Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group - Broomfield Road; Witham; On-site; GBP 36,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Essex is seeking a dedicated veterinary professional to join their team. This full-time role offers structured hours, extended consultations, and emphasis on learning and development within a supportive environment. Responsibilities include patient care, consultations, and surgeries, allowing for growth and independence over time. The position starts at a competitive salary of £36,000 per annum with various benefits including generous holidays, professional development opportunities, and wellness support.

Benefits

Salary increase in year 2

6.6 weeks holiday + birthday off

Private medical insurance

Employee Assistance Programme

Cycle to Work scheme

Discounted pet care

Qualifications

• Must hold a Veterinary Degree to qualify for this role.
• Ability to manage patient consultations independently.
• Experience or interest in surgical procedures is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Provide patient consultations and treatment plans.
• Perform surgical procedures with support as needed.
• Participate in regular case discussions for continuous learning.

Skills

Veterinary Care

Patient Management

Surgical Procedures

Education

Veterinary Degree

Job description

Overview

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 Spring Lodge Veterinary Group: Spring Lodge Veterinary Group is a welcoming group of six small animal practices based in the heart of Essex. We’re in a great location with easy links to London and beyond, making it simple to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Whether you love a day at the beach, hopping on a plane for a weekend away, or relaxing in the countryside, you’ll find it all close – with the coast nearby, Stansted Airport just a short drive away, and plenty of beautiful rural surroundings.

We’re proud to be a close‑knit, supportive team of 17 vets, working alongside a highly skilled nursing team, four Veterinary Care Assistants, and dedicated receptionists across all six of our clinics. Within the team, we have both Vet and Nurse certificate holders, as well as colleagues currently working towards certificates in areas including Surgery, Medicine, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, and Advanced General Practice. We run regular in‑house CPD sessions led by team members with special interests, such as cardiology and ultrasonography. Supporting growth and development is really important to us and we take the time to understand each individual’s goals and tailor development plans to suit them, ensuring everyone feels supported and valued.

We love spending time together as a team and enjoy regular social events, from larger group get‑togethers to more relaxed, small‑team outings. We also run regular journal clubs, led by both vets and nurses, creating a great space to share ideas and learn from one another. Wellbeing is a real priority for us. We have trained mental health first aiders and dedicated wellbeing champions within the team. We’re also committed to working as sustainably as possible, with a passionate group of colleagues always looking for ways to improve. Above all, we work collaboratively and are always striving for continuous improvement in everything we do.

As you’d expect from a hospital clinic, we’re very well equipped with excellent surgical and medical facilities and a comprehensive range of kit. We have separate dog, cat, and isolation wards, helping us provide calm, high‑quality care for every patient. Our facilities include ultrasound, endoscopy, dental radiography, a fully equipped in‑house laboratory, and an extensive range of surgical equipment – from laparoscopy through to orthopaedic procedures.

Responsibilities

41 hours per week over 4 days, structured within a working day which runs from 8am to our last appointment at 6:30pm. No out‑of‑hours work, with continuity of overnight care provided for our inpatients. 1:8 weekends, covering an emergencies‑only service for our clients from 8:00am – 5:00pm, with a 1:5 Saturday morning rota. An additional day off is given after working a weekend, which has the potential to offer 5 full days of leave without having to use any holiday balance, allowing a great work‑life balance.

You will be supported with extended consultations and will have your own consulting list, with an experienced Vet available on call to provide support as needed. Full surgical support is provided, working alongside another vet on a 1:1 basis until you feel confident to undertake procedures independently. We are not prescriptive and allow the graduate’s confidence and ability to guide when they progress to managing cases and surgery independently. Initially, you will see routine appointments only, with a gradual transition to more complex or unwell patients. Regular case discussions are held to support learning and reflection.

You will have access to the company van or practice use only.

Learning & Development

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)

EEO Statement

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