Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

The Barn Veterinary Practice, Copdock; Ipswich; On-site; GBP 36,000; Full time

Job summary

A local veterinary practice in Ipswich is seeking a veterinary professional to join their supportive team. You will work 40 hours weekly over 4.5 days, gaining hands-on experience under the guidance of experienced mentors. Benefits include a £36,000 pro rata salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and career development opportunities. This position offers a chance to thrive in a welcoming environment that values your contributions.

Benefits

Salary increase in year 2

6.6 weeks holiday + birthday off

Company pension with contribution

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Retail discounts

Qualifications

• Hands-on experience in veterinary practice is preferred.
• Willingness to learn and develop under mentorship.

Responsibilities

• Work a structured 40-hour week over 4.5 days.
• Participate in surgeries alongside a mentoring Vet.
• Handle weekend consults on a 1 in 7 rota.

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 The Barn Veterinary Practice. The Barn Veterinary Practice is a welcoming small animal practice based in Copdock, Suffolk, with a second branch just 15 minutes away. Our location offers the best of both worlds – beautiful countryside and stunning coastal areas to explore on your days off. Nearby Colchester and Ipswich provide charming shopping and market towns. Norwich is just an hour away by car or train, and London is less than an hour away by train, making commuting or city trips simple.

We have a supportive team of 6 Vets, 7 RVNs, and a fantastic administrative team who all work closely together. Within the team, we’re proud to have certificate holders in Cardiology, Diagnostic Imaging, Ophthalmology, and Small Animal Surgery. You will have a dedicated mentor and a VetGDP advisor to guide you. In your first few months, a second Vet will work alongside you during surgeries to help you develop your skills, and you won’t be in sole charge of evening or weekend consults until you feel fully confident and ready.

Our practice is well‑equipped with fantastic facilities to support high‑quality care, including digital X‑ray, ultrasound, an in‑house laboratory, endoscope, video otoscope, tonometer, electrocautery, and K‑Laser.

Enjoy a welcoming environment with structured support and flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

You’ll work 40 hours per week over 4.5 days, with typical shifts from 8:30 am – 5:00 pm or 8:30 am – 7:00 pm, including 2‑3 late shifts each week. Our weekend rota is 1 in 7, with Saturday morning consults from 9:00 am – 12:00 pm and Sunday morning consults from 10:00 am – 12:00 pm. After a weekend worked, you’ll have Friday off the following week, giving you some regular time to rest and recharge.

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:

• 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.

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 pro rata per annum