Equine Surgeon –Otago, New Zealand
Succession Opportunity | Purpose-Built Equine Hospital | Lifestyle Location
We are seeking a board-eligible or board-certified Equine Surgeon, or an experienced Equine Veterinarian with a strong surgical background, to join our established equine team as part of a planned succession for a senior surgeon approaching retirement. This is a rare long-term opportunity to step into a well-supported role with scope to shape the future of equine surgical services in the region.
The Facility
You will work from a modern, purpose-built equine hospital located on the edge of Invercargill in southern New Zealand. The hospital is set on 1.5 hectares beside the Invercargill Racecourse and features a recently developed barn with:
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7 stables with adjacent paddocks and a dedicated isolation area
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3 day boxes for outpatients
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2 treatment rooms with stocks
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Dedicated surgical suite
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Shared site with a recently renovated small animal clinic
Caseload & Clinical Work
The client base includes a diverse mix of racehorses and sport/pleasure horses, providing varied and interesting clinical work. The current surgical caseload is intentionally light (approximately 55–65 standing and table surgeries per year), offering excellent scope to develop and grow the service.
The role includes a mix of:
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Elective and emergency surgeries
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Lameness and poor performance investigations
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Pre-purchase examinations (racehorses and sport horses)
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Specialised procedures and advanced diagnostics
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Ambulatory equine work
You will be supported by:
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A team of five equine veterinarians
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Four experienced equine veterinary technicians
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Seasonal locum support
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A shared on-call roster
Equipment & Diagnostics
The hospital is well equipped with:
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Dedicated surgical suite with arthroscopy facilities
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Digital radiography and ultrasound
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Video endoscopy and gastroscopy
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Comprehensive in-house laboratory testing
Lifestyle & Location
Invercargill and Southland offer a relaxed lifestyle with a strong sense of community, affordable living, and easy access to some of New Zealand’s most stunning landscapes. Outdoor enthusiasts will enjoy proximity to Fiordland, The Catlins, and Central Otago, with opportunities for hiking, skiing, camping, and world-class food and wine. The area also offers excellent schools, childcare options, and a wide range of social and sporting activities.
What’s On Offer
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NZD $3,000 tax-free relocation allowance
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Up to $2,200 per year for continuing professional development (with a wellbeing allowance component)
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Competitive salary and on-call remuneration
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Professional registration and association fees covered
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Temporary accommodation to help you settle in
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Accredited employer with full visa support available
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Flexible work arrangements for the right candidate
Why This Role?
This position offers a genuine career opportunity with long-term security, professional autonomy, and the chance to step into a well-established client base with strong referral potential. It is ideally suited to someone looking to build a meaningful career in equine surgery while enjoying an exceptional lifestyle.
How to Apply (Confidential Enquiries Welcome)
For a confidential discussion or to apply, please contact:
Talal – International Recruitment Consultant
Email: talal@lloydandcowan.com
Mobile: +44 7835 146288