Emergency Veterinarian
Emergency Veterinarian
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Family-owned, non-corporate Emergency Clinic
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Happy, engaged team & supportive leadership closely attuned to work-life balance
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An exceptional career opportunity in an ideal lifestyle environment
Work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology, ensuring you have the tools needed for top-notch care. Benefit from a generous CPD allowance and a strong focus on your mental and emotional well-being through our Employee Assistance Program. Join a clinic that’s dedicated to your professional growth and committed to expanding its services to better serve our community.
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Family-owned, non-corporate Emergency Clinic
-
Happy, engaged team & supportive leadership closely attuned to work-life balance
-
An exceptional career opportunity in an ideal lifestyle environment
Work in a state-of-the-art facility equipped with the latest technology, ensuring you have the tools needed for top-notch care. Benefit from a generous CPD allowance and a strong focus on your mental and emotional well-being through our Employee Assistance Program. Join a clinic that’s dedicated to your professional growth and committed to expanding its services to better serve our community.
About us
At the heart of West Gippsland Veterinary Care (WGVC), we are a family-run, small animal and large animal practice with deep roots in the Gippsland community.
We recognized a growing need to relieve the pressure on our vets after hours, and this led to the birth of the Gippsland Pet Emergency clinic. We knew this service would not only support our own team but also assist other veterinary professionals in the area and, most importantly, the pets and families who rely on them.
Our clinic stands out as a large, purpose-built facility equipped with the latest technology designed to handle the unique challenges of emergency veterinary care. Starting with weekend and public holiday hours, we aim to expand to a full seven-day service, ensuring that urgent care is always available when it’s needed most.
The WGVC leadership team comprises six accomplished Partners, including ANZCVS members Dr Chris Thorne and Dr Ben Smith. Dr Thorne brings advanced orthopaedic surgery skills, with over 100 TPLOs under his belt, while Dr Smith provides expertise in canine reproduction and advanced surgery. Gippsland Pet Emergency (GPE) is led by Dr Chris Vanschydel as Clinical Director and Dr Stephanie Wade as Deputy Clinical Director. Both Dr Vanschydel and Dr Wade bring extensive experience in Small Animal Emergency and Critical Care, having worked in metropolitan emergency hospitals, as have other members of the team throughout their careers.
The clinical team will be complemented by our dedicated WGVC support staff, led by Practice Manager Stephanie Smith. Drawing from two decades of experience with us and prior roles in both UK and Australian veterinary nursing, Stephanie heads our exceptional team of nurses, receptionists, groomers, and administrative professionals. This robust support structure ensures you can focus on what matters most – delivering outstanding emergency veterinary care.
Our Mission:
We are committed to providing the best veterinary care for the animals of West Gippsland. This commitment is reflected in our investment in highly qualified staff, ongoing education, advanced technology, and state-of-the-art infrastructure. Every day, we strive to reach new heights in veterinary excellence.
Our Values:
- Let’s make it fun: We believe that a positive, joyful environment leads to better care and happier outcomes for both pets and their owners.
- Integrity you can count on: Trust is the foundation of our practice. We are dedicated to being reliable, honest, and transparent in all that we do.
- Building relationships: Strong, lasting relationships with our clients and their pets are at the core of our success. We are here for the long haul.
- Striving for excellence: Our pursuit of excellence drives us to continually improve and innovate, ensuring the highest standard of care.
- Understanding through empathy: We approach every case with compassion and understanding, recognizing the deep bond between pets and their families.
Join us at the Gippsland Pet Emergency Clinic, where exceptional care is delivered with heart, and every pet is treated like family.
