The Role

We are looking for a confident and enthusiastic Veterinary Surgeon to join our team, in a progressive, busy and well-equipped hospital, with a pride in high clinical standards. This position is full time, based on an average of 36 hours per week, plus OOH duty 1 night per week and 1 full weekend in 5 (with Saturday consultations). In return, we offer a 4-day working week, plus Friday off following a duty weekend. The ideal candidate will have several years post graduate experience and be keen to continue their own professional development. Whilst working at the main hospital you will have support from our veterinary team; however you must also be confident to take sole charge of cases when required, (e.g. branch surgery consulting, OOH emergency work, etc).

About Us

We are Portishead’s only veterinary hospital with a team of vets and qualified nurses who are available 24/7 with round the clock on-site care. We provide out-of-hours (OOH) emergency service for our own clients, as well as for other local practices, which ensures a varied caseload. We offer a high standard of patient care in a clean and professional working environment, and we are proud to have consistently achieved Tier 3 Hospital Status.

We are equipped with various diagnostic and clinical tools, including laparoscopy, endoscopy, ultrasonography, digital radiography (including dental radiography), in-house laboratory, multi-parameter monitoring equipment, and much more!

The hospital is staffed with eight Vets, 10 Veterinary Nurses, two Veterinary Care Assistants and a qualified dog groomer. Working alongside the day team we have qualified Night Nurses who provide 24 hour care of our inpatients. We are also a registered Training Practice for student nurses, and a registered EMS centre for student vets from the Langford Veterinary School.

Alongside our clinical staff, we have a Practice Manager committed to customer care, who is supported by a Reception Manager and 6 receptionists, an Insurance Administrator, and a Financial Administrator. We also have a dedicated Pet Bereavement Counsellor to support our clients during difficult times following the loss of their pet.

The team is a very friendly, welcoming and supportive family. Everyone has a real ‘team player’ attitude, and looks after each other whenever possible. There is also a great social side to our team with regular dog walks, pub visits etc. As a Practice we regularly get involved with local events, including the Raft Race, Soapbox Race, Newfoundland Rescue, Flower Show, Lido Doggie Swim and Christmas Victorian Evening.

We are proud of our progressive standards and are looking for a cheerful, new member of the team with a can do attitude and a willingness to learn with us.

Applicant Requirements

The ideal candidate will be a confident all-round general practitioner. A special interest in a particular field (e.g. small animal medicine, small animal surgery, imaging) would be an advantage but not essential. You need to be a good communicator, as you will be required to carry out veterinary consultations. You must feel comfortable promoting our in-house services and practice ethos.

Benefits (pro rata)

• 5 weeks paid holiday not including bank holidays
• 5 days paid CPD leave
• £1250 CPD Allowance per annum
• Private Medical Insurance
• VDS Membership paid
• BVA Membership paid
• Service based holiday entitlement increases
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, shared parental leave and surrogacy pay
• Enhanced paternity pay
• Birthday leave
• Discounted veterinary fees
• My Benefits – various discounts including retail & gym memberships
• Cycle to Work scheme
• Pension
• CPD/training support
• Paid bereavement leave
• Company sick pay
• Employee opinion survey
• Free uniform in a number of roles
• Annual pay reviews
• Social events
• Sponsorship for overseas employees
• Academy & Leadership courses
• Focus on employee wellbeing
• Relocation packages
• Career progression opportunities
• Free flu jabs

As a BAME and LGBT+ inclusive employer, 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.

If this position is of interest to you then please get in touch.