At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide overnight veterinary care in a supportive hospital environment.
- Company: Join Village Vet St Albans, part of the largest family-owned veterinary company.
- Benefits: Enjoy 5 weeks holiday, CPD funding, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Be part of a diverse team committed to excellence and animal welfare.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying extended time off.
- Qualifications: RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK experience.
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
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 x-ray, digital x-ray, 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
- 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
Village Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits. At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritises your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets. We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
If you would like to apply for the role or for an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Joanne in the recruitment team joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk
Night Veterinary Surgeon - 1 year FTC employer: Linnaeus Veterinary
Village Vet St Albans offers an exceptional work environment for Night Veterinary Surgeons, featuring a structured rota that allows for a week on followed by three weeks off, ensuring a healthy work-life balance. With a recently refurbished hospital, a supportive and experienced clinical team, and access to advanced diagnostic facilities, employees are empowered to deliver high-quality care while enjoying extensive professional development opportunities and a comprehensive wellbeing package. Join us in a culture that values inclusivity, excellence, and the long-term welfare of both pets and our people.
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 your connections in the veterinary field, especially those who work at Village Vet or similar places. A friendly chat can lead to insider info about job openings and even recommendations.
✨Tip Number 2
Prepare for the interview by brushing up on your emergency care skills and case management. Be ready to discuss specific scenarios where you’ve excelled under pressure, as this role demands calmness and clinical confidence during night shifts.
✨Tip Number 3
Show your passion for night work! During interviews, express why you thrive in a nocturnal setting and how you handle the unique challenges it brings. This will help you stand out as a candidate who’s genuinely excited about the role.
✨Tip Number 4
Don’t forget to apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, you’ll find all the details about the role and our amazing benefits right there.
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 highlights your relevant experience, especially in emergency and critical care. We want to see how your skills align with the night work and hospital environment we offer.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter:Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're excited about working nights and how you can contribute to our team at Village Vet St Albans. Be genuine and let your passion for veterinary care come through.
Showcase Your Team Spirit:We value strong communication and teamwork. In your application, mention examples of how you've worked effectively with others, especially during high-pressure situations. It’s all about collaboration here!
Apply Through Our Website:For the best chance of success, apply directly through our website. This ensures your application gets to the right people quickly, and we can’t wait to see what you bring to the table!
How to prepare for a job interview at Linnaeus Veterinary
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your emergency and critical care (ECC) knowledge. Familiarise yourself with common inpatient cases and be ready to discuss how you would handle them. This role requires confidence in managing emergencies, so be prepared to showcase your experience.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
As a Night Veterinary Surgeon, you'll be part of a strong team. Highlight your teamwork skills during the interview. Share examples of how you've effectively communicated during handovers or collaborated with nursing staff in high-pressure situations.
✨Ask Smart Questions
Prepare thoughtful questions about the hospital's systems and support structures. Inquire about the types of cases you might encounter and how the team collaborates during night shifts. This shows your genuine interest in the role and helps you assess if it's the right fit for you.
✨Be Yourself
The interview is as much about you finding the right place as it is about them finding the right candidate. Be authentic and let your passion for veterinary medicine shine through. Discuss what drives you and why you’re excited about working nights at Village Vet St Albans.
