At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emergency and inpatient care as a Night Veterinary Surgeon in a supportive hospital environment.
- Company: Join Village Vet St Albans, a well-established 24-hour veterinary hospital.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, competitive salary, and extensive CPD opportunities.
- Other info: Work with a dynamic team in a recently refurbished hospital setting.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying structured work-life balance.
- Qualifications: RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK experience required.
The predicted salary is between 85000 - 95000 £ per year.
Location: Village Vet St Albans (Hertfordshire)
Hours: 7-night blocks, working 1 week on and 3 weeks off
Salary: £85,000 - £95,000 per annum fte depending on experience + bonus scheme
We’re looking for a Night Veterinary Surgeon to join our recently refurbished Village Vet St Albans hospital on a 12 month fixed‑term contract. This is a fully hospital‑based role working overnight on a structured rota, giving you focused blocks of work followed by extended time off. You’ll be supported by an experienced clinical and nursing team, working with a varied inpatient and emergency caseload in a well‑equipped hospital setting. This role suits a vet who enjoys the responsibility and focus of night work, with the backing of a strong team and clear hospital systems in place. You’ll have the time and space to work cases through properly, with support available when needed.
Why join us
- Structured rota: 1 week on, 3 weeks off
- Hospital‑only role with no branch work
- Varied emergency and inpatient caseload
- Strong night nursing support on site throughout shifts
- Access to full hospital diagnostics and facilities overnight
- No additional out‑of‑hours commitments outside rota blocks
- Recently refurbished and revamped hospital environment
Team and Practice
Village Vet St Albans is a well‑established 24‑hour veterinary hospital with a 6.5 FTE veterinary team (including a vet with a dental certificate, a vet completing a surgical certificate and another very experienced medicine and imaging veterinary surgeon) and a nursing team of 10, including RVNs, SVNs, and Patient Care Assistants. The hospital is fully equipped for inpatient and emergency care, with access to theatre, imaging, dental facilities, and in‑house diagnostics throughout the night. The hospital features digital dental xray, digital xray, new US machine, full in house lab, endoscope, bronchoscope, rigid scope, laparoscopic equipment, bipolar/monopolar diathermy, multiparameters, bair huggers and boasts separate cat, dog and isolation wards. You’ll be working alongside an experienced night nursing team, with clear clinical backup and structured handover between day and night teams. The hospital also benefits from a wider team of clinicians across disciplines including surgery, medicine, dentistry, and ophthalmology. Village Vet St Albans is a busy, well‑run hospital site within Hertfordshire, offering a steady and varied emergency caseload in a supportive environment.
What we’re looking for
- RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK experience
- Confident and experienced in ECC and hospital medicine
- Comfortable managing both inpatient and emergency caseloads
- Able to work autonomously overnight with clinical confidence
- Calm, practical, and reliable under pressure
- Strong team player with good communication during handovers
What we offer
- 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- External CPD funded
- Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
- Career progression opportunities
- Staff discount schemes
- Life Assurance
- Enhanced sickness pay
- Enhanced equal family leave
- E‑car salary sacrifice scheme
- Employer contribution pension scheme
- Recruitment referral reward scheme
- Wellness program including: Employee assistance program, Eyecare voucher scheme, Free annual Flu jab, Cycle to work scheme
Night Veterinary Surgeon - 1 year FTC employer: Cinque Ports Vets
Village Vet St Albans is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and well-equipped environment for Night Veterinary Surgeons. With a structured rota of 1 week on and 3 weeks off, employees enjoy a healthy work-life balance alongside competitive salaries and extensive benefits, including career progression opportunities and wellness programmes. The recently refurbished hospital fosters a collaborative culture, ensuring that staff have access to advanced facilities and a strong team to support them in delivering high-quality veterinary care.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Veterinary Surgeon - 1 year FTC
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, join online forums, and connect with people in the industry. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for interviews by practising common questions and scenarios specific to night veterinary work. Show off your experience in emergency care and how you handle pressure – that’s what they want to see!
✨Tip Number 3
Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on places like Village Vet St Albans that align with your values and career goals. Tailor your approach to highlight why you’d be a great fit for their team.
✨Tip Number 4
Use our website to apply directly! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets seen by the right people. Plus, it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining our awesome team.
We think you need these skills to ace Night Veterinary Surgeon - 1 year FTC
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV:Make sure your CV is tailored to the Night Veterinary Surgeon role. Highlight your experience in emergency and inpatient care, and don’t forget to mention any specific skills that match what we’re looking for!
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you’re passionate about night work and how your experience aligns with our team at Village Vet St Albans. Keep it personal and engaging!
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We love a strong team player! In your application, give examples of how you’ve worked collaboratively in past roles, especially during busy or high-pressure situations. We want to see how you communicate and support your colleagues.
Apply Through Our Website:Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us directly. Plus, you’ll find all the details you need about the role and our practice there!
How to prepare for a job interview at Cinque Ports Vets
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your emergency and critical care (ECC) knowledge. Familiarise yourself with common inpatient and emergency cases, as well as the specific equipment and facilities available at Village Vet St Albans. This will show that you're not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Showcase Team Spirit
As a Night Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be part of a close-knit team. Be prepared to discuss your experience working in teams, especially during high-pressure situations. Share examples of how you've communicated effectively during handovers or collaborated with nursing staff to ensure the best patient care.
✨Ask Insightful Questions
Prepare some thoughtful questions about the hospital's protocols, the support you'll receive from the nursing team, and the types of cases you might encounter. This not only demonstrates your enthusiasm for the position but also helps you gauge if the environment is the right fit for you.
✨Stay Calm Under Pressure
Since this role involves working overnight and managing emergencies, it's crucial to convey your ability to remain calm and practical under pressure. Think of specific instances where you've successfully handled stressful situations and be ready to share those stories during the interview.
