Veterinary Surgeon

Job Description

Introduction
Our client is a corporately owned practice seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join their supportive team on a 12-month fixed-term contract in Colne. This full-time position is suited to a confident vet with a passion for first-opinion care and a desire to work within a friendly and experienced team. Flexible working options can be discussed. The practice has a long-standing reputation for excellence and provides veterinary care across East Lancashire from three branches.

Working Hours / Rota
The role includes participation in an out-of-hours rota on a rolling 8-week cycle. Full-time vets work a mix of 3, 4, and 5-day weeks, with only two 5-day weeks in each 8-week cycle. Weekend duties involve 1.5 in 8 weekends, followed by generous time off in lieu. On-call duties are approximately one night every other week, with the following day off. Vets are supported by a team of overnight RVNs, and calls are handled via an external answering service. Accommodation is available on site if needed.

Role Description
This is a stimulating role with a varied caseload that supports development across multiple areas of small animal practice. The position is ideal for a vet looking to build confidence and competence in general practice, particularly those with interests in internal medicine, dentistry, or ECC. The practice promotes continuous improvement and encourages certificate study, CPD, and collaboration with visiting specialists to maintain high clinical standards.

Team Size
The practice has a large, well-established clinical team that includes certificate holders in medicine, dentistry, and ECC. The nursing team is highly skilled, with several team members holding additional qualifications in areas such as anaesthesia, feline nursing, and physiotherapy. The team prioritises wellbeing and regularly hosts social and charity events, wellbeing meetings, and team-building activities. Mental health first aiders and wellbeing champions help maintain a supportive work environment.

Practice Details
The group operates from three branches, with the main hospital based in Colne and additional sites in Burnley and Barnoldswick. The Colne site includes four consulting rooms, separate dog and cat wards, two surgical theatres, a bereavement suite, and a full in-house laboratory. Equipment includes digital x-ray, ultrasound, flexible and rigid endoscopy, and a dedicated dental suite with x-ray. The practice benefits from visiting specialists in ultrasonography and cardiology, enabling the majority of complex cases to be worked up in-house.

Ideal Candidate
The ideal candidate will be a motivated and compassionate veterinary surgeon with at least some experience in small animal practice. They will be confident working independently and collaboratively as part of a supportive and inclusive team. This role would suit someone seeking a well-rounded clinical experience in a practice that promotes professional development and work-life balance.

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