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- Tasks: Join our team as a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon, handling diverse surgical and medical cases.
- Company: Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic is a friendly, community-focused practice in charming Halstead, Essex.
- Benefits: Enjoy flexible hours, competitive salary, generous leave, and a supportive work environment.
- Why this job: Be part of a collaborative team that values your input and supports your professional growth.
- Qualifications: We welcome both newly qualified and experienced vets to apply.
- Other info: Relocation allowance and welcome bonus available for new team members.
The predicted salary is between 49000 - 70000 £ per year.
Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic, Halstead, South East
Salary up to £70,000 DOE plus a relocation allowance up to £5,000 and a welcome bonus up to £5,000.
Are you an enthusiastic veterinary surgeon looking to join a genuinely friendly and supportive team where your voice is heard, your wellbeing matters, and your professional development is encouraged? We are delighted to offer a rare opportunity for a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our welcoming and collaborative team at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic in the charming market town of Halstead, Essex.
The Role: Variety, Flexibility & Work-Life Balance
- This is a permanent position and can be tailored to suit your lifestyle and career aspirations. Whether you’re looking for full-time or part-time hours, we are open to discussing what works best for you.
- 30–40 hours per week, over a 3- or 4-day week.
- A fair and sustainable rota, with our earliest start at 8:00am and latest finish at 6:30pm.
- 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (8:30am–2:00pm) with time back in lieu.
- No out-of-hours or bank holiday work – giving you the time to truly enjoy life outside of work.
- Your working week will include a diverse and interesting caseload, covering both surgical and medical first opinion cases. You will have the opportunity to work up your own cases and develop areas of clinical interest – we’re proud to support CPD and professional growth at all stages of your career.
Our Team: Supportive, Skilled & Collaborative
At Catley Cross, you’ll be joining a passionate, down-to-earth team who genuinely enjoy working together. We’re a long-standing, tight-knit practice with a strong sense of community and pride in the care we provide.
- 3 experienced vets with a range of clinical interests.
- 7 qualified Registered Veterinary Nurses who provide outstanding patient care and support.
- A dedicated front-of-house team of receptionists and kennel assistants.
- A supportive management structure, including our Practice Director, Head Nurse, and Deputy Head Nurse.
We are proud of our knowledge-sharing culture, where case discussions are encouraged and everyone is valued. Whether you’re newly qualified or have years of experience, you’ll be welcomed and supported from day one. We also work with local animal charities such as the RSPCA, and contribute to our community wherever possible.
Halstead is a traditional English market town, full of charm and character. The River Colne runs through the town, offering beautiful riverside walks, and you’ll find a host of independent boutique shops, cafés, family-run butchers and bakers, and historic architecture. Whether you’re relocating or already based nearby, Halstead offers the perfect blend of countryside charm and excellent connections:
- Close to Braintree, Sudbury, Bury St Edmunds, and Cambridge.
- Easy access to London via nearby train links and major road networks.
- Affordable housing, great local schools, and a strong community spirit.
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work-life balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays; additional holiday entitlement for your birthday.
- Private Medical Insurance.
- Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline.
- Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay.
- Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing.
- Development: £1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata; certificate support; learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy; access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider; all our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding; all our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund.
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme.
- Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees.
- Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well.
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria.
- Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you; access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers; discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice.
At IVC Evidensia we are committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.
Any questions before applying? Speak to Michael Middleton from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.
Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal employer: VC Evidensia UK
Contact Detail:
VC Evidensia UK Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Research Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic thoroughly. Familiarise yourself with their values, team structure, and community involvement. This will help you tailor your conversations during interviews and show that you're genuinely interested in being part of their team.
✨Tip Number 2
Network with current or former employees of the clinic. Reach out on platforms like LinkedIn to gain insights about the work culture and expectations. This can provide you with valuable information that can set you apart from other candidates.
✨Tip Number 3
Prepare to discuss your clinical interests and how they align with the practice's focus. Highlight any specific experiences or cases that demonstrate your skills and passion for veterinary medicine, especially in small animal care.
✨Tip Number 4
Be ready to talk about your approach to work-life balance and how you manage stress in a veterinary setting. Given their emphasis on wellbeing, showcasing your strategies for maintaining a healthy work-life balance will resonate well with the team.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV highlights relevant experience and skills specific to veterinary surgery, particularly with small animals. Emphasise any special interests or additional qualifications that align with the role at Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic.
Craft a Compelling Cover Letter: Write a cover letter that reflects your enthusiasm for the position and the clinic. Mention why you want to join their team, how your values align with theirs, and what unique contributions you can bring to the practice.
Showcase Your Soft Skills: In your application, highlight your interpersonal skills, teamwork, and ability to communicate effectively with both colleagues and pet owners. These qualities are essential in a supportive and collaborative environment like Catley Cross.
Proofread Your Application: Before submitting, carefully proofread your CV and cover letter for any spelling or grammatical errors. A polished application demonstrates attention to detail and professionalism, which are crucial in the veterinary field.
How to prepare for a job interview at VC Evidensia UK
✨Show Your Passion for Veterinary Medicine
Make sure to express your enthusiasm for veterinary surgery and animal care during the interview. Share specific experiences that highlight your dedication to the field, whether it's through volunteer work, internships, or personal anecdotes.
✨Demonstrate Teamwork Skills
Since Catley Cross Veterinary Clinic values a collaborative environment, be prepared to discuss how you work effectively within a team. Provide examples of past experiences where you contributed to a team effort, especially in high-pressure situations.
✨Highlight Your Continuous Learning
The clinic supports professional development, so mention any continuing education courses, certifications, or special interests you have pursued. This shows that you are committed to growing your skills and staying updated with the latest veterinary practices.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the clinic's culture, case management, and opportunities for professional growth. This not only demonstrates your interest in the position but also helps you assess if the clinic aligns with your career aspirations.
