Veterinary Surgeon (Maternity Cover)

CVS Group UK; Crook of Devon; On-site; GBP 35,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

RCVS & VDS fees

CPD allowance

Holiday allowance

Vet telemedicine support

Health cash plan

Wellbeing champions

Pet care discounts

Job summary

Charter Veterinary Hospital is seeking a dedicated veterinary surgeon to join our Small Animal practice across Barnstaple, Pilton and Mullacott. This full‑time role is based in Barnstapple and offers the chance to lead clinical cases.

You’ll diagnose and treat a varied caseload, mentor junior colleagues, and contribute to teaching and patient care. The position is 40 hours over four days, with flexibility for part‑time for the right candidate, and a fixed‑term maternity cover from October 2026.

Qualifications

• Confident in clinical skills with ability to lead surgical and medical cases.
• Committed to developing colleagues and mentoring team members.
• Strong client communication to build trust with owners.

Responsibilities

• Lead surgical and medical cases with precision.
• Carry out diagnostic investigations and contribute to case management.
• Support and inspire colleagues to thrive within the practice.
• Deliver outstanding care to patients and owners.

Skills

Clinical leadership

Mentoring

Client care

Job description

Do you enjoy the countryside, beautiful coastlines and sandy beaches? Are you looking for a progressive group who uphold the highest standards? At CVS, we put our colleagues first, giving you the support you need to provide the best possible care. From clinical to non‑clinical challenges, you'll always have the resources and teams alongside you. We'll be your biggest supporter – it's in our nature.

With market‑leading learning, on‑the‑job training, and collaboration with skilled colleagues, you'll have the tools to grow—whether you're building confidence early in your career or looking to deepen your expertise. From advancing in your current role to exploring new leadership or specialist pathways, we provide the support and opportunities to help you achieve your goals.

Life at Charter Veterinary Hospital

Charter is a Small Animal practice with a passionate team of vets, nurses, PCAs and receptionists.

Escape the rat race, work and play in an area of outstanding natural beauty, a spectacular and diverse region that offers the work‑life balance you deserve. Award winning golden sandy beaches perfect for surfing and swimming, rugged moors and lush green valley’s ready to explore, picturesque coast lines, traditional thatched pubs and restaurants serving some of the best of locally sourced food in the country.

As well as enjoying our modern facilities, we are extremely well equipped with CT scanner, dental x‑ray, endoscopy, diathermy, digital x‑ray, ultrasound. We have a varied caseload and the team thoroughly enjoy sharing their knowledge so you will gain invaluable experience.

You will get the chance to work across all of our three sites in the area, Barnstaple, Pilton and Mullacott. This role is based in Barnstaple and is easily commutable from Bideford, Great Torrington, South Molton, Westward Ho!, Ilfracombe and other surrounding areas within Devon and North Cornwall.

This is a full‑time position working 40 hours per week across 4 days – however we can be flexible with this. Part‑time applications will also be considered for the right candidate. Participation in the 1:6 Saturday rota (12 hour shift) is required with TOIL for this. No OOH. This is a fixed‑term contract for 6 months covering maternity from October 2026.

About You

• Driven by shared passion to provide the best possible care to animals, you're committed to delivering outstanding care to support our patients and their owners.
• Confident in your clinical skills, you'll be able to take the lead on surgical and medical cases, and carry out diagnostic investigations with precision.
• Keen to develop, you're committed to gaining further confidence in clinical skills so that you can manage or lead on different case types.
• A natural mentor and team player, you'll enjoy supporting and inspiring all colleagues to help them thrive.
• Client care comes naturally to you; you know how to create a positive, reassuring experience that builds trust and long‑lasting relationships.

The Benefits

• RCVS & VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered
• Up to 33 days holiday (with option to buy/sell)
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Health cash plan, Employee Assistance Programme, Wellbeing Champions and enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts – 50% off services, MiPet food and medications

Join us at CVS

We're committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels welcome, valued and able to do their best work. We foster an inclusive and equitable workplace, where diverse perspectives are invited and people feel safe to speak up.

Wellbeing support is always available, from monthly line‑manager check‑ins to our network of 400 Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets and personal mentors. We offer leading benefits and policies, such as our Health Shield which provides support for physical and mental health.

Our aim is to free up clinical colleagues to do what they do best, so we offer practices a wide range of operational support. Central expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, procurement teams are on hand to support with all aspects relating to the smooth running of each practice.

We prioritise investment in our facilities, delivering significant enhancements across numerous practices through a dedicated multi‑million‑pound improvement fund.