Salary Up To £60,000 DOE
Hungerford Vets has been caring for pets and their people for over 50 years and continues to be a cornerstone of the local community. We are now looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon to join our experienced team on a fixed‑term contract, stepping into a role where clinical excellence, teamwork and variety are part of everyday life.
A Caseload That Keeps You Engaged
Our patients include cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries, occasional exotics and wildlife brought in by the local community. As a hospital practice, there is a genuine balance between consultations and theatre time, with a wide mix of routine procedures alongside more complex surgeries, ECC work and referral cases from neighbouring practices. You will be fully supported by advanced diagnostic and surgical equipment including digital X-ray, ultrasound, endoscopy, multiparameter monitoring, capnography, vessel sealing and electrosurgery. This role does include elements of sole charge, making it ideal for a vet who is confident across all areas of practice.
Two Sites, One High Standard of Care
Hungerford Vets operates across two sites, and you will have the opportunity to work between both. Our main purpose‑built hospital is spacious, bright and thoughtfully designed to support both patient care and team wellbeing. Facilities include a large reception with separate cat and dog waiting areas, four consultation rooms including a dedicated nurse consult room, a large open‑plan prep area with two theatres, a fully equipped dental suite with dental X‑ray, dedicated imaging rooms, and a full IDEXX laboratory. You will also find quiet office space for admin, a comfortable staff area with a well‑stocked snack cupboard, a garden for summer breaks, generous on‑site parking and even kennels for team members who need to bring their dogs to work.
A Rota That Reflects Hospital Practice
This is a full‑time role of 40 hours across four days, Monday to Friday between 8am and 6pm. Weekends and out‑of‑hours are part of the rota, with on‑call covered from home and time off in lieu provided for both on‑call and weekends worked. The rota runs on a six‑week cycle, offering structure and predictability. This is a fixed‑term contract for nine months.
Strength in Expertise and Team Support
You will be joining a large, knowledgeable team of 12 veterinarians, 14 RVNs and a dedicated client care team. Within the practice there are two certificate holders in surgery, two in medicine and one in ophthalmology, alongside a visiting cardiology diplomate.
Rooted in the Community
Hungerford Vets is proud of its strong links to the local community. The team regularly visits primary schools and nurseries to inspire future vets and animal care professionals, and works closely with charities including Dogs Trust, the RSPCA, Cats Protection and several other local organisations. Giving back is an important part of who we are.
Life in Hungerford and Beyond
Hungerford is a charming historic market town nestled in the Berkshire countryside, offering a wonderful blend of rural calm and everyday convenience. Surrounded by beautiful walking routes, canals and open countryside, it is ideal for those who enjoy the outdoors. The town itself has a mix of shops, cafés and a strong sense of community, while excellent transport links provide easy access to Newbury, Reading, Bath and London.
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. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from the following:
- Work‑life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Wellbeing
- Private Medical Insurance
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
- Development
- £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave
- 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
- All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme
- Quality Improvement Programme
- Professional Memberships
- BVA membership
- VDS cover
- RCVS Fees
- Colleague Benefits
- Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
- Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
- Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
- Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
Salary up to £60,000 DOE
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hungerford employer: Hungerford Vets Ltd
Hungerford Vets is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive work culture that prioritises both patient care and employee development. With a 4-day work week and access to the Nurse Academy for career progression, you will thrive in a modern facility alongside a dedicated team committed to clinical excellence.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Hungerford
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Hungerford Vets Ltd often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Hungerford Vets Ltd
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Hungerford Vets Ltd. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Hungerford Vets Ltd.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Hungerford Vets Ltd.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Hungerford Vets Ltd.