WGVC is a great place to work! The vet team is full of very experienced vets who are always happy to help with cases or tricky surgeries, and there is a very social bunch of associates as well. The support staff are very friendly, and the nurses are very experienced and well trained. And if all that isn’t enough, Warragul is a great place to live. There is a beer hall, wine bar and various local wineries and gin distilleries. It is only an hour from Melbourne, the beach and some of the best national parks in Victoria – Dr Nicola Woodward
About this role
As an Emergency Veterinarian at West Gippsland Vet Care, you will play a critical role in delivering high-quality emergency and critical care to animals during after-hours, weekends, and public holidays. Your primary responsibilities include triaging emergency cases, diagnosing and treating urgent conditions, performing emergency surgeries, and ensuring that all procedures adhere to our clinic’s established Standards of Care. You will also lead a team of veterinary nurses and support staff, fostering a collaborative environment to ensure the best possible outcomes for our patients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Emergency and Critical Care: Provide immediate, advanced care to animals in emergency situations, including diagnosis, treatment, and surgery.
- Anaesthesia and Surgery: Perform emergency surgeries and administer and monitor anaesthesia safely and effectively.
- Diagnostic Procedures: Conduct and interpret diagnostic tests, such as X-rays and ultrasounds, to inform treatment plans.
- Client Communication and Education: Clearly and compassionately communicate with clients about their pet’s condition and guide them through difficult decisions.
- Leadership and Team Support: Lead and mentor the emergency team, ensuring effective collaboration during high-pressure situations.
- Clinic Hygiene and Maintenance: Maintain high standards of cleanliness and ensure emergency supplies are readily available.
- Practice Management Support: Contribute to the continuous improvement of our emergency care services and clinic procedures.
- Continuous Professional Development: Stay current with advancements in emergency veterinary medicine and share knowledge with the team.
This role is ideal for a dedicated veterinarian with advanced skills in emergency care, a passion for leadership, and a commitment to providing compassionate, fear-free care. If you thrive in a fast-paced environment and are driven to make a difference, this is an ideal opportunity.
About you
We’re looking for a compassionate and adaptable veterinarian who thrives in a team-oriented environment. You value empathy, integrity, and a positive attitude, always putting the well-being of pets and their owners first. You’re someone who embraces challenges, stays calm under pressure, and is committed to excellence in every aspect of your work.
As part of our Fear-Free Clinic, you understand the importance of reducing stress and anxiety for our patients, creating a safe and comforting environment.
If you share our passion for providing exceptional care with a heart, we’d love to have you join our West Gippsland Vet Care family.
Our location
Nestled in the heart of Gippsland, Warragul offers the perfect blend of country charm and modern conveniences. With rolling hills, lush farmland, and stunning views, our region is a nature lover’s paradise. Enjoy a relaxed lifestyle with easy access to hiking trails, pristine beaches, and picturesque parks, all while being just a short drive from Melbourne.
Warragul is more than just a beautiful place to live; it’s a vibrant community with a strong sense of belonging. You’ll find friendly locals, a thriving arts scene, and a variety of cafes and restaurants that showcase the best of local produce. Plus, with excellent schools, healthcare, and recreational facilities, it’s an ideal place for families.
Working at West Gippsland Vet Care means you get to be part of this wonderful community while making a real difference in the lives of pets and their owners. If you’re looking for a fulfilling career in a location that offers both natural beauty and a welcoming atmosphere, Warragul is the place for you.
Our offer
Shift Availability:
- Day Shifts: 10 and 12-hour shifts available
- Night Shifts: 10 and 12-hour shifts available
- Weekend Coverage: Our emergency clinic operates from Saturday AM to Monday AM
Compensation:
- Our tiered wage system offers a starting rate of $80 per hour, with higher rates available for those with existing emergency experience.
- Penalty Rates: Additional pay provided for public holidays
- Generous CPD Allowance: We support your continuous professional development with a generous CPD allowance to help you stay at the forefront of emergency veterinary medicine.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP): Your well-being is our priority, and our EAP offers confidential support to help you manage personal and professional challenges.
Support Structure:
- Experienced Team: Work alongside well-staffed, experienced emergency vets and skilled nurses
- Strong Management Support: Benefit from strong support provided by a dedicated management team
- Flexible Opportunities: Opportunities to work in our day clinic if desired, providing variety in your work experience and additional growth opportunities
Shared accommodation is available to assist with your transition or relocation needs.
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