Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Witham; On-site; GBP 100,000 - 125,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Witham is seeking a Graduate Veterinary Surgeon to join their supportive team. You'll benefit from structured mentoring, hands-on experience, and a competitive starting salary of £36,000. This role offers a balanced work-life schedule with no out-of-hours work, along with various benefits such as a pension plan, private medical insurance, and professional memberships. It's an opportunity to enhance your skills in a nurturing environment while making a real difference in animal care.

Benefits

£1,250 wellbeing fund

6.6 weeks holiday plus birthday off

Private medical insurance

Cycle to Work scheme

Qualifications

• Recent graduate with a recognized veterinary degree.
• Passion for animal care and well-being.
• Ability to work flexibly and collaboratively.

Responsibilities

• Provide veterinary care and follow treatment plans.
• Conduct consultations and surgeries with supervision.
• Participate in case discussions and team training.

Skills

Veterinary surgery

Patient care

Team collaboration

Education

Veterinary degree

Job description

Graduate Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Stepping into your future - ready to learn, grow, and do meaningful work that matters.

At IVCEvidensia, you’ll find a place where you can be yourself, supported by people who want to see you thrive. You’ll get hands‑on experience, build your confidence, and discover just how far your passion can take you.

Unlock Your Passions at Spring Lodge Veterinary Group

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group is a welcoming group of six small animal practices based in the heart of Essex. We’re in a great location with easy links to London and beyond, making it simple to enjoy everything the area has to offer. Whether you love a day at the beach, hopping on a plane for a weekend away, or relaxing in the countryside, you’ll find it all close – with the coast nearby, Stansted Airport just a short drive away, and plenty of beautiful rural surroundings.

We’re proud to be a close‑knit, supportive team of 17 vets, working alongside a highly skilled nursing team, 4 Veterinary Care Assistants, and dedicated receptionists across all six of our clinics. Within the team, we have both Vet and Nurse certificate holders, as well as colleagues currently working towards certificates in areas including Surgery, Medicine, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, and Advanced General Practice. We run regular in‑house CPD sessions led by team members with special interests, such as cardiology and ultrasonography. Supporting growth and development is really important to us and we take the time to understand each individual’s goals and tailor development plans to suit them, ensuring everyone feels supported and valued.

We love spending time together as a team and enjoy regular social events, from larger group get‑togethers to more relaxed, small‑team outings. We also run regular journal clubs, led by both vets and nurses, creating a great space to share ideas and learn from one another. Wellbeing is a real priority for us. We have trained mental health first aiders and dedicated wellbeing champions within the team. We’re also committed to working as sustainably as possible, with a passionate group of colleagues always looking for ways to improve. Above all, we work collaboratively and are always striving for continuous improvement in everything we do.

As you’d expect from a hospital clinic, we’re very well equipped with excellent surgical and medical facilities and a comprehensive range of kit. We have separate dog, cat, and isolation wards, helping us provide calm, high‑quality care for every patient. Our facilities include ultrasound, endoscopy, dental radiography, a fully equipped in‑house laboratory, and an extensive range of surgical equipment – from laparoscopy through to orthopaedic procedures.

Enjoy a welcoming environment with structured support and flexibility to suit your lifestyle.

41 hours per week over 4 days, structured within a working day which runs from 8am to our last appointment at 6.30pm. No out-of‑hours work, with continuity of overnight care provided for our in‑