At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide top-notch veterinary care and develop your clinical skills.
- Company: Be part of Linnaeus, a leading family-owned veterinary company.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, and wellness programmes.
- Other info: Dynamic roles with opportunities for professional growth and community engagement.
- Why this job: Make a real impact in a supportive environment while shaping the future of our practice.
- Qualifications: 2+ years UK clinical experience and a passion for pet care.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Location: Potters Bar, Berkhamsted & St Albans Hospital (Hertfordshire)
Practice: Village Vets
Hours: 42 hours per week across 4 days, including weekends (either 1 in 3 Saturdays or 1 full weekend out of 6, with time off in lieu)
Salary: Up to £60,000 per year + bonus scheme, plus relocation support available for direct candidates
We have three exciting roles across Hertfordshire Village Vets that give you the best of both worlds: the intimacy and continuity of branch life, and exposure to complex hospital cases to develop your clinical skills. You’ll join supportive teams, work in modern facilities, and have the opportunity to make your mark on a practice. These roles are perfect for vets who want variety, professional development, and a chance to shape a branch while enjoying loyal and engaged client communities.
Why join us?
- Mix of consult-heavy branch days and hospital exposure, giving a balanced and varied working week
- Opportunity to develop an array of clinical and client skills, including surgery, diagnostics, and ECC
- Modern, well-equipped facilities with theatre, dental, x-ray, and kennels
- Supportive, collaborative teams that value staff voice and professional development
- Be part of growing branches where you can shape the practice, influence culture, and leave your mark
Team and Practice
Potters Bar - 2 Positions
Our Potters Bar team includes 2 RVNs and 2 Client Care Assistants who are highly capable, kind, and dedicated. The branch is being refurbished and will reopen in June with a brand-new client area, fully equipped consult rooms, and modern colleague facilities. This is a rare opportunity to join a practice having a full revamp and with no current vets, allowing you to influence systems, shape the culture, grow the practice your way, and build strong relationships with a diverse, loyal, and insured client base. Clients value continuity of care and are passionate about their pets, creating a warm, engaging environment for your work. With 3 days at the branch and 1 day at St Albans Hospital, you’ll enjoy the perfect balance of consult-heavy branch days and exposure to more complex hospital cases. Potters Bar is suburban yet very well connected, with trains to Kings Cross and Central London in under 25 minutes, and a close-knit community of families, professionals, and long-term residents.
Berkhamsted - 1 Position
The Berkhamsted team is stable and supportive, consisting of 2 vets (one with an exotics certificate and one working towards this), 4 RVNs, and 4 Client Care Assistants. You’ll spend 2 days per week at the branch providing first opinion care to an affluent, loyal client base (mostly insured), and 2 days at St Albans Hospital developing your hospital skills. Given the existing exotic expertise, the ideal candidate will have a bias towards dogs and cats. Berkhamsted is a picturesque town on the edge of the Chilterns, with countryside views, historic charm, and a welcoming community. It’s a great location for those wanting a mix of rural beauty and convenient transport links.
St Albans Hospital
At St Albans, you’ll join an experienced hospital team and gain exposure to complex cases, advanced diagnostics, and ECC, alongside certificate holders in dentistry, ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine. The hospital has a dedicated night team, so there are no out-of-hours responsibilities. The one-day hospital placement complements the branch work, giving you the best of both worlds: the personal feel of branch practice and the clinical challenge of a busy hospital.
What we’re looking for
- 2+ years UK clinical experience
- Confident with routine first opinion practice
- Enjoy building relationships with clients and their pets
- Keen to develop hospital skills, surgery, diagnostics, and ECC
- Collaborative, supportive, and team-focused
- Excited by the opportunity to help shape and grow a branch practice
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
About Us
Spinney 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
Veterinary Surgeon — Branch & Hospital Practice in St Albans employer: Linnaeus
At Village Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a unique blend of branch and hospital practice that fosters both professional growth and personal fulfilment. Our modern facilities, supportive teams, and commitment to employee wellbeing create an engaging work culture where you can truly make a difference in the lives of pets and their owners. With generous benefits, including extensive CPD funding and a focus on work-life balance, you'll find a rewarding career in the heart of Hertfordshire's vibrant communities.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon — Branch & Hospital Practice in St Albans
✨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 Linnaeus often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon — Branch & Hospital Practice in St Albans
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 Linnaeus
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Linnaeus. 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 Linnaeus.
✨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 Linnaeus.
✨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 Linnaeus.