Head Veterinary Nurse

About Totally Vets

Totally Vets is a dynamic veterinary company, providing services and products in the Manawatu, Levin, Horowhenua, Tararua and Taumarunui areas for companion animals, equine, and production animals.

Our business thrives on talented people providing superior care and advice for the health, wellbeing and performance of animals. Our business is committed to achieving Healthy Animals, Healthy People, Healthy Communities. When you join us, you become part of that effort.

About the Role

We are looking for an experienced Senior Vet Nurse to lead and support our team. This position reports directly to the Practice Manager and is a hands-on role balancing clinical duties, with operational leadership, guidance, and contributing positively to the wider team culture.

Otaki is a companion animal only clinic, and they embrace their boutique vibe with a small cohesive team. Otaki has ambitious plans for growth while still maintaining their local community feel.

This opportunity will suit someone who can support and deliver on our business performance outcomes in conjunction with the Practice Manager.

Areas of responsibility:

• Leadership of Otaki team


• Clinical duties as part of the nursing team


• Clinical leadership and Nursing standards


• Assist and identify customer needs


• Assist with resourcing and roster of clinic

Skills and experience you will possess:

• A Veterinary Nursing Diploma qualification

• Strong customer services skills


• Staff management and responsibility

• The ability to show empathy and respond to customer and patient needs


• A passion for animal health and wellbeing

• Excellent organisation and administrative skills


• Effective communicator and mentor


• Ability to provide problem solving solutions


• Manage time, prioritise and work effectively under pressure

About Otaki

People move to Otaki for the lifestyle. The beach is five minutes away, and the vibe is very much laid-back and community orientated.

Otaki is an ideal place for a young family, with good schools, quality daycare, affordable housing and a peaceful lifestyle that is hard to find elsewhere. If you’re an outdoors type (or are keen to be!) Otaki is fantastic for walks/tramping, fishing and horse trekking.

If you are interested in this opportunity, please apply with your CV and Cover Letter.

The full duties are outlined in a position description which is available on request, please contact [email protected]