At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our ECC team to provide hands-on clinical care and manage emergency cases.
- Company: Valley Vets, a supportive 24/7 veterinary hospital.
- Benefits: Earn £28–£45 per hour, enjoy flexible shifts, and receive generous holiday and CPD support.
- Other info: Work in a vibrant area with access to city life, coast, and mountains.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying a balanced lifestyle.
- Qualifications: Must have substantial ECC experience and strong clinical decision-making skills.
The predicted salary is between 45 - 45 £ per hour.
Valley Vets are looking for an exceptional vet to join our ECC team.
The Role
We are seeking an experienced ECC Veterinary Surgeon to join our busy 24/7 hospital, working weekend day shifts. This role offers the perfect balance of a rewarding, hands-on clinical caseload alongside an excellent quality of life. The primary focus is inpatient care and case workups, with a smaller consulting component.
As we provide out-of-hours services for approximately 40 local practices, our caseload is both wide-ranging and diverse, encompassing complex medical and surgical cases. We are therefore looking for a vet with substantial ECC experience who is confident managing emergency cases independently within a supportive team environment. You will never be sole charge and will work alongside up to three other vets per shift, fully supported by a large team of RVNs, ACAs and receptionists. However, due to the pace and volume of cases, confidence and strong clinical decision-making skills are essential.
Working Pattern
- 2 x 12-hour shifts every other weekend (average 12 hours per week)
- 4 bank holidays per year
We are happy to consider flexibility for the right candidate(s), for example:
- 1 x 12-hour shift every other week
- 2 x 12-hour shifts every fourth weekend
(Bank holiday requirements would reduce pro rata.) This flexibility means this opportunity may suit you if you’re seeking a rewarding standalone weekend rota or looking to add a fresh clinical challenge alongside your current weekday position - a perfect way to diversify your caseload without changing your primary role.
About us
At Valley Vets, we are proud to invest heavily in both our people and our facilities. We are committed to providing the equipment, support and clinical freedom needed to work cases up thoroughly and pursue individual clinical interests.
Our hospital facilities include:
- 24/7 inpatient care
- CT scanner
- Advanced ultrasonography
- Endosurgery facilities
- Extensive in-house laboratory equipment (including TEG and blood gas analysis)
- Dedicated orthopaedic, soft tissue and exotic theatres
- Dedicated ECC wards
- In-house rehabilitation services (including physiotherapy and hydrotherapy)
The Local Area
Valley Vets is lucky to be situated in an extremely diverse area. South Wales, particularly Cardiff and the surrounding areas — offers something for everyone. Within easy commuting distance, you could enjoy:
- Vibrant city living in central Cardiff
- Coastal tranquillity in the Vale of Glamorgan
- Mountain scenery in the Valleys and Brecon Beacons National Park
The area boasts extensive sports and leisure opportunities, from the International Sports Village in Cardiff to renowned mountain biking trails in Merthyr Tydfil and Cwmbran, scenic walks along the Welsh Coastal Path, and breathtaking mountain and waterfall routes in the Beacons.
£28–£45 per hour (dependent on experience and qualifications)
Minimum 6.6 weeks’ holiday inclusive of bank holidays (with buy/sell options)
Sick pay: 2 weeks full pay and 4 weeks half pay
5 days CPD with £1,750 budget
Certificate study support via formal application process
RCVS and VDS fees paid
Two additional professional subscriptions paid (e.g. BSAVA)
50% colleague discount on services; products at cost price
Enhanced maternity and paternity leave
Health Shield employment benefit scheme and wellbeing support
Optional private health insurance (via group payroll deduction)
Life insurance (1x annual salary)
Cycle to Work scheme
My Perks discount and cashback scheme
Relocation allowance for candidates applying directly
As a proud member of the VetPartners family there is also access to VetPartners Learning Hub & specialists.
We work hard to be a great place to work and as the newly awarded Employer of the Year, VetPartners offers a supportive, progressive environment where you can thrive.
Next Steps
If this role sounds like the right fit — or if you’d simply like to find out more — we’d love to hear from you. We’re very happy to arrange an informal chat or invite you to visit the practice, meet the team and experience first-hand what Valley Vets can offer as the next step in your veterinary career.
Please contact us. We look forward to hearing from you.
Please apply directly – no agency submissions
We are committed to providing a fair recruitment process with equality of opportunity for all, and our vacancies are open to those from all backgrounds. As an employer, we are committed to promoting and protecting the physical and mental health of all our people.
Weekend ECC Vet Surgeon - 24/7 Hospital, Team-Based Care employer: Vetpartners Limited
At Valley Vets, we pride ourselves on being an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and progressive work environment for our ECC Vet Surgeons. With a commitment to employee growth, we provide extensive training opportunities, competitive pay, and a range of benefits including generous holiday allowances and health support schemes. Located in the vibrant area of South Wales, our team enjoys a diverse lifestyle with access to city life, coastal beauty, and stunning mountain scenery, making it an ideal place for both professional and personal fulfilment.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Weekend ECC Vet Surgeon - 24/7 Hospital, Team-Based Care
✨Connect with Local Healthcare Communities
Dive into local healthcare communities and networks. Join meetups or workshops relevant to human medicine in your area, where you can chat with professionals and fellow students. Getting to know people in these spaces often leads to part-time opportunities that aren’t advertised!
✨Check with Your University’s Career Services
Use your university’s career services to uncover part-time roles specifically in human medicine. They usually have connections with clinics, hospitals, or research labs looking for students, which can be a foot in the door while you’re still studying.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Consider volunteering in clinics or community health initiatives. This not only builds your CV but also expands your network in the human medicine field. Plus, many of these places might offer part-time positions to dedicated volunteers later!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards and Our Website
Frequently check job boards tailored to healthcare roles, but also don’t forget to visit our website for part-time opportunities at Vetpartners Limited. Regularly applying through us can give you a leg up in the application process because we love seeing familiar names!
We think you need these skills to ace Weekend ECC Vet Surgeon - 24/7 Hospital, Team-Based Care
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Healthcare:When applying for a part-time role in human medicine, it’s important to express why you’re passionate about the healthcare field. Convey your interest through your CV and cover letter — highlight any relevant volunteer work, clinical experiences, or coursework that showcases your commitment to improving patient care.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to healthcare, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid, make sure to include these in your CV. They not only boost your credibility but also demonstrate that you’re prepared for the demands of the job, which is super important in human medicine.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, employers will want to know when you can work. In your cover letter, specify your availability and any flexibility you might have. Showing that you’re accommodating with your hours can make a big difference!
Tailor Your Application for Vetpartners Limited:Lastly, tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for Vetpartners Limited. Research their mission, values, and recent achievements in human medicine. This personal touch shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their team, which resonates well in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Vetpartners Limited
✨Brush Up on Medical Knowledge
Since we're diving into human medicine, it's essential to have your medical theories and practices fresh in your mind. Be prepared to discuss relevant case studies or experiences, and don’t shy away from some light medical jargon that shows you’re grounded in the field.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Part-time roles in medicine often mean interacting with patients and staff. We need to showcase our ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. Think of examples that highlight your interpersonal skills—maybe a time you helped a patient or resolved a conflict within a team.
✨Get Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In human medicine, they might throw some hypothetical scenarios your way during the interview. Prepare to think on your feet! Consider common patient situations or ethical dilemmas that could arise. Practising how you'd handle these could set you apart.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Flexibility
For a part-time position, it's key to talk about your availability. Let’s be honest about when you can work and how you can flexibly fit your shifts around any studies or other commitments. This shows you're reliable and genuinely interested in fitting into the team at Vetpartners Limited.
