Small Animal veterinary Surgeon Vacancy- East Lancashire

Bright Leaf Recruitment; Cotherstone; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in East Lancashire is seeking a full-time small animal veterinary surgeon. This role offers a competitive salary ranging from £40,000 to £65,000, a supportive work environment, and opportunities for professional development. You'll work a five-day week with manageable on-call requirements. Benefits include generous annual leave, access to ongoing training, and the option for alternative working hours for work-life balance. This is a chance to be part of a valued local practice in a beautiful countryside setting.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Employee Assistance Programme

Discounted corporate gym membership

Cycle to Work scheme

Private medical insurance

Qualifications

• Experienced small animal veterinary surgeon.
• Proven interest in surgery or orthopedics.
• Strong teamwork and communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality veterinary care to small animals.
• Manage a varied caseload with an emphasis on surgery.
• Support ongoing professional development and contribute to a team-focused environment.

Skills

Surgery interest

Orthopedics interest

Team collaboration

Communication skills

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Digital X-ray

Ultrasound

Endoscopy

Job description

I’m pleased to share a vacancy with my client who is seeking a full-time experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join them. They are a proud practice with a long-established presence in East Lancashire, offering high-quality, first-opinion care since 1911. They have a main hospital supported by 2 consulting branches.

With a varied and high caseload, they are particularly interested in welcoming a vet who has an interest in surgery or orthopedics, and who can help expand in-house services. The role comes with a salary range of £40,000 to £65,000 depending on experience. You would work a five-day week on a rolling rota that includes 1.5 weekends in every 8 and one night on-call every two weeks.

All out-of-hours work is supported by time off in lieu, and they provide on-site accommodation in a private flat complete with shower and TV facilities for those who prefer to stay at the practice when on call. Part time can be considered. The team is made up of experienced veterinary professionals, including certificate holders in medicine, dentistry, and emergency and critical care.

The nursing team also brings a wide range of specialisms to the table, including ECC, anaesthesia, feline nursing and medicine, dentistry, and physiotherapy. They provide 24-hour care with the support of three dedicated night RVNs, two of whom are ECC certificate holders. These nurses also take all overnight calls, easing the burden on our on-call vets.

Facilities and Equipment

The hospital is well-equipped, featuring digital x-ray, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, two surgical theatres with multiparameter monitors, and a fully equipped dental suite with dental x-ray. They have a comprehensive in-house laboratory, three consulting rooms, a designated bereavement room, and separate canine and feline wards.

They work closely with peripatetic specialists in ultrasonography and cardiology, enabling to manage most cases in-house and continue providing exceptional patient care. They encourage and support ongoing professional development. You’ll have access to a generous CPD budget of £1,700 per year and five days paid leave for training.

Certificates are encouraged and can be funded. They also cover your RCVS membership and VDS insurance, along with two other professional subscriptions. The practice provides a supportive work environment, with trained GDP mentors, mental health first aiders, and wellbeing champions on staff, and are also a training practice and work in partnership with the University of Central Lancashire.

Workplace Culture

This workplace culture is built on collaboration and enjoyment. The team regularly participates in social events, including charity activities like the Pendle Pub Walk. They value team wellbeing and have regular meetings to ensure all colleagues feel heard, appreciated, and supported.

The out-of-hours rota is designed to be manageable and predictable. The weekend out-of-hours commitments average at 1.5 in 8 weekends and are compensated with generous time off in lieu. The weekday on-call is typically one night every other week, with the following day off.

Benefits

Full-time vets working the out-of-hours rota will generally only have two full five-day weeks in every eight, with most weeks consisting of three or four working days. They are open to discussing alternative working hours to support a better work-life balance. In terms of benefits, you’ll get 6.6 weeks of annual leave, including bank holidays, with the option to buy additional holidays.

You’ll have access to an Employee Assistance Programme, a paid day off for volunteering, and a discounted corporate gym membership, Cycle to Work scheme. They offer enhanced parental leave and private medical insurance through group payroll deduction. Well-behaved pets are welcome at work – after all, team pets are part of the family.

If you’re an experienced vet looking to be part of a forward-thinking, friendly, and well-supported team, we’d love to hear from you. This is your opportunity to grow your clinical skills, contribute to a valued local practice, and enjoy a fulfilling work-life balance in the beautiful East Lancashire countryside.

EEO Statement: We are an equal opportunities employer and welcome applications from all qualified candidates.