Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal / Exotic Bias
Location: Essex
Salary: Up to £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience / full-time equivalent
Hours: 40-hour rota, 4-day week
Weekends: 1 in 4 weekends
OOH: No out-of-hours duties; minimal on-call, approximately 3-4 times per year
Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time or Part-Time
About the Role
An exciting opportunity is available for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon in Essex to join a progressive, RCVS-accredited small animal hospital with an outstanding clinical offering and a strong focus on professional development.
The role offers an excellent work-life balance, with a 4-day working week, 1 in 4 weekends, no routine out-of-hours duties and only a minimal on-call commitment of approximately 3-4 times per year.
The practice is happy to consider part-time Veterinary Surgeons, provided applicants can commit to working 1 in 4 weekends.
The ideal candidate will be an experienced all-round small animal clinician who enjoys working in a busy, collaborative environment and is committed to clinical excellence. Veterinary Surgeons with an exotic bias are also encouraged to apply.
About the Practice
This is a 24-hour RCVS-accredited small animal hospital in Essex, conveniently located around 30 minutes by train from London, with excellent transport connections to Southend and Stansted airports. The seaside is also approximately 25 minutes away by car.
The hospital has a large and highly skilled clinical team, including 14 Veterinary Surgeons with expertise across surgery, exotics and medicine. Several team members hold or are working towards postgraduate certificates in areas including surgery, orthopaedics, cardiology and medicine.
The nursing team includes multiple Schedule 3 and imaging-trained professionals, alongside several colleagues with postgraduate certificates. The wider multidisciplinary team also includes 3 Hydrotherapists, 2 Physiotherapists and 10 Client Care Advisers.
The purpose-built facilities include CT imaging, with recently expanded services covering MRI, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and rehabilitation.
The hospital provides first opinion small animal care alongside advanced outpatient and referral-style services, including emergency and critical care, orthopaedics, ophthalmology, advanced CT/MRI imaging, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy and laser therapy.
Responsibilities
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Provide high-quality first opinion small animal veterinary care.
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Work confidently across a varied medical and surgical caseload.
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Diagnose, investigate and manage complex clinical cases.
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Collaborate with experienced Veterinary Surgeons, RVNs and multidisciplinary colleagues.
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Provide excellent client communication and patient care.
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Contribute to emergency and critical care services where required.
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Work alongside specialist-led services including imaging, rehabilitation and orthopaedics.
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Maintain high standards of clinical governance and professional practice.
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Support a culture of learning, teamwork and continuous clinical improvement.
Candidate Profile
The ideal Veterinary Surgeon will have:
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Previous experience working within a UK veterinary practice.
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A strong all-round small animal clinical skill set.
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A good understanding of UK veterinary regulations and client care expectations.
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Confidence managing a varied medical and surgical caseload.
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Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
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A proactive approach to clinical development.
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A genuine commitment to patient welfare and clinical excellence.
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The ability to thrive within a busy, forward-thinking team.
Veterinary Surgeons with an interest or experience in exotics are particularly encouraged to make contact.
Compensation & Benefits
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Salary up to £60,000 per annum, dependent on experience / FTE
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4-day working week
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40-hour rota
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1 in 4 weekends
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No routine out-of-hours duties
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Minimal on-call commitment – approximately 3-4 times per year
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Part-time applications considered
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5.6 weeks' annual leave, rising to 6.6 weeks after 2 years' service
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Generous CPD allowance
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Funding towards certificates
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Supportive management structure
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Private health insurance
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Contributory pension scheme
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In-house career development opportunities
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Paid RCVS, BVA and VDS memberships
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Visa sponsorship available for suitable applicants
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Reward hub with wellbeing and pastoral support
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Cycle to work scheme
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Colleague Assistance Programmes
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Access to a comprehensive range of clinical services and advanced diagnostic equipment
Why Apply?
This is a fantastic opportunity for a Veterinary Surgeon in Essex seeking a progressive clinical environment without sacrificing work-life balance.
The practice offers access to CT and MRI imaging, hydrotherapy, physiotherapy, rehabilitation and advanced clinical services, while working alongside a large and highly experienced multidisciplinary team.
With certificate funding, generous CPD, career development opportunities and a supportive management structure, there is significant scope to develop clinical interests and progress professionally.
The location also offers excellent accessibility to London while remaining close to the Essex coast, making this an attractive opportunity for Veterinary Surgeons seeking both career development and lifestyle benefits.
Apply Today
If you're an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking for jobs in Essex, particularly if you have an exotic interest or are seeking a role with excellent development opportunities and a genuine focus on work-life balance, this position could be an excellent fit.
Contact:
Ollie Lear - Talent Partner
T: 07706 346515
E: ollie@supreme-ss.com
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Veterinary Surgeon - Basildon employer: Supremesearchspecialists
Supremesearchspecialists in Chippenham, Wiltshire, is an excellent employer for Veterinary Surgeons, offering a supportive and friendly work environment that prioritises employee well-being. With flexible working hours, a competitive salary of up to £70,000 plus a £5,000 welcome bonus, and a focus on professional growth through varied caseloads and protected admin time, this role is perfect for those seeking a fulfilling career in veterinary medicine without the stress of out-of-hours duties.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Basildon
✨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 Supremesearchspecialists 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 Supremesearchspecialists
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Supremesearchspecialists. 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 Supremesearchspecialists.
✨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 Supremesearchspecialists.
✨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 Supremesearchspecialists.
