Lead Veterinarian

Lead Dairy Veterinarian | Great Farmers. Great Team. Great Lifestyle. | Ashburton, New Zealand

You've spent years becoming a trusted dairy veterinarian.

Now you're ready to lead and help build something.

Not from behind a desk. But alongside a great team, great farmers and a practice with an exciting future. You'd like a little more influence. Not less clinical work... just a bigger say in how things are done.

Welcome to Riverside Vet Clinic.

Based in Ashburton, part of the Farmfirst & Petfirst Veterinary community. They’re looking for an experienced Dairy Veterinarian to lead their large animal team as they move into an exciting new chapter.

This isn't about becoming "the boss."

It's about helping good people become even better, supporting less experienced vets and technicians, building stronger relationships with farming clients, and continuing to develop a practice you’re genuinely proud of.

You'll still spend plenty of time on farm because that's where the interesting conversations happen and enduring relationships are built.

Why Riverside?

They’re a team of seven veterinarians, supported by four fantastic large animal technicians who keep everything moving during the busy seasons.

Their clients range from large progressive dairy farms to sheep, beef, deer on high-country stations, so no two weeks are ever quite the same.

Being part of the Farmfirst & Petfirst community means you’ll also have the backing of a New Zealand-owned veterinary group that invests heavily in technology, education and innovation.

From AI-assisted clinical notes to their own Animal Health Planning software, they’re always looking for ways to spend less time on paperwork and more time helping farmers.

They believe work should be somewhere you can enjoy yourself, grow your skills and make a genuine difference, for your clients, your colleagues and yourself.

What’s in it for you

• $150,000-$180,000 salary plus 3.5% KiwiSaver.
• $10,000 sign-on bonus and $5,000 relocation support.
• Profit share and on-call remuneration.
• Company vehicle.
• Four weeks annual leave, birthday leave and long service leave.
• Gym membership and season ski pass for your first year.
• A supportive team that likes working together (and having a laugh while they do it)

Why Ashburton?

People often move here for the job and end up staying for the lifestyle.

One weekend you can be skiing. The next you're fishing, hiking in the back country or heading into Christchurch for dinner before being home the same evening.

The commute is measured in minutes, and houses are still affordable. The coffee's good. The farming community is welcoming, and veterinarians are genuinely respected for the work they do.

It's a bloody good place to build a career, and an even better place to build a life.

So, what’s next?

If you’re looking for a role where your voice matters, your growth is encouraged, and your life outside work is just as important as the care you provide, this could be the move that changes everything.

Send your CV (even if it’s not up to date) or reach out with any questions.  They want to know the person, not just the paperwork.

The next few years at Riverside are going to be exciting. Why not help them write the next chapter?