Surgical Nurse/Aneasthesia Technician

Our Business

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 a challenging Mission, Healthy Animals, Healthy People, Healthy Communities. When you join us, you become part of that effort.

About Feilding

Located just minutes from Palmerston North and within easy reach of nature, beaches, and mountains, Feilding is perfectly positioned for both convenience and adventure. It’s an ideal place to live, work, and put down roots.

Feilding offers the best of both worlds: the charm and space of a close‑knit town, paired with the opportunities of a strong regional economy. Known for its friendly community and relaxed pace, it’s a place where people genuinely enjoy living, and where neighbours still say hello.

About the Role

Due to expansion of our referral services, we have a permanent vacancy for an experienced Veterinary Nurse with a special interest in surgery and anesthesia or an Anesthesia Technician, to join our team at our Feilding based clinic. You’ll work closely with veterinarians and nursing staff to ensure excellent patient outcomes and smooth surgical workflows. In this role, there is also opportunity to take the lead in safe and effective anaesthesia delivery for a wide range of veterinary procedures.

We run a well-equipped, modern hospital with the latest equipment and an in-house laboratory. We offer a wide range of advanced treatment options for our clients. You will be working with specialist veterinarians, giving you the opportunity to utilise and expand your skills and knowledge.

Responsibilities include:

• Provision of a high standard of nursing care for surgical patients.


• Performing anaesthesia under supervision for a variety of surgical procedures.

• Perform pre-anaesthetic assessments and develop patient-specific anaesthetic plans.


• Induce, monitor, and recover patients safely during surgical and diagnostic procedures.


• Utilise advanced monitoring equipment and maintain accurate anaesthetic records.


• Support pain management protocols and critical care.


• Maintain anaesthesia machines, monitoring devices, and emergency equipment.


• Provide guidance or mentoring to junior staff as needed.

• Providing excellent standards of care for our patients and clients.


• Assisting with consultations.


• Monitoring care of patients and follow up after surgery.


• Assistance with the organisation and performance of various diagnostic and therapeutic procedures, including radiography (in conjunction with NZRADVet) and endoscopy. In addition to minor and major surgical procedures.


• Organisation and management of processes for the referral of patients for diagnostic investigation and treatment.


• Discharge appointments including the communication and demonstration of post-operative owner care including physiotherapy and wound care.

We are looking for a person who has the following qualities:

• Qualified Veterinary Nurse/Technician (Cert IV, Diploma, or equivalent) with proven skills and strong experience in anaesthesia and complex surgical cases


• Minimum 3+ years of clinical experience


• Confident using anaesthesia monitoring equipment


• Calm under pressure, with excellent patient-care instincts


• Strong communication and teamwork abilities


• Commitment to safety, welfare, and high clinical standards

What we can offer you:

• Long service benefits


• CPD allowance and opportunities


• Staff discounts on products and services


• Annual flu vaccinations


• Paid Volunteer Day


• Partner offers with Toyota, BNZ and PBTech.


• Sonder, our employee care platform.

This position is full-time working Monday to Friday. No requirement for after-hours or weekend work.

For more information, please contact:

Sarah Thorstensen

Clinic Manager

[email protected]