Job Opportunities in New Zealand

Companion Animal Practicing Veterinarian/Senior Practicing
Veterinarian
Position Purpose: To provide companion animal veterinary services to first-opinion clients
of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and the practical teaching of
companion animal medicine and surgery to undergraduate veterinary and
veterinary technology students.
Department: School of Veterinary Science, College of Sciences
Location: Palmerston North
Reports to: VTH Director, via the Companion Animal Group Leader
Responsible for: Nil
Delegations: Nil
Job Title: Practicing Veterinarian
Key relationships: Internal External
Staff in the So VS VTH Clients
Relevant academic leads


Massey University: We are a world-leading university in many academic disciplines and fields
of research. Our point of difference is research that is connected to
community and industry. Our researchers are developing expertise and
skills to advance human knowledge and understanding. Working together
across disciplines and locations, we solve national and global problems
through fundamental, applied, and interdisciplinary research, while
culturally and artistically enriching our world.

We are deeply committed to being a Te Tiriti-led university,
demonstrating authentic leadership in contemporary Aotearoa New
Zealand as we uphold Te Tiriti o Waitangi, the founding document of our
nation, and its principles through our practice. We embrace this not just
as an obligation but as a real opportunity for the nation and its people.

Our educators are preparing a new generation of global leaders. Our
students are diverse and are attracted to Massey because they want to
achieve their personal goals or make their mark in the world. They
experience world-class learning that recognises their intellectual and
cultural strengths, expands their horizons, and prepares them to
contribute to a rapidly transforming world with skills, critical and creative
thinking and leadership.
We will be renowned for our passion and caring attitude. All Massey
campuses will be innovation ecosystems, acting as magnets for smart
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enterprises. Wherever we are, we will operate in partnerships founded
on respect, trust, and mutual benefit. Massey is not only defined by what
we do, but by how we do it.
About this area The School of Veterinary Science advances knowledge in animal health
and welfare, biosecurity, conservation, and sustainable productivity. We
are a world-leader in our field, working with governments, other
universities, international and national organisations, and companies to
improve animal health and production, and human health. We have over
1000 students, 250 staff and 170 research programmes.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital is the main clinical setting for teaching
undergraduate and post graduate veterinarians and veterinary
technicians. As part of Massey University, it also supports research, and
advancement of clinical practice.
Massey core capabilities
At Massey we are Tiriti-led, upholding Te Tiriti o Waitangi principles through our practice, we:

• Demonstrate awareness of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and its contribution to Aotearoa New Zealand

society

• Understand the relevance of Te Tiriti o Waitangi in relation to the work of the University and

the people we serve.

• Embracing Te Reo in relevant and practical ways in our workplace interactions and engagement

with external stakeholders, giving expression to Tikanga Māori and protocols that
demonstrates that we respect and value Māori conventions in appropriate settings. At Massey we work together with mutual respect and caring. we:

• Act with integrity and trustworthiness and give credit to others for the work they do.
• Work cooperatively and inter-dependently to foster and promote the One University approach.
• Share knowledge and communicate professionally with courtesy and mutual respect.
• Are ethical in all transactions, working within the parameters of our policies and procedures.
• Are direct, truthful and maintain confidentiality.
• Seek to understand and appreciate our differences.
• Are ethical in all transactions, working within the parameters of our policies and procedures.
• Are direct, truthful and maintain confidentiality.
• Seek to understand and appreciate our differences.
• Keep ourselves and others safe; work together to embrace with the University's health, safety

and wellbeing policies, procedures, and programmes; display commitment by actively
supporting all safety and wellbeing initiatives: and by actively engaging in health and safety
improvement opportunities.
At Massey we are future-focused, results- oriented and strive for excellence. we:

• Take ownership and responsibility for delivering results to support achievement of University

objectives. 2

• Provide the best quality services to our customers (internal and external) ensuring our

students/ stakeholders are at the heart of everything we do.

• Deliver or support world-class research, teaching and learning and citizenship.
• Take personal responsibility for our performance, take pride in doing our job well, and commit

to ongoing personal and professional development.

