Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex in Colchester

Colchester Full-Time 43000 - 61000 £ / year (est.) No home office possible
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At a Glance

  • Tasks: Join a friendly team to provide excellent care for small animals.
  • Company: Established practice in Essex with a welcoming culture and high standards.
  • Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, birthday leave, and funded CPD opportunities.
  • Why this job: Achieve work-life balance with a flexible 4-day week and no out-of-hours.
  • Qualifications: RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon with confidence in consultations.
  • Other info: Supportive environment with career development and employee wellbeing initiatives.

The predicted salary is between 43000 - 61000 £ per year.

A well-established small animal practice in Essex, England is looking to welcome a Veterinary Surgeon to their friendly and experienced team. This role is open to vets at various stages of their career, offering flexibility, strong clinical support, and a genuine focus on work–life balance.

Salary: £50,000 – £70,000 per year (dependent on experience)

Working Pattern:

  • 40 hours per week
  • 4-day week with a fixed day off
  • 1:6 Saturday morning rota
  • No out-of-hours
  • Part-time and fixed-term contract options available

Who They Are

The practice has been part of the local community for over 75 years and is known for its welcoming culture and high standards of care. The team includes experienced veterinary surgeons and nurses who work collaboratively, making this a supportive environment for vets who enjoy shared learning and continuity of care.

The Role

This position offers flexibility and can be shaped around the successful candidate’s experience and interests:

  • A varied small animal caseload
  • A balanced mix of consulting and operating days
  • Routine surgeries with scope to develop further clinical interests
  • A structured and predictable rota to support forward planning
  • Opportunities to grow clinically within a progressive, well-equipped practice

Vets looking for full-time, part-time, or fixed-term work are all encouraged to apply.

Who They’re Looking For

  • A Veterinary Surgeon registered with the RCVS (or holding an RCVS-recognised qualification)
  • Open to vets with differing levels of post-graduate experience
  • Confidence with consultations and routine procedures (with support available where needed)
  • A professional, client-focused approach to patient and client care

Facilities

  • Multiple consulting rooms
  • Dedicated surgical theatre
  • X-ray and ultrasound
  • Endoscopy equipment
  • Separate exotics ward

What You’ll Gain

  • 5 weeks’ holiday plus bank holidays
  • Birthday leave
  • RCVS and VDS fees paid
  • Funded external CPD and access to a comprehensive online CPD platform
  • Career development and progression opportunities
  • Employer pension contribution and life assurance
  • Enhanced sickness pay and enhanced equal family leave
  • Salary sacrifice schemes (electric car and cycle to work)
  • Employee wellbeing support including EAP, eyecare vouchers, and annual flu jab
  • Staff discount schemes

What’s Next

Apply now or contact Ciaran Drew at ciaran.drew@gvcvets.com or 01392 793241 for a confidential discussion.

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex in Colchester employer: Global Veterinary Careers (GVC)

Join a well-established small animal practice in Essex that prioritises work-life balance and offers a supportive, collaborative environment for Veterinary Surgeons at all career stages. With a commitment to employee growth, the practice provides flexible working options, generous benefits including funded CPD, and a welcoming culture that has served the local community for over 75 years.
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Contact Detail:

Global Veterinary Careers (GVC) Recruiting Team

StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫

We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex in Colchester

✨Tip Number 1

Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local events, and join online forums. 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 veterinary practice. Show off your skills and experience, but also let your personality shine through – they want to see if you’ll fit in with their friendly team!

✨Tip Number 3

Don’t just apply anywhere; focus on practices that align with your values and career goals. Check out our website for tailored opportunities that suit your lifestyle, like that sweet 4-day week!

✨Tip Number 4

Follow up after your interview with a thank-you email. It’s a simple gesture that shows your enthusiasm for the role and keeps you fresh in their minds. Plus, it’s a great chance to reiterate why you’re the perfect fit!

We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex in Colchester

Veterinary Surgery
Consultation Skills
Client-Focused Approach
Routine Surgical Procedures
Clinical Support
Team Collaboration
Post-Graduate Experience
X-ray and Ultrasound Proficiency
Endoscopy Equipment Handling
Adaptability to Work-Life Balance
Continuous Professional Development (CPD)
Communication Skills

Some tips for your application 🫡

Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match the job description. Highlight any relevant veterinary experience, especially in small animal care, and don’t forget to mention your RCVS registration!

Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to express your passion for veterinary medicine and why you’re excited about this specific role. Mention how you align with the practice's values and culture.

Showcase Your Flexibility: Since this role offers a 4-day week and various working patterns, emphasise your adaptability. Let us know how you can fit into the team’s schedule and contribute to a balanced work-life environment.

Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets the attention it deserves!

How to prepare for a job interview at Global Veterinary Careers (GVC)

✨Know Your Stuff

Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding small animal care. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and recent advancements in the field. This will not only boost your confidence but also show the interviewers that you're genuinely passionate about the role.

✨Showcase Your Experience

Prepare to discuss your previous experiences, particularly those that highlight your skills in consultations and routine procedures. Think of specific cases where you made a difference, as this will help demonstrate your capability and client-focused approach.

✨Ask Thoughtful Questions

Interviews are a two-way street! Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's culture, team dynamics, and opportunities for professional development. This shows that you're not just interested in the job, but also in how you can grow within their supportive environment.

✨Emphasise Work-Life Balance

Since this role offers a 4-day week and no out-of-hours work, be sure to express your appreciation for this balance. Discuss how you believe a healthy work-life balance contributes to better patient care and overall job satisfaction, aligning with the practice's values.

Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal - 4-Day Week - No OOHs - Essex in Colchester
Global Veterinary Careers (GVC)
Location: Colchester

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