Farm First is a happy, progressive, independent farm practice. We are situated in a beautiful area on the Welsh border, close to the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley, with easy access to National Parks, stunning coastlines and the cities of Cardiff and Bristol. There are excellent transport links to the Midlands and London.

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The practice currently employs 9 clinicians with extensive combined experience working on a good mix of dairy, beef and sheep farms. We also have 2 dedicated Approved TB Testers and a Vet Tech who visits farms to provide services including locomotion scoring, vaccinating, body condition scoring and calf weighing. The clients are mostly family farms who are very pleasant to work for.

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The practice is RCVS accredited and is participating in the XLVets Great Place to work scheme. There are regular social activities within the team and alongside the farming community. 

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Would you like to live and work in this beautiful area? Here are our latest vacancies...

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We're hiring an additional Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT) - November '24

Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATTs) are Animal Health para-professionals with the authority to carry out statutory TB skin testing of cattle. We have recently trained and employ two of our own ATTs and are looking to recruit another to join the team.

 

Candidate requires the following:

• Ability to work independently and to a high standard

• Enjoy working outdoors in all weathers

• Flexible with time (some early starts)

• A minimum of six months previous livestock handling experience

• Full driver’s license Identification and basic DBS security checks

• Minimum age of 18 years

• Minimum academic requirement of either: 3 GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in Mathematics, English and in a Science or Food Production

• OR 3 years performance in a government regulatory role e.g., Local Authority (LA) Inspector or Environmental Health Officer

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Training:

• Online course with examination

• Practical TB testing under the direct and continuous supervision until all practical training requirements have been achieved

• Examinable Practical Assessment – External Examiner

• ATT’s will be trained and work under the supervision of an Approved Veterinary Supervisor

 

Benefits:

• Competitive salary with regular appraisals

• Pay and contract review after qualification Sick pay and pension scheme

• Working 4 days a week. No weekends

• 20 days plus bank holidays per annum (pro rata)

 

For more information, please contact Vicki Fisher on 01873 840167. Closing date: Friday 29th November 2024 . To apply please send your CV to: info@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to Miss Victoria Fisher, Director, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny NP7 9AT​

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  Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT) March '24- Position Filled

What is an Approved Tuberculin Tester? Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATTs) are Animal Health para professionals with the authority to carry out statutory TB skin testing of cattle. Welsh Government should shortly be allowing non veterinary surgeons who undertake the appropriate training, to TB test cattle in Wales. ATT’s will be trained and work under the supervision of an Approved Veterinary Supervisor

Candidate requires the following:

• Minimum age of 18 years.

• Identification and basic DBS security checks.

• Minimum academic requirement is either:

1. three GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in Mathematics, English and in a Science Subject or Food Production

or

2. three years performance in a government regulatory role e.g., Local Authority (LA) Inspector or Environmental Health Officer

• A minimum of six months previous livestock handling experience.

• Must have a full driver’s license

• Ability to work independently and to a high standard

• Enjoy working outdoors in all weathers

• Flexible with time (some early starts)

Training

• Assigned to an Approved Veterinary Supervisor within the practice.

• Online course with examination

• Practical TB testing under the direct and continuous supervision of the AVS (senior vet within the practice) until all practical training requirements have been achieved

• Pass Practical Assessment

• Full authorisation by APHA to TB test under the direction of the AVS

Vacancy Offer

• Competitive salary with regular reviews

• Pay & contract review after qualification

• Sick pay and pension scheme

• Working 4 day/6-day weekly rota (average 5-day week).

• 20 days plus bank holidays per annum (pro rata).

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For more information, please contact Jane Anscombe on 01873 840167. If you would like to join us, please send your CV to: info@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to: Miss Jane Anscombe, Director, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny NP7 9AT Closing Date: Monday 29th April 2024.

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Full-time Administrator/Receptionist March 2024 - Position Filled

An opportunity has arisen for an experienced administrator/receptionist to join our busy farm-only practice at Penpergwm, Abergavenny.

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In addition to supporting the reception team, the role will also include a wide range of administrative duties. You will need to assist with maintaining TB records, booking of clinical work and lab reports to client’s records, organise staff socials and other general admin duties. Full training will be given. The ideal candidate will have previous administration experience, a keen eye for detail, a good knowledge of Word & Excel. A farming background or working knowledge of the rural economy would be useful.

 

Working hours are 37.5 hours per week (5 x 8hr days to include a half hour unpaid lunch break), between 8.15am and 5.30pm on a rota (early and late shifts). Some degree of flexibility is required to cover sickness and holidays.

 

Reception/Administration duties will include:

·       Taking phone calls/booking appointments (prioritising visits/emergencies)

·       Dispensing medication

·       Creating Invoices & taking payments

·       Processing & packing samples for posting.

·       Assisting our TB co-ordinator (data entry).

·       Booking clinical work to clients’ accounts.

·       Booking Lab reports to clients’ accounts.

·       Scanning & filing client documents.

·       Marketing & social media.

 

The successful candidate will be:

·       Organised and methodical

·       Approachable, friendly, trustworthy and discreet

·       Naturally self-motivated and disciplined.

·       Flexible, with a willingness to adapt to new situations and work within a team.

·       Experienced in IT with excellent telecommunication skills.

 

Competitive salary offered according to experience. 20 days holiday plus Bank Holidays per annum. Farm First Vets is situated in a pleasant rural location in the heart of Monmouthshire so own transport is essential. The practice works hard to be as sustainable as possible and personal wellbeing is a priority. We enjoy regular social events both within the team and alongside the farming community.

 

For more information, please contact Natalie Parsons on 01873 840167.