• Are motivated and create a positive working environment where our values are reinforced.
• Anticipate and respond with agility and resilience to the changing needs of the University and

the communities we serve.

• Seek ways to improve our services to deliver in an efficient and effective way.
• Embrace technology and apply this innovatively to better meet the needs of those we serve.
• Challenge ourselves to reach our potential and help bring out the best in others.
• Understand how what we do contributes to the objectives of the University.

Accountabilities
Clinical • Provide client-focused clinical service in our first-opinion companion
animal practice (The Community Practice) ensuring that client
communication is exemplary.

• Carry out all necessary clinical activities related to your caseload (e.g.,

interpretation of laboratory test results and radiographs; administration
of anaesthesia; dentistry; desexing; minor surgeries and other
interventions; and detailed, effective client communication). Use these
activities as educational opportunities for students.

• Provide accurate estimates of costs to clients and obtain written,

informed consent for all planned diagnostic and therapeutic work.

• Work proactively with other members of the VTH and Community

Practice team to support and expand the quality and range of first
opinion services offered and the income derived from companion
animal first opinion services provided by Massey University Veterinary
Teaching Hospital (MUVTH).

• Assist the development of new client-focused services.

• Contribute to the roster providing second tier veterinary advice and

support to our Pet Emergency Centre 24/7 veterinarians and veterinary
nurses.

• Ensure that thorough medical records are completed for all patients

seen by you or in your care.

• Complete all communication and administration tasks required in a

timely and efficient manner.

• Work with local SPCA representatives to ensure timely and proficient

medical and surgical expertise is delivered to SPCA animals.

Teaching • In carrying out the above clinical activities, and where the timetable
dictates, provide exemplary “on-the-job” training to undergraduate
students and graduate interns. This includes training of technical
competencies (e.g., physical examination techniques, planning
diagnostics and treatment regimens, diagnostic techniques, routine
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surgery, therapy) and non-technical competencies (e.g., client
communication, financial management of cases, grief counselling).

• Help coordinate the first opinion and neuter surgery classes for final

year students. This includes assisting students with admissions,
surgery, post-operative recovery, and the preparation of discharge
instructions.

• Prepare and deliver a limited number of lectures, tutorials, and practical

classes for veterinary and veterinary nursing students under supervision
of academic staff.

• Actively contribute to the continual improvement of undergraduate and

post graduate teaching approaches and practices within the VTH.

Clinical Research • Help facilitate the research goals of the companion animal group by
participating/assisting with ongoing clinical trials within the VTH. This
may include completion of a specific patient examination or client
questionnaires, collection of blood or tissue samples or use of specific
medications/treatment protocols as dictated by the study design.


University & School • Act to minimise threats to health and safety of staff and students.
Responsibilities • Ensure that all teaching, research, and other activities that involve the
use of animals or their tissues are conducted according to the laws of


New Zealand and conform to the requirements of the Massey
University Code of Ethical Conduct for the use of Live Animals for
Teaching and Research.

• Contribute to meeting the administrative needs of the University by

participating in School, College and University functions as carried out
by committees, working parties, other groups and offices as may from
time to time be required or approved by the Head of School.

• Contribute to continuing education and professional development for

veterinarians.

• Any other reasonable duties as specified by the Head of School.

Qualifications and Experience
Qualifications: • Veterinary degree registerable in New Zealand.

• Membership of a chapter of the Australian College of Veterinary

Scientists (or a similar qualification) is desirable. Experience: • A minimum of three years recent experience in general companion
animal practice.

• Experience in teaching is an advantage but not essential.

• Experience with small mammals and exotics is desirable.

Personal Attributes • A full, clean driver's licence is essential.
and Behaviours: • The ability to work as part of a team is essential.
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• The hospital is open 24/7 hours, 365 days of the year. The position

requires the holder to be available for rostered after-hours work. Pre-employment checks
Essential • Requirement to pass a Qualifications Validation Check.

• Requirement to demonstrate current registration with Veterinary

Council of New Zealand.

• Valid NZ Drivers Licence check.

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