Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - FTC

Sunbeam Vets, Cobh; Ireland; On-site; EUR 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A dedicated veterinary clinic in Ireland is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon for a 13-month contract. The role involves sole charge responsibilities in a community-focused practice where you provide comprehensive care for small animals. Ideal for a confident clinician, this position offers a balanced work-life setup along with professional development opportunities and various benefits.

Benefits

22 days Annual Leave

Paid Birthday Leave

Paid maternity & paternity leave

Company Sick Pay

Dedicated CARE fund

Annual pay reviews

Employer pension contributions

Qualifications

• VCI-registered Veterinary Surgeon.
• Confident working sole charge with small animals.
• Experience in first opinion practice.

Responsibilities

• General consultations and case work-ups.
• Treatment plans and routine surgeries.
• Providing complete continuity of care.

Skills

VCI registration

Experience working sole charge

Proficient in small animal practice

Job description

Veterinary Surgeon - Fixed Term Contract (13 months)

Location: Sunbeam Vets, Cobh

Start Date: 1st April 2026

Salary: Commensurate with experience

Join Our Team at Sunbeam Vets, Cobh

Are you a confident and compassionate Veterinary Surgeon looking for your next rewarding role? At Sunbeam Vets, we’re proud to serve the Cobh community with exceptional small animal care, combining clinical excellence with a truly personal touch. We’re now seeking an experienced vet to join our close-knit team on a 13‑month maternity cover contract, where you’ll have the opportunity to take ownership of your work and make a real difference every day.

The Role

This is a sole charge position in a friendly, community‑focused first opinion practice, supported by a small and dedicated team consisting of one nurse and one receptionist. You’ll be responsible for general consultations, case work‑ups, treatment plans, and routine surgeries – offering complete continuity of care for your patients.

Working pattern

• Monday to Thursday: 9am‑7pm (1‑hour lunch break)
• Weekends: 1 in 4 Saturdays and 1 in 8 Sundays
• No OOH or on‑call duties

This role is ideally suited to a confident, capable clinician who enjoys the independence and variety of sole‑charge practice. Please note, it’s not suitable for new graduates or those requiring mentoring.

Why Cobh?

Nestled on the southern coast of Ireland, Cobh, County Cork, is a stunning seaside town brimming with charm, colour, and history. Overlooking Cork Harbour, one of the largest natural harbours in the world, Cobh offers breathtaking waterfront views, vibrant streets lined with pastel houses, and a relaxed, welcoming community.

Life in Cobh means enjoying scenic coastal walks, fresh sea air, and a friendly small‑town atmosphere, all while being just a short drive or train ride from the bustle of Cork City. It’s the perfect setting for anyone seeking that ideal balance between professional fulfilment and an exceptional quality of life.

About Sunbeam Vets

Sunbeam Vets is a 100% small animal veterinary group with multiple clinics across the Cork region, including Blackpool, Cobh, Passage West, and Kinsale Road. Our state‑of‑the‑art referral hospital in Northpoint, Cork City, offers an extensive range of advanced diagnostic and surgical services from CT scanning and orthopaedics (including spinal surgery) to laparoscopy, ultrasound, hydrotherapy, and 24‑hour emergency care.

Since opening our doors in 2003, we’ve grown to a team of 40+ dedicated professionals, including 16 Veterinary Surgeons, 18 Veterinary Nurses, and 8 Support Staff. Many of our clinicians hold advanced qualifications, and we’re passionate about supporting further learning with fully funded certificates and CPD opportunities.

At Sunbeam, we’re more than just a workplace – we’re a supportive, collaborative community where wellbeing and work‑life balance truly matter.

What We’re Looking For

• VCI‑registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Experienced and confident working sole charge
• Proficient in all aspects of small animal first opinion practice

What We Offer

We know our people are the heart of our success. That’s why we invest in your growth, wellbeing, and future. In addition to a competitive salary, we provide a comprehensive benefits package (pro rata).

Work Life Balance

• 22 days Annual Leave
• Paid Birthday Leave
• Paid maternity & paternity leave
• Company Sick Pay
• Paid Bereavement leave
• Cycle to Work Scheme
• Access to EAP & Wellbeing Centre

Professional Development

• €1300 annual CPD allowance plus 5 paid CPD days
• Funding of any Certificates/Diplomas/PhD’s you may want to pursue
• Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non‑clinical

Professional Memberships

• VCI membership & VDS cover paid

Additional Benefits

• Annual Pay Reviews
• Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,100 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T&C’s apply)
• Pawesome Benefits – discount platform with hundreds of retailers
• Employer Pension Contributions
• Free Flu Inoculations
• Discounted Veterinary Fees across the IVC Evidensia network
• Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Clinical Board and many more)

Diversity & Inclusion

We’re proud to be an inclusive employer. As a BAME and LGBTQIA+ friendly organisation and a Disability Confident Employer, we welcome applications from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Apply today and help us make a difference, one paw at a time.