Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed

Castle Veterinary Group, Co. Down; Castlewellan; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Castlewellan is looking for a graduate vet to join a supportive team of 14 vets. You will participate in mixed practice covering both small and large animals, with opportunities for advanced surgeries and diagnostics. The role includes a competitive salary starting at £36,000, comprehensive benefits, and a strong emphasis on professional development. Located in beautiful surroundings, the practice prides itself on being a mentor-friendly environment.

Benefits

Competitive starting salary

6.6 weeks holiday + birthday off

Company pension with IVC contribution

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes

Retail discounts and cashback

Discounted pet care at IVC practices

Paid professional memberships

Qualifications

• Must have veterinary degree and be eligible to practice.
• Experience with both large and small animals preferred.
• Willingness to work weekends and on-call shifts essential.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care for large and small animals.
• Participate in advanced surgeries and diagnostics.
• Work under guidance of senior vets as part of a team.

Skills

Large animal experience

Small animal experience

Communication skills

Teamwork

Education

Veterinary degree

Tools

Endoscopy

Radiography equipment

Ultrasound facilities

Job description

Stepping into your future - ready to learn, grow, and do meaningful work that matters.

At IVC Evidensia, 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.

Unlock Your Passions at Castle Vet Group

At Castle Vet Group we are happy to support new graduates, we 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. Equally, if you are an experienced vet, this is a lovely area to settle and make your home. We are a 2-site practice Castlewellan and Downpatrick about 12 miles apart so time will be spent at both sites.

We are privileged to work and live in not 1 but 2 areas of outstanding natural beauty. The practice stretches across a fantastic scenic area from Strangford Lough up to Slieve Donard. We have on our doorstep a wide range of sports clubs, cross‑fit centres, leisure centres, a racecourse, golf courses, water sports activities centres, mountain bike trails, landmarks where Game of Thrones was shot, something for everyone all within the catchment area. For nightlife we have multiple bustling tourist seaside towns and villages and for a city experience we are located 1 hour from Belfast and 1 hour and 30 minutes from Dublin.

We are a strong and supportive team of 14 vets and 9 nurses, including certificate holders in small animal surgery and medicine.

Alongside the modern standard equipment, we have invested heavily in equipment to be able to do more advanced surgeries and diagnostics. We have a large animal lab area with 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. We have digital radiography in both sites. We have state‑of‑the‑art ultrasound facilities with continuous and pulse‑wave doppler for cardiology and advanced soft‑tissue imaging. We use multiparameter anaesthetic monitoring for every surgical patient. We have extensive orthopaedic equipment with complicated fracture repairs, TPLOs and TTAs all being performed routinely in‑house.

You will work 40 hours per week, with a 1:8 out of hours rota, working evenings and weekends. The balance of work is 50% large, 45% small, and 5% equine.

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

Enjoy a competitive starting salary from £36,000, alongside a range of benefits designed to help you thrive:

• Salary increase in year 2
• No financial tie‑in
• 6.6 weeks holiday + 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’re 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.

Join our Graduate Academy.

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.

£36,000 per annum pro‑rate