Veterinary Surgeon - Large Animal

British Veterinary Association; Maghera; On-site; GBP 65,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Northern Ireland is seeking a passionate Veterinary Surgeon to join their team. The role emphasizes large animal care, client relationship building, and offers a supportive environment for professional growth. With modern facilities and generous benefits, including a salary of up to £65,000 DOE, you will thrive in a community-focused practice that values work-life balance.

Benefits

Relocation allowance up to £8,000

Welcome bonus up to £5,000

7 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

Pension plan

Qualifications

• Degree in Veterinary Medicine required.
• Experience with large animals preferred.
• Willingness to engage with clients.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care for large animals.
• Build relationships with clients in the farming community.
• Participate in emergency call-outs.

Skills

Large animal care

Client relationship building

Surgical skills

Emergency care

Education

Degree in Veterinary Medicine

Tools

Ultrasound

X-ray equipment

ECG

Job description

Salary up to £65,000 DOE, plus Relocation Allowance up to £8,000 and up to £5,000 welcome bonus

Are you a veterinary surgeon with a passion for large animal work and a desire to be part of a team where your contribution genuinely matters? At Glenshane Veterinary Clinic, we’re offering an exciting opportunity that blends variety, support, and a fantastic community feel. Whether you’re an experienced farm vet or a mixed practitioner who still enjoys some small animal work, this role could be just what you’re looking for.

Big Impact, Rural Charm – A Role That Keeps You Engaged

This is a truly varied position with a strong focus on cattle. It’s ideal for someone who loves the practical, hands‑on nature of large animal care and wants to be out on the road building strong client relationships. Our clients include both experienced commercial farmers and smaller family‑run setups, so there’s a real chance to become a trusted part of the local community.

You’ll split your time across our three friendly branches in Maghera, Kilrea, and Dungiven, so a full driving licence is essential. If you enjoy some small animal work alongside your farm cases, we can shape the role to suit you with opportunities to work with pets and the occasional exotic species for even more variety. No two days are ever quite the same here.

Facilities That Support Your Best Work

To help you do your best work, we’ve invested in modern, reliable equipment that supports both farm and small animal care. Our clinics are fitted with easy scan, small animal ultrasound, IDEXX lab stations, X‑ray, ECG, and endoscopy so you’ll be well equipped for whatever comes through the door. For our equine and farm work, we’ve got excellent stabling facilities and horse stock.

Whether you’re doing routine visits, complex procedures, or emergency call‑outs, you’ll have the tools and the team to support you.

A Supportive Team With Experience You Can Rely On

When you join Glenshane, you’re not just joining a clinic, you’re becoming part of a genuinely supportive, down‑to‑earth team. Our vet team includes six experienced professionals, four of whom have been in practice for over 20 years. That means you’ll always have someone to bounce ideas off, seek advice from, or share a coffee with. Our brilliant nurses and support staff help keep everything running smoothly and are just as committed to providing great care as our vets are.

Grow Your Skills, Shape Your Future

We’re here to support your professional growth in whatever direction excites you most. Interested in herd health, fertility work, or diagnostics? Prefer to expand your surgical skillset or explore further CPD? We’ll back you with time, encouragement, and practical support to help you develop a fulfilling and rewarding career.

We Care About Your Work‑Life Balance

The standard full‑time vet rota consists of a 40‑hour week, working 1 weekend in 4 with a long weekend off in lieu the following week. There is an OOH requirement to work 1 night per week on call in the winter months and 1 night per week every fortnight in summer months. Although this is advertised as a full‑time role, we are open to both full‑time and part‑time applications.

A Great Life Inside and Outside the Practice

Life beyond work is just as rewarding here! Nestled in the Sperrin Mountains, Maghera is a charming town offering stunning scenery, rich history, and a welcoming community. It’s a fantastic location with rural charm and city convenience. Outdoor lovers will enjoy hiking, exploring, and breathtaking views, while the iconic North Coast and Giant’s Causeway are just a 45‑minute drive away. However, if you prefer the hustle and bustle of city life on your days off, you’re only 40 minutes from Derry or Belfast, and Belfast airport is just 30 minutes away.

Because Our People Matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do.

Work‑Life Balance

• 7 weeks annual leave
• Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Wellbeing

• Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
• Private Medical Insurance
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing, including discounted gym membership
• Non‑accidental injury support

Development

• £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
• Certificate support
• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy
• Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider
• All our vets & nurses can apply for research funding
• Infection Prevention and Control Programme
• Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

• VDS cover
• RCVS fees
• AVSPNI/NIVA

Additional

• Pawsome Benefits – reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100’s of retailers
• Pension 5% Employee / 3% Employer
• Discounted staff pet care