An exciting opportunity has arisen for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join a well-established first opinion practice in the Maldon area. This is a fantastic opportunity to become part of a friendly, supportive and progressive team where clinical freedom, collaboration and professional development are actively encouraged. With an excellent surgical caseload, support from certificate holders and opportunities to progress into a Senior or Clinical Lead position, this role offers an outstanding next step for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon.

Key Highlights

• Salary up to £100,000 FTE depending on experience.
• 3 or 4 days per week.
• 9:00am – 7:00pm working days.
• 1 in 4 weekend rota.
• No out-of-hours.
• Minimal Bank Holiday commitment.
• Clinical Lead and Senior Vet opportunities available.
• Certificate funding and excellent CPD support.
• Wide and varied medical and surgical caseload.
• Strong support from a nearby sister practice.

The Practice

This established small animal practice has been caring for pets within the local community for over 10 years and has developed an excellent reputation for delivering high-quality veterinary care within a welcoming and supportive environment. The team prides itself on working collaboratively, encouraging clinical freedom and supporting every colleague to develop their own interests and career ambitions.

You’ll be joining an experienced team comprising three Veterinary Surgeons, four Registered Veterinary Nurses, a Student Veterinary Nurse, two Veterinary Care Assistants, four Receptionists and an experienced Practice Manager. The practice also works closely with a visiting Small Animal Surgery Certificate Holder, allowing many advanced surgical procedures, including orthopaedics, to be managed in-house and providing excellent learning opportunities.

The varied first opinion caseload includes predominantly dogs and cats, alongside small furries and exotic species, with a broad range of medical and surgical cases including soft tissue surgery, dentistry, ophthalmic procedures, emergency surgery and advanced wound management.

Regular clinical meetings and in-house CPD sessions help maintain high clinical standards while encouraging knowledge sharing across the team.

Facilities include:

• Digital radiography.
• Ultrasound.
• In-house laboratory.
• Multiparameter monitoring.
• Dedicated operating theatre.
• Modern diagnostic equipment.
• Well-equipped consulting rooms.
• On-site parking.

The Location

Located in the Maldon area of Essex, the practice enjoys an excellent position close to the beautiful Essex coastline while benefiting from convenient transport links to Chelmsford, Colchester and London. The area offers an excellent balance of waterside living, countryside walks, independent shops, cafés and restaurants, together with straightforward access to the A12 and direct rail services into London from nearby stations.

The Role

This position is ideally suited to an experienced Veterinary Surgeon looking to take the next step in their career within a supportive and progressive practice. The role is available on either a three or four-day working week, with participation in a shared 1 in 4 weekend rota and no out-of-hours commitments.

You’ll enjoy genuine clinical freedom, managing a varied first opinion caseload while working alongside experienced colleagues who encourage collaboration and continuity of care. There are excellent opportunities to pursue individual clinical interests, with certificate funding and ongoing professional development actively supported.

Veterinary Surgeons interested in progressing into a Senior Veterinary Surgeon or Clinical Lead role are strongly encouraged to apply.

The Candidate

The successful candidate will be an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon with at least three to four years’ UK practice experience and confidence managing routine consultations and surgery.

You’ll be an excellent communicator with strong clinical skills, a collaborative approach and a genuine passion for delivering exceptional patient and client care. Candidates with previous leadership experience, or those looking to progress into a Senior or Clinical Lead position, will be particularly welcomed, although this is not essential.

Benefits

• Competitive salary up to £100,000 FTE depending on experience.
• Three or four-day working week.
• No out-of-hours.
• Minimal Bank Holiday commitment.
• 1 in 4 weekend rota.
• Generous CPD allowance.
• Certificate funding and support.
• Clinical Lead and Senior Vet progression opportunities.
• Paid RCVS, BVA and VDS memberships.
• 5.6 weeks annual leave, increasing with service.
• Additional paid birthday leave.
• Enhanced maternity and paternity pay.
• Private health insurance.
• Contributory pension scheme.
• In-house career development opportunities.
• Employee wellbeing and assistance programmes.
• Cycle to Work scheme.
• Exclusive colleague discounts across selected pet care brands.
• Support from an experienced sister practice.

This is a fantastic opportunity to join a progressive practice where clinical freedom, teamwork and professional development are genuinely valued. Whether you’re looking to develop your surgical expertise, work towards a certificate or progress into a Senior or Clinical Lead role, this position offers an excellent opportunity to build a long-term career within a supportive and ambitious team.