At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide hands-on veterinary care for mixed animals, both emergency and routine.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, and relocation support.
- Other info: Enjoy 6.6 weeks holiday, private medical insurance, and a collaborative work culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal health while developing your skills in a dynamic environment.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and registration with RCVS; experience in clinical practice preferred.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Up to £65,000 DOE, £5000 Welcome Bonus, and Relocation Support of £5000. At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.
Portland House Veterinary Group are looking for an experienced and enthusiastic Mixed Veterinary Surgeon to work as a permanent member of staff within a well-established veterinary practice in Retford. This role is a split between Farm animal and Small animal with a 60/40 split. Our small animal practice has recently relocated to a brand-new purpose-built practice, and our farm site has also recently undergone renovation and now has an onsite treatment room for in-house procedures. The role will involve hands-on veterinary care of mixed animals, providing both emergency and routine healthcare. You will work alongside a fantastic team of other Veterinary Surgeons, as well as experienced Nurses.
Practice Highlights
Portland House Veterinary Group has been working in partnership with clients in and around the Retford area for over 60 years. Our main small animal practice has recently moved into a brand-new purpose-built surgery with 6 consult rooms, three theatres, separate dental suite as well as imaging and x-ray rooms. Our farm practice has also recently undergone renovation and now has an onsite treatment room for in-house procedures. The team consists of 13 vets and 9 RVNs/2 SVNs with experience ranging from new graduates to 22 years. We have a fantastic team of support staff and a lovely loyal client base with both large and small animal. We pride ourselves in providing excellent patient, client and employee care. We are well equipped with an ultrasound with Doppler and ECG, digital DR Xray, dental Xray, video endoscopy and full internal lab. Our farm side of the practice has grown over the past few years with an enthusiastic young team behind it. We are based in a separate building with a purpose-built treatment room allowing us to carry out more complicated surgeries on site or hospitalise patients if required. We have all the normal equipment including portable x-ray, ultrasound, ram/bull fertility equipment and a well-equipped lab. Caseload is predominantly beef and sheep with some dairy work and smallholders. We hold regular farmers meetings, attend local agricultural shows and run beef, sheep and smallholder clubs as well as a very popular lambing club with a youngstock club in the pipeline. The role requires some TB testing but 50% of our clients are 4-yearly and testing is shared equally amongst the vets. Newer qualified vets are well supported by more experienced vets, including one who is working towards a certificate. We are a welcoming and friendly team who are enthusiastic and dedicated to working together as a team. We’re a very social bunch! The team regularly meets up outside of work. We have regular pub quizzes, our annual summer BBQ, and some of the team participates in the Tough Mudder event as well!
We believe strongly in delivering exceptional service and care to our clients and their pets. Here’s what the team have to say about life at Portland House: “Working at Portland House Veterinary Group has allowed me to gain valuable positive experience in a mixed practice environment. I have learned an incredible amount, and there are always many new varied and exciting cases to be involved with. This has allowed me to grow as a vet and become more confident and independent. The team itself is lovely and inclusive, and it is easy to make friends with people in all different roles of practice. Everyone is very helpful and the team works together to provide the best care for the patients and clients.” – Iona, mixed Vet.
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, you’ll work collaboratively with the wider practice team to deliver a high standard of patient and client care across a varied and rewarding caseload. You’ll continue to develop your clinical skills and interests while sharing your knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture of the practice. You’ll be an integral member of the clinical team, delivering excellent care and supporting the ongoing development of those around you.
Key Responsibilities
- Consultations
- Small and large animal surgical procedures
- Diagnostics and imaging
- Client liaison
- Working up cases
- Caring for hospitalised animals
- Treatment plans and visits
- OV work
- Sole charge OOH work
Rota
Monday – Friday 8:30am – 6pm. 2:6 OOH weekends and 1 weekday OOH. Occasional additional Saturday morning shifts (8:30am – 12pm). Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours truly tips the scale on your work-life balance. We know that everyone has demands and priorities outside of their career and we want to make it brilliantly easy for you to strike the right balance. Whether you are looking to fix or flex your work patterns, we can find the right solution for you.
You Might Be a Great Fit If…
You are a confident and motivated veterinary surgeon who enjoys working as part of a team and is committed to delivering high-quality patient and client care. You’ll bring:
- A Veterinary degree and registration (or eligibility to register) with the RCVS
- Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
- Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
- A proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
- Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work both independently and collaboratively
- A passion for delivering excellent patient and client care
How We’ll Support You
Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles. Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses. £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet. Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks. Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities. A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
What We Offer Our Team
- 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays
- Private medical insurance
- Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy
- BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees
- Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
- Retail discounts and cashback offers
- Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Mixed Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Retford employer: Portland House Vets, Retford
Portland House Veterinary Group is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in Retford. With a focus on both farm and small animal care, employees benefit from modern facilities, a dedicated team, and opportunities for professional growth, making it an ideal place for those seeking a fulfilling veterinary career.
Contact Details:
Portland House Vets, Retford Recruitment Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Mixed Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Retford
✨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 Portland House Vets, Retford 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 Mixed Animal Veterinary Surgeon in Retford
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 Portland House Vets, Retford
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Portland House Vets, Retford. 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 Portland House Vets, Retford.
✨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 Portland House Vets, Retford.
✨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 Portland House Vets, Retford.
