Ambulatory Equine Veterinary Surgeon - Maternity Cover

Vet Record Careers; Ashington; On-site; GBP 55,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary facility in West Sussex is seeking an experienced Ambulatory Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join their team for a 6-12 month maternity cover, with potential for a permanent position. The role includes delivering ambulatory care to horses, collaborating with specialists, and entails a full-time commitment with an on-call rota. The ideal candidate should have RCVS membership and a full UK driving licence. Benefits include a competitive salary up to £55,000, CPD support, and enhanced holiday entitlements.

Benefits

6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays

Private medical insurance

CPD allowance of £1,250

Employee Assistance Programme

Qualifications

• RCVS membership required to practice veterinary medicine in the UK.
• A full UK driving licence is essential for mobile veterinary work.

Responsibilities

• Deliver ambulatory care to leisure and competition horses.
• Perform lameness investigations and medical workups.
• Conduct diagnostic procedures like ultrasound and radiography.

Skills

RCVS membership

Full UK driving licence

Job description

Location: Ashington, West Sussex
Salary: Up to £55,000 DOE

Sussex Equine Hospital is seeking an Ambulatory Equine Veterinary Surgeon to join our team on a 6 - 12 month maternity cover contract, with the potential for a permanent role for the right candidate. Based in Ashington, West Sussex, our RCVS-accredited Tier 3 Equine Hospital offers the ideal blend of countryside, coastal, and city living.

The Role

This is an exciting opportunity to deliver ambulatory care to leisure and competition horses across the picturesque Sussex countryside. The position is full-time (40 hours per week, Monday-Friday) with a 1:4 out-of-hours rota plus a 1:4 weekend commitment. A day off in lieu follows a weekend on call and a fully equipped vehicle will be provided.

About Sussex Equine Hospital

Our purpose-built, state-of-the-art facility provides an extensive range of surgical, medical, diagnostic, and ambulatory services across Sussex, as well as the neighbouring Surrey and Hampshire borders. On-site facilities include MRI, CT, scintigraphy, digital radiography, ultrasonography, endoscopy, and a laboratory. Our team also benefits from diplomates in surgery, internal medicine, theriogenology, and sports medicine.

Ambulatory Team

Responsibilities

Our dedicated ambulatory team of 12 vets manages a varied caseload, from racehorses and sports horses to leisure horses. You will be responsible for high-quality care across routine and emergency situations, including:

• Lameness investigations
• Pre-purchase examinations
• Medical workups
• Diagnostic procedures (ultrasound, digital radiography, endoscopy)

Although much of the role is independent, collaboration with our in-house specialists is encouraged. With suitable experience and qualifications, there may also be opportunities to provide emergency cover at four local racecourses (Goodwood, Plumpton, Brighton, and Fontwell) as well as FEI events in the region.

You'll be part of a supportive team of 25 equine vets, nurses, and support staff who are committed to clinical excellence and fostering a positive workplace culture. We are also actively engaged in the community through charity events and staff socials.

Applicant Requirements

• RCVS membership
• Full UK driving licence

Proud to Be Part of IVC Evidensia

At IVC Evidensia, we're driven by the passion and commitment of our people - across clinical, operational, and support teams. With over 2,500 clinics and hospitals in 20 countries and around 41,000 employees, we work together to care for around 25,000 animals every day. United by a shared purpose - Healthy Animals, Happy Owners - we're proud to champion long-term animal health and welfare through the dedication of every individual across our international network.

You Matter to Us - Your Benefits at a Glance

Work-life Balance & Wellbeing

• 6.6 weeks' holiday including bank holidays - plus your birthday off
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family-friendly leave and pay
• 24/7 confidential Employee Assistance Programme

Development

• £1,250 CPD allowance + 40 hours paid CPD
• Certificate and advanced learning support & Access to Vetlexicon online resources
• World leading IVC Evidensia Training Centres
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

Professional Memberships

• BVA membership
• VDS cover
• RCVS fees

Colleague Benefits

• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

Ready to Take the Next Step? If you're looking for a role that supports your ambitions and respects your work-life balance, we'd love to hear from you. Apply today or get in touch for an informal, confidential chat.