Veterinary surgeon – Mixed practice

Full time. Permanent.

We are looking for an enthusiastic veterinary surgeon to join our 4.5 vet, RCVS accredited, first opinion mixed practice (75% small animal, 15% farm, 10% equine). The role would be ideal for someone with a few year's experience although a recent graduate with a "get stuck in" attitude can be supported and encouraged. We are a RCVS Approved Graduate Development Practice on the Veterinary Graduate Development Programme (VetGDP).

We have a varied and interesting case load ranging from routine vaccinations through to complex medical work-ups, imaging and surgery. You will be expected to participate fully in all aspects of the work. This is not a "junior" role where you will be limited to a simplified case load. If you have a particular interest in specific disciplines, you will be encouraged to develop your expertise in that area.

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This is a truly mixed position in an independently owned (non-corporate) practice. You could be repairing a dog’s cruciate in the morning and calving a cow in the beautiful Yorkshire Dales in the afternoon. You won’t have to do any cattle TB testing.

You’ll be based at our well equipped surgery in Knaresborough (we don’t have any branches) where you will work with three and a half other vets, three qualified veterinary nurses, one student veterinary nurses and eight reception / office staff.

We have plenty of toys for you to play with. We have a full in-house laboratory for haematology, biochemistry and urinalysis, two digital x-ray systems (one in the surgery for SA use and one portable for equine use), new ultrasound with colour doppler, a 3-meter video endoscope, fully computerised practice management system (with laptops for the vets to use when away from the practice), two operating rooms (one with a heated operating table), piped gas anaesthetic system, pulse oximeter and another ultrasound scanner for cattle fertility work.

We are about to commence work to expand the surgery with another consultation room, a new operating room and increased kennel area.

We provide our own out of hours service for our clients only. We don't provide out of hours cover for other practices. The rota is equally shared between the four full-time vets, you'll work 1 in 4 weekday nights, 1 in 4 weekends and 1 in 4 Saturday mornings. Every week you'll get at least 1 afternoon off and 1 in 4 weekends off is a long (2.5 or 3-day) weekend.

Work-life balance is very important. Our working patterns are designed to include time to follow-up cases, speak to clients or research your next steps without the pressure of a queue of clients waiting for their appointment. Equally, your time off is protected and the vet's rota is published at least 1 year in advance so that you can plan and book your holidays.

The annual holiday allowance is 29 working days plus you get time back for covering when the other vets are on holiday. The result is that if you take your holiday carefully and combine it with your long weekends off, you can stretch the allowance to about 10 weeks.

Your salary will be competitive plus a tax-free mileage allowance for the business use of your own car, pension contributions, subscriptions (RCVS & BVA), a mobile phone (or your own mobile paid for) and we will pay for your home phone and broadband. The total package value is expected to be in the range of £39,000 to £55,000 pa depending on experience. Additionally, CPD is encouraged and paid for.

You will find Knaresborough and the surrounding area full of opportunities for leisure and relaxation for you to enjoy in your time off. If you like the urban lifestyle, then York, Harrogate and Leeds are all easily accessible. If the rural life is more your thing, then the Yorkshire Dales are on your doorstep and the Yorkshire Moors and Lake District are within easy driving distance.

If you want to know more, feel free to give Jonathan, Graham or Steph a call at the surgery on (01423) 862121 for an informal chat.

To apply, please email your CV and covering letter to apply-vet@fhvets.uk