At a Glance
- Tasks: Deliver high-quality clinical care and support a diverse caseload in a collaborative environment.
- Company: Vale Vets, a progressive small animal veterinary hospital with a supportive team culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, generous holiday, private medical insurance, and funded learning opportunities.
- Other info: Join a values-led team focused on care, community, and continuous improvement.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills in a dynamic setting.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and RCVS registration, with experience in clinical practice.
The predicted salary is between 60000 - 60000 £ per year.
Join us at Vale Vets, a well-established, progressive small animal veterinary hospital in Portishead, supported by additional branches in Clevedon and Pill. As the town’s only veterinary hospital, the practice delivers 24/7 care and holds Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons Tier 3 status, offering a varied caseload within a collaborative and supportive team environment.
Team: Vets and qualified nurses with 24/7 nursing support. Certificate holders: ECC, Medicine, Ophthalmology (+ studying Exotics & Cardiology).
Facilities: Laparoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasound, digital & dental x-ray, in-house lab.
Caseload: Mix of consultations and surgery, from routine to complex.
Setup: Main hospital + 2 branch practices (consults & routine procedures).
How You’ll Make a Difference
As a Primary Care 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
- Deliver high-quality clinical care across a varied caseload of consultations and surgical procedures.
- Provide excellent client communication and maintain strong client relationships.
- Work collaboratively with a supportive team of vets and qualified nurses.
- Contribute to case continuity within a 24/7 hospital setting.
- Engage with a diverse caseload across the main hospital and branch practices.
Working Pattern
Full-time, 36 hours per week across 4 days. 1 night on-call (OOH) per week. 1 full weekend in 5 with time off in lieu (1.25 days).
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.
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
- 6.8 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.
Salary up to £60,000 FTE DOE.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Bristol employer: Vale Vets, Portishead
Contact Detail:
Vale Vets, Portishead Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Bristol
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local veterinary events, and connect with professionals on LinkedIn. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show off your skills! Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, including case studies, photos, and any special projects you've been involved in. This will help you stand out during interviews and demonstrate your passion for veterinary care.
✨Tip Number 3
Practice makes perfect! Conduct mock interviews with friends or mentors to refine your answers and boost your confidence. Focus on how you can contribute to the team at Vale Vets and highlight your commitment to high-quality patient care.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the best way to ensure your application gets noticed. Plus, it shows you're genuinely interested in joining our team at Vale Vets. Don’t forget to follow up after applying to express your enthusiasm!
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Bristol
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our job description. Highlight your veterinary qualifications, any specialisations, and relevant clinical experience to show us you’re the right fit for our team.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Use it to tell us why you’re passionate about veterinary care and how you can contribute to our collaborative environment. Be genuine and let your personality come through!
Showcase Your Communication Skills: Since strong communication is key in our practice, make sure to demonstrate this in your application. Whether it’s through your writing style or examples of client interactions, we want to see how you connect with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website. It’s the easiest way for us to receive your application and ensures you don’t miss out on any important details about the role or our practice!
How to prepare for a job interview at Vale Vets, Portishead
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially around small animal care. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and conditions you might encounter at Vale Vets, as well as the equipment they use like ultrasound and dental x-ray.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since teamwork is key in this role, be ready to discuss your experiences working collaboratively with other vets and nurses. Share examples of how you've contributed to a positive clinical culture and supported your colleagues in past roles.
✨Client Communication is Key
Prepare to demonstrate your strong communication skills. Think of specific instances where you've built effective relationships with clients or handled difficult conversations. This will show that you can maintain strong client relationships, which is crucial for the role.
✨Be Open to Learning
Vale Vets values continuous improvement, so express your eagerness to learn and develop. Talk about any additional training or CPD courses you've taken, and how you're looking forward to expanding your clinical interests within their supportive environment.