Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed

British Veterinary Association; Castlewellan; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Castlewellan is seeking a veterinary professional to join their team. Responsibilities include providing patient care, performing surgeries, and conducting diagnostics. The ideal candidate will have a veterinary degree, surgical skills, and experience in mixed practice. This role offers a competitive starting salary from £36,000 and a supportive environment for growth and development.

Benefits

Competitive salary

6.6 weeks holiday plus birthday off

Private medical insurance

Company pension with IVC contribution

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted pet care

Qualifications

• Experience in mixed practice preferred.
• Willingness to learn and shadow senior vets.
• Ability to perform surgeries and diagnostics.

Responsibilities

• Work 40 hours per week with an out-of-hours rota.
• Balance workload between large animal, small animal, and equine services.
• Participate in surgical and diagnostic procedures.

Skills

Veterinary expertise

Surgical skills

Diagnostic procedures

Patient care

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

About Castle Vet Group

Stepping into your future - ready to learn, grow, and do meaningful work that matters. At IVCEvidensia, you'll find a place where you can be yourself, supported by people who want to see you thrive. You'll get hands‑on experience, build your confidence, and discover just how far your passion can take you.

We are happy to support new graduates and enjoy teaching and mentoring less experienced vets in all aspects of mixed practice. We start our new graduates off shadowing one of the vets; this gives you time to find your feet and means someone is always available to offer advice or scrub in on an op. If you are an experienced vet, this is a lovely area to settle and make your home. We have two sites – Castlewellan and Downpatrick, about 12 miles apart – so time will be spent at both locations.

We work and live in not one but two areas of outstanding natural beauty. The practice stretches across a fantastic scenic area from Strangford Lough up to Slieve Donard. On our doorstep we have a wide range of sports clubs, cross‑fit centres, leisure centres, a racecourse, golf courses, water sports, mountain bike trails and landmarks where Game of Thrones was shot. The catchment area offers nightlife in seaside towns and closeness to Belfast (1 hr) and Dublin (1 hr 30 min).

Our team consists of 14 vets and 9 nurses, including certificate holders in small‑animal surgery and medicine.

We have invested heavily in equipment to deliver advanced surgeries and diagnostics. The animal lab area houses an in‑house faecal egg count machine and microscope, two mobile scanning units for routine fertility work, and stock facilities for equine reproduction. We have in‑house endoscopy, bronchoscopy, rhinoscopy and arthroscopy. Digital radiography is available at both sites. State‑of‑the‑art ultrasound with continuous and pulse‑wave doppler enables cardiology and advanced soft‑tissue imaging. Multiparameter anaesthetic monitoring is used for every surgical patient. Extensive orthopaedic equipment supports complicated fracture repairs, TPLOs and TTAs performed routinely in‑house.

Key Responsibilities

• Work 40 hours per week with a 1:8 out‑of‑hours rota, covering evenings and weekends.
• Balance practice workload: 50% large animal, 45% small animal, and 5% equine services.
• Shadow senior vets during the onboarding period and participate in surgical and diagnostic procedures.
• Provide patient care, perform surgeries, conduct diagnostics, and contribute to clinic operations as required.

Be Part of Something Bigger - What You’ll Get

• Boost Your Learning – Take your career to the next level with our blended learning programme, tailored to your goals.
• Connect, Learn, Grow – Join a global community of veterinary professionals and access career opportunities across our network.
• Unlock Your Development – Explore CPD and research opportunities, including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund.
• Supported to Thrive – Gain invaluable experience with guidance from a dedicated mentor who cares about your progression.
• Your Wellbeing – Feel supported with £1,250 per year to spend via our Care Fund, plus a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits and Rewards

• Competitive starting salary from £36,000, with salary increase in year 2.
• No financial tie‑in.
• 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off.
• Company pension with IVC contribution.
• Private medical insurance.
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme.
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes.
• Retail discounts and cashback.
• Discounted pet care at IVC practices.
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others).

Joining a community where you are seen, valued, and empowered to have an impact that’s felt. This is more than just your first step – it’s the start of something bigger.

IVC Evidensia is proud to be a disability‑confident employer. We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.