Townsville Vet Clinic is a well-respected, purpose-built mixed animal practice in the heart of North Queensland. With a case load split roughly 45% small animal and 45% equine, plus small ruminants and reproduction, they offer a genuinely diverse and high-standard clinical environment. The clinic is distinguished by its advanced equine referral service, supported by a specialist equine surgeon on-site, and a commitment to providing veterinary medicine at a level that stands out in the region. Backed by a collaborative team of 7 vets and 9-10 support staff, it’s a practice built on expertise, camaraderie, and a balanced approach to work and life.
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Job Title: Mixed Vet Surgeon in Townsville
Full-Time, Permanent
📍 Location: Townsville, North Queensland, Australia 🇦🇺
Company: Townsville Vet Clinic
Salary: Up to AUD $150,000 + Super
Apply nowPosition Overview: Mixed Veterinary Surgeon
Townsville Vet Clinic is seeking an experienced Mixed Veterinary Surgeon to join their thriving team. This is a rare opportunity for a vet who thrives on clinical variety and seeks a role that supports a fulfilling life outside of work. You will manage a rewarding and diverse caseload across small animals, equine hospital and ambulatory work, small ruminants, and advanced reproduction cases. The clinic operates on a 4-day working week with a sustainable on-call roster, ensuring you have the time and energy to enjoy the incredible North Queensland lifestyle.
Key Responsibilities & Caseload
The successful candidate will be entrusted with a genuinely mixed and rewarding caseload:
- Small Animal: Medicine and surgery.
- Equine: Hospital-based care, ambulatory visits, and involvement in advanced referral and surgical cases.
- Production & Reproduction: Small ruminant work and significant equine/canine reproduction services.
- Teaching & Mentorship: Participate in the clinic’s teaching service for final-year veterinary students from James Cook University, helping to shape the next generation of vets.
Candidate Requirements
| Requirement Category | Specific Qualification |
|---|---|
| Experience | A minimum of 4–5 years of veterinary experience is preferred, with proven skills in a mixed animal setting. |
| Qualifications | Must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon, eligible to register with the relevant Australian veterinary board. |
| Clinical Skills | Competency and interest across small animal, equine, and ruminant medicine and surgery. Experience with reproduction work is advantageous. |
| Mindset | A collaborative team player who values high standards of medicine, a supportive work environment, and a sustainable work-life balance. |
Ideal Candidate Profile
The ideal veterinarian for this role will be:
- A clinically confident and versatile surgeon who enjoys the intellectual and practical challenges of a true mixed practice.
- A collaborative and communicative team member who thrives in a supportive environment with good banter and mutual respect.
- Passionate about mentoring and keen to contribute to the education of veterinary students.
- Eager to embrace a balanced lifestyle, valuing the generous time off and rostered 4-day weekends to enjoy the region.
Remuneration & Benefits
- Salary: Up to AUD $150,000 per year + Superannuation, dependent on experience.
- Work-Life Balance: 4-day working week with a shared 1:4 weekend on-call roster. After an on-call weekend, you receive a rostered 4-day weekend.
- Leave: 4 weeks annual leave, with overtime accrued as time off in lieu (TOIL), often adding several more weeks off per year.
- CPD & Development: $2,000 annual CPD allowance plus associated fees paid.
- Vehicle: Company vehicle provided for ambulatory and after-hours work.
- Facilities: State-of-the-art facilities including digital radiography, advanced ultrasound, arthroscopy, endoscopy, in-house lab, and orthopaedic equipment.
Life in Townsville, North Queensland
Townsville offers a sun-soaked, active lifestyle where the Great Barrier Reef, rainforests, and the outback are all on your doorstep. It’s a vibrant, welcoming city with a strong community feel, perfect for those who love the outdoors, sports, and a balanced, fulfilling life away from work.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. What does the on-call roster involve?
The roster is 1 in 4 weekends, with typically 1-2 nights of on-call duty per week. The system is designed for sustainability, with a mandatory 4-day weekend following your on-call weekend to ensure proper rest.
2. Is relocation assistance provided?
The advertisement does not specify. This is a key point for international candidates to discuss directly with the clinic or the recruiting agent during the application process.
3. What support is there for obtaining Australian registration?
While the ad doesn’t detail this, eligible international vets must register with the Veterinary Surgeons Board of Queensland (VSBQ). The clinic may offer guidance, but the primary responsibility for the application lies with the candidate.
4. How does the “teaching service” for students integrate into the role?
Final-year students from James Cook University rotate through the clinic every two weeks. You will be involved in mentoring and teaching them as part of your regular duties, integrating education into daily practice.