Veterinary Surgeon - Experienced and supportive team

Vetted Recruitment Limited; Uckfield; On-site; GBP 45,000 - 70,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Five weeks’ annual leave plus bank hol

Birthday off

Company pension after three months

Private medical cover after six months

Job summary

Vetted Recruitment Limited is assisting a private, independent six-vet small animal practice in East Sussex to recruit a Veterinary Surgeon with some small animal experience. You’ll work mainly at the main site, with occasional cover at the single-vet branch, four-day week, 8:30–19:00, and no routine out-of-hours.

You’ll perform consultations, diagnostics, treatment planning and surgery, supported by nurses and a friendly team.

Qualifications

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon; eligible to register with the RCVS.
• Experience in small animal practice; able to handle a varied caseload.
• Interest or experience in surgical and diagnostic imaging procedures welcome.

Responsibilities

• Conduct consultations, diagnostics, treatment planning and surgery.
• Provide high-quality patient care with support from nurses and a skilled team.
• Collaborate with colleagues to discuss cases and share knowledge.

Skills

Clinical judgment

Surgery

Diagnostics

Client communication

Education

Qualified Veterinary Surgeon

RCVS registration eligible

Tools

Ultrasound

Digital radiography

Endoscopy

Laser therapy

Job description

Clinical freedom matters most when you have the time, facilities and experienced colleagues to make the most of it.

This independent, six-vet small animal practice offers the breadth of first-opinion work, support to develop your interests and a four-day week with no routine out-of-hours.

We are seeking a Veterinary Surgeon with some small animal practice experience to join the organisation. You’ll work predominantly in their main site, with occasional cover at its single-vet branch.

Freedom to develop your clinical interests

This is a varied general practice role where you can investigate cases thoroughly, build relationships with clients and exercise your clinical judgement. Your work will span consultations, diagnostics, treatment planning and surgery, supported by experienced vets, registered veterinary nurses and a capable support team. The veterinary team brings experience across general practice, emergency care and surgery, with interests including soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology and orthopaedics. There are colleagues available to discuss cases, exchange ideas and offer practical help.

With surgical services developing to include TPLO and BOAS procedures, alongside additional soft tissue and orthopaedic support, the practice would particularly welcome an interest in internal medicine and/or diagnostic imaging. Established experience would be valued, but so would an appetite to develop in these areas.

A new graduate has recently joined, so there is also scope to share your knowledge and support a less experienced colleague if that appeals. Formal mentoring is not an expectation.

Facilities that support thorough care

The main clinic has been extensively developed, with a purpose-built extension housing two operating theatres, separate cat and dog wards, a full in-house laboratory and a spacious staff room. Equipment includes digital and dental radiography, endoscopy and laser therapy, with high-quality ultrasound available at both sites.

Continued investment is planned, and space has been reserved for a possible future CT scanner. As an independent business, decisions are made within the practice, with an open conversation encouraged around equipment, training and ideas that could improve patient care.

The working environment is built around kindness, collaboration and mutual respect. Alongside clinical autonomy, you can expect colleagues who value supporting one another and making room for life outside veterinary medicine. An interest in medicine or imaging would be a great fit but not a requirement.

A rota with time away from work

This is a full-time position working four days a week, from 8.30am to 7.00pm. Saturday mornings are no more frequent than one in five, from 8.30am to 12.00pm.

There are no Sundays and no routine out-of-hours. Out-of-hours care is provided externally through services in Tunbridge Wells and Eastbourne.

Salary and benefits

The salary is £45,000–£70,000 depending on experience. The package includes five weeks’ annual leave plus bank holidays, your birthday off, a company pension after three months and private medical cover after six months. Support is available to develop your clinical interests, alongside the autonomy and flexibility of independent practice.

Life in East Sussex

This area offers direct access to countryside, coast and nearby towns. Ashdown Forest, the South Downs and Hundred Acre Wood are within easy reach, while Brighton, Lewes, Eastbourne and Gatwick Airport are around 45 minutes from Uckfield, with London just over an hour away. Team social activities range from countryside dog walks and meals out to cinema trips and more adventurous outings.

You must be a qualified Veterinary Surgeon and eligible to register with the RCVS to be considered for this role.