurses who are super knowledgeable.

The staff are all amazing and nurturing. They will encourage you to grow and develop your skills. You are also supported to grow in any of your areas of interest.

The caseload is certainly mixed, and you are able to see a variety of medicine, surgery and emergency cases.

Even though the clinic is rural based, the facilities, including equipment, medication available, and protocols, definitely match those or are even better than the GP clinics I've been at in the city.

There is a big emphasis on always taking your lunch break. Many of the staff live close by, so you can drive home for lunch, do laundry, etc and mentally switch off for an hour.

Why did I leave? Because my partner needed to be closer to work in Melbourne, otherwise I would still be there!''

Comments from a 2018 graduate:

''I have found this to be a very supportive clinic for a new graduate. There is always a vet available for backup. The nurses are also here to support you at all times. The practice owner is very flexible and is happy to accommodate annual leave requests when staff want a break. The practice owner has a lot of experience. I have learnt a lot from him. There have been lots of opportunities to learn new things at this practice. I feel like I have experience with more things than if I had been working at a city practice. This has been a really great practice to work at. There is enough large animal work that we see cases every day. There is also a lot of wildlife at the practice. The town has been really good. The locals are very friendly. It is a particularly great location for those interested in hiking.''