Associate Veterinarian

For over 50 years, Pender Veterinary Clinic has been a trusted partner to northeast Nebraska’s agricultural community, delivering high-quality veterinary care with a strong emphasis on beef cattle production. Located in the heart of Pender with a satellite clinic in Emerson, we are a progressive, fast-paced, mixed animal practice serving a diverse rural clientele. Our team of five dedicated veterinarians works closely with a skilled support staff, including four full-time veterinary technicians (one of whom is also our practice manager/secretary), one part-time assistant, and two part-time large animal assistants—maintaining an almost 1:1 tech-to-doctor ratio that allows us to provide efficient, quality care.

Our caseload is approximately 70% large animal and 30% small animal, with a distinct focus on beef cattle medicine. We serve a bovine-intensive area rich in feedlot and cow-calf operations, alongside providing comprehensive medical services for local rural pets.

What We Do
Our large animal practice revolves around beef cattle care including obstetrics (calving support, palpations), herd health workups, vaccination programs, and feedlot consulting—partnering with around 15 feedyards ranging from 600 to 25,000 head. We also provide bull testing, bovine exams and surgeries, small ruminant health and obstetrics, and equine health and dental care.

On the small animal side, we offer routine primary care services such as vaccinations, spays/neuters, wellness exams, and internal medicine, plus more advanced procedures including foreign body removals, GDV surgeries, and tumor excisions.

Our clinics are equipped with modern facilities and the latest technology, including new load-out facilities, up-to-date ultrasound and digital radiology equipment, a new equine dental machine, and IDEXX bloodwork analyzers.

Job Description

The Role
We are seeking a compassionate, team-oriented Associate Veterinarian who thrives in a rural setting and is passionate about both large and small animal medicine, with an emphasis on bovine care. You’ll work closely with experienced veterinarians and support staff to deliver exceptional care and develop strong client relationships. Weekend calls are rotated roughly every fifth weekend, allowing for predictable scheduling and personal time.

Responsibilities:

• Provide thorough veterinary care to large and small animals, with a focus on bovine medicine
• Perform general medicine and surgery procedures
• Collaborate with a skilled support team including large animal and small animal technicians
• Engage with clients, clearly communicating care plans and herd health strategies
• Participate actively in calving season, herd health programs, and feedlot consulting

What We Offer

• Competitive compensation and comprehensive benefits including paid vacation, holidays, sick leave, health/dental/vision insurance, liability insurance, life insurance, and 401(k) with employer match
• Paid continuing education allowance and professional dues
• Sign-on bonus, relocation assistance, and student loan support
• Future ownership opportunities and medical autonomy
• Flexible scheduling to support a healthy work-life balance in a rural environment
• Access to a DVM mentor network with veterinarians ranging from 2 to 45 years of experience

Qualifications

• DVM or equivalent from an accredited university
• Active veterinary license in Nebraska (or ability to obtain)
• DEA license and USDA accreditation (or ability to obtain)
• Strong communicator, compassionate, and a team player
• General medicine and surgical proficiency preferred; new graduates seeking mentorship encouraged to apply

Additional Information

Internship Opportunities
We also offer paid internships with free housing for veterinary students interested in hands‑on rural mixed animal experience. Interns benefit from close mentorship, exposure to multiple veterinarians’ perspectives, client communication practice, and insight into the business side of rural veterinary medicine.

Why Northeast Nebraska?
Pender offers a rare blend of true rural agricultural lifestyle with easy access to city amenities—just 35 minutes from Sioux City, IA, and 80 minutes from Omaha, NE. With excellent public schools, a welcoming community, and abundant outdoor activities, it’s an ideal place to build a fulfilling career and raise a family.

We are a drug-free, smoke-free, equal opportunity employer.

Discrimination of any kind based on age, color, race, religion, sex, disability, sexual orientation, or national origin is strictly prohibited.