Location: Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
Employment type: Permanent
Hours: Full time preferred; flexible working considered
Salary: Competitive, based on experience
Experience: An experienced farm animal vet is preferred
Fenton Vets is looking for an experienced large animal veterinary surgeon to join our dedicated farm team in Pembrokeshire.
You will join 12 large animal vets and two TB testers, becoming the thirteenth vet in a well-established team with a strong mix of experience and clinical interests. Five of our current farm vets have more than 20 years' experience, much of it gained locally, providing an exceptional depth of knowledge and peer support.
This is an opportunity to take on a varied, rewarding caseload within a proudly independent practice. We are looking for a capable, approachable vet who enjoys building lasting relationships with farmers and contributing to a collaborative team. An interest in developing a particular clinical or advisory area would be welcomed and supported.
About The Work
Our farm team works with dairy, beef and sheep enterprises, as well as smallholders, across Pembrokeshire.
Depending on your experience and interests, the work may include:
- Routine and emergency clinical work
- Herd and flock health planning
- Fertility and reproductive work
- Disease investigation and prevention
- Lameness, youngstock, nutrition and productivity work
- Farmer training and knowledge transfer
- Supporting clients with practical, commercially relevant advice
You will have the autonomy to manage your cases while being part of a team in which advice, experience and responsibility are shared.
Learning, development and clinical excellence
We invest in professional development and want our vets to continue progressing throughout their careers.
We run an internship programme and have an RVC Production Animal Resident working within the practice. Our resident completed the RVC Production Animal Internship with us before progressing to postgraduate cattle qualifications and the residency programme.
For the right candidate, we would be keen to support further qualifications, certificates or the development of a specialist interest.
Out-of-hours
We recognise that a sustainable rota is essential for a long and enjoyable career in farm practice.
The out-of-hours rota is shared equally between all 12 vets, creating a genuinely team-based approach to emergency cover. You will be supported by experienced colleagues who know the local farms and clients well.
About Fenton Vets
Fenton Vets is a proudly independent practice that has served Pembrokeshire's pets and farms since 1950. Our farm and small animal services are delivered by separate, dedicated clinical teams, allowing our farm vets to concentrate on large animal practice.
We remain locally rooted and vet-led, with a strong commitment to our clients, patients, colleagues, community and environment. We strive for excellence and aim to work with honesty, integrity and compassion.
We are an active member of XLVets, giving our team access to the wider knowledge, resources and professional community of a national group of independent practices.
Our farm team is based at our Haverfordwest practice, within easy reach of Pembrokeshire's coastline, countryside and outdoor activities. The area offers an excellent quality of life, with a strong agricultural community and varied landscapes encountered during the working day.
About You
- Is confident in first-opinion large animal practice
- Enjoys both hands‑on clinical work and proactive herd or flock health
- Communicates well and builds trusted relationships with clients
- Works collaboratively and contributes positively to the wider team
- Shares our commitment to high clinical standards and excellent service
- Is registered, or eligible to register, with the RCVS
- Holds a full UK driving licence
While experience is preferred, we are open to discussing the position with candidates whose skills and outlook are a strong fit for the team.
The package
We Offer
- Competitive salary based on experience
- Equally shared out-of-hours rota between 12 vets
- Generous CPD allowance and development support
- Support for certificates or further qualifications
- Five weeks' annual leave plus bank holidays
- RCVS and VDS fees paid
- Workplace pension
- Professional support from a large, experienced team
- Flexible working arrangements considered
- Independent, vet‑led practice with long‑term career opportunities
- Access to the XLVets professional community
The final package will be tailored to the successful candidate's experience and working pattern.
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Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeon vacancy, Fenton Vets, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire employer: XLVets
Scott Mitchell Veterinary Care is an exceptional employer, offering a supportive and collaborative work environment in the heart of Hexham. With flexible hours, a balanced workload, and opportunities for professional growth within the XLVets community, employees enjoy a fulfilling career while benefiting from generous annual leave and a diverse caseload that includes consulting, surgery, and medicine.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeon vacancy, Fenton Vets, Haverfordwest, Pembrokeshire
✨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 XLVets 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 XLVets
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at XLVets. 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 XLVets.
✨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 XLVets.
✨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 XLVets.
