Internship in Small Animal Surgery | SA

The Austin Vet Specialists (www.theaustin.vet) continues to grow!

Building on the success of our ECVS Residency program, we are inviting applications for a full-time intern position in Small Animal Surgery to join our team.

We are looking for a hard-working, proactive person with excellent communication skills and a positive demeanour.

Why should you apply?

If your goal is an ECVS residency, this position is designed for you. We do not just promise career progression, we actually deliver it:

  • Direct Track: We have an ECVS Small Animal Surgery residency opening in July 2027.
  • Proven Success: Our previous interns successfully progressed into residency positions.
  • A Clear Pathway: Both of our current ECVS Small Animal Surgical residents completed their internships right here and stepped directly into their residency programmes at the end of their terms.
  • Ambitious Drive: We want someone who is eager to progress in their career, and we actively provide the mentorship and framework to make that happen.

The Role and What You Will Gain

This is a one-year, full-time clinical position (four workdays a week, plus rotating weekend discharges and on-call coverage). We are looking for someone to start as soon as possible.

You will dive deep into the dynamic field of small animal surgery, participating daily in the surgical service and providing collaborative inpatient care.

Your day will involve:

  • Scrubbing into a wide range of advanced soft tissue, orthopaedic and neurosurgeries.
  • Supporting anaesthesia and surgical prep.
  • Managing pre- and post-operative in-hospital care.
  • Assisting with consultations and patient discharges.
  • Gaining hands-on experience and knowledge in managing urgent and critical cases by assisting in our urgent care department.

Support and Mentorship
You will not do it alone. You will be fully supported by an incredible team of experienced nurses, interns, residents, and board-certified specialists in:

  • Surgery (ECVS)
  • Internal Medicine (ECVIM and ACVIM)
  • Diagnostic Imaging (ECVDI, FANZCVS and ACVR)

As an approved ECVS training centre, we provide structured instruction, including journal clubs, film reading, and hands-on teaching. If you have the initiative and the drive to specialise, this internship is your ultimate steppingstone.

About Us

The Austin Vet Specialists is an independently owned veterinary specialist centre located in Adelaide, South Australia. Our custom-built, 1,200m² hospital is engineered for collaborative, high-level patient care. We provide our team with everything they need to thrive, including a dedicated surgery wing featuring:

  • Fully equipped theatres with a dedicated sterile supply department.
  • An advanced orthopaedic suite with fluoroscopy and two separate, fully equipped soft-tissue suites.
  • Comprehensive equipment for laparoscopy, thoracoscopy, interventional radiology, arthroscopy and neurosurgery.
  • Human-grade anaesthesia machines with ventilators.
  • Dedicated sterile supplies and scrub area.

What We Are Looking For

  • A veterinary degree recognised in South Australia.
  • A minimum of two years of experience in small animal practice.
  • A previous rotating internship is a strong asset (but not essential).
  • Total flexibility to participate in a rotating roster, including weekends.

Our Values and Culture

  • Growth: We will invest heavily in your continuing education, but you need to bring the drive and motivation. In return, we offer a challenging, deeply satisfying career path.
  • A Healthy Workplace: We protect our team culture (including actively addressing any negative workplace behaviour) to ensure our hospital remains a happy, positive place to work.
  • Excellence: As a specialist centre, we hold ambitious standards. Expect to be challenged, but also expect immense fulfillment and fun.
  • Perks: Bring your dog to work! We have a dedicated pooch lounge just for our team’s pets.

How to Apply

If you have the talent and want to join a friendly, dynamic team, apply immediately. We will close applications as soon as the right candidate is found.

Send your resume and cover letter to Julie Naylor at career@theaustin.vet

In your cover letter, please outline:

  1. Your reasons for applying and what attracted you to The Austin.
  2. Your future career goals and relevant prior experience.
  3. Contact details for your professional referees.

All applications will be treated with strict confidentiality.

ANZCVS Positions Vacant Disclosure: The ANZCVS distributes information about employment opportunities as a service to its members. The contents and wording of this advertisement have been compiled by the advertiser and in no way reflect an endorsement of the advertiser or the job opportunity by the College, its officers or its employees. Positions Vacant advertisements are accepted for publication on condition that the advertiser indemnifies the ANZCVS, its officers and employees. The advertiser is solely responsible for all actions, suits, claims, loss and/or damages resulting from anything distributed by the ANZCVS on its behalf.