Closing date: Friday 19th April 2024 at 5pm

If you would like to join us, please email your CV to: natalie.parsons@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to: Miss Natalie Parsons, Office Manager, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny NP7 9AT.

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Full-time Receptionist - Position Filled​

An exciting opportunity has arisen for a full-time veterinary receptionist to join our busy farm-only practice near Penpergwm, Abergavenny. Our team includes ten vets and five administration staff who endeavour to provide exceptional and friendly client care. The vacancy is for 37.5 hours per week, to include occasional Saturday mornings during the lambing/calving period. Hours are between 8.15am and 5.30pm on a rota, consisting of early and late shifts. We will require some degree of flexibility to cover sickness and holidays during office hours.

 

The successful candidate will have:

• Previous veterinary receptionist experience or a knowledge of farming

• Excellent communication skills

• Ability to integrate into a team

• Ability to work within a busy environment

• Good IT and telecommunications skills

• A warm, friendly approach to clients

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Please email your CV to natalie.parsons@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to Miss Natalie Parsons, Office Manager, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny, Monmouthshire NP7 9AT

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Part-time Finance Manager - Position Filled​

Due to continued expansion an exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced administrator to join our busy farm-only practice at Penpergwm, Abergavenny. 22.5 hours per week (3 days), between 8.15am and 5.30pm on a rota (early and late shifts) to include half an hour unpaid lunch break. Some degree of flexibility is required to cover sickness and holidays during office hours. In addition to supporting the Office Manager with a wide range of financial duties, the role will also include assisting with maintaining H&S records and other general admin duties. The ideal candidate will have previous financial administration experience, a keen eye for detail, and a good knowledge of Excel. A farming background or working knowledge of the rural economy would be useful.

 

The successful candidate will be:

• Interest in finances

• Naturally self-motivated and disciplined

• Organised and methodical

• Approachable, friendly, trustworthy and discreet

• Flexible, with a willingness to adapt to new situations and work within a team

• Experienced in IT with excellent telecommunication skills

 
For more information, please contact Natalie Parsons on 01873 840167. 

If you would like to join us, please email your CV to: natalie.parsons@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to:

Miss Natalie Parsons, Office Manager, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny NP7 9AT

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Approved Tuberculin Tester (ATT) - Position filled

What is an Approved Tuberculin Tester? Approved Tuberculin Testers (ATTs) are Animal Health para professionals with the authority to carry out statutory TB skin testing of cattle. The Welsh Government should shortly be allowing non veterinary surgeons who undertake the appropriate training, to TB test cattle in Wales. ATT’s will be trained and work under the supervision of an Approved Veterinary Supervisor.

​

Candidate requires the following:

• Minimum age of 18 years.

• Identification and basic DBS security checks.

• Minimum academic requirement is either:

1. three GCSEs or equivalent qualifications in Mathematics, English and in a Science Subject or Food Production

or

2. three years performance in a government regulatory role e.g., Local Authority (LA) Inspector or Environmental Health Officer

• A minimum of six months previous livestock handling experience.

• Must have a full driver’s license

• Ability to work independently and to a high standard

• Enjoy working outdoors in all weathers

• Flexible with time (some early starts)

Training

• Assigned to an Approved Veterinary Supervisor within the practice.

• Online course with examination

• Practical TB testing under the direct and continuous supervision of the AVS until all practical training requirements have been achieved

• Pass Practical Assessment

• Full authorisation by APHA to TB test under the direction of the AVS

Vacancy Offer

• Competitive salary with regular reviews

• Pay & contract review after qualification

• Sick pay and pension scheme

• Working 4 day/6-day weekly rota (average 5-day week).

• 20 days plus bank holidays per annum (pro rata).

​

For more information, please contact Jane Anscombe on 01873 840167. If you would like to join us, please send your CV to: info@farmfirstvets.co.uk or apply in writing to: Miss Jane Anscombe, Director, Farm First Veterinary Services, Unit 1 The Bryn Garage, Penpergwm, Abergavenny NP7 9AT

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New Graduate Career Opportunity - Position Filled

Due to continued expansion, we are seeking a new graduate to join our team. We proactively encourage CPD to enable us to provide an excellent service to our clients. We invest in equipment and software such as TotalVet, Interherd Plus, Calf Tracker and scanners. Regular farmer meetings and in-house clinical meetings held. 

 

Key Points:

• Vet GPD Practice

• Registration on the XLVets or BCVA new graduate Programme

• Excellent support from our experienced team of clinicians

• Competitive salary

• On-call shadowing system

• 1 in 6 rota or better, with good back up

• Day off every other week plus half day after weekend on call

• Vehicle and accommodation (or allowance provided)

• Minimum 5 days CPD allowance (but more regularly approved)

• Practice Sustainability Team in place

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Farm Vet Role - Position Filled

We are looking for an enthusiastic farm vet to replace one of our senior colleagues who has left to pursue a career in academia after 13 years with us. Our workload is an interesting mix of dairy, beef, and sheep, with camelids and smallholders for added variety. Experience and a keen dairy interest preferred, but not essential. Competitive salary commensurate with experience. Practice shareholding is a possibility for right candidate.

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Key Points:

• Practice ethos - to provide a good quality service to our clients

• Friendly, supportive team

• Staff wellbeing and progression are a priority

• Great clients to work with

• Practice vehicle provided

• 1 in 6 weekend rota, 1 in 7 nights

• Regular Practice socials

• CPD actively encouraged and supported

• Practice Sustainability Team in place

 

For more information or an informal chat about either of these roles, please call Jane Anscombe 07968 334501 (preferably evenings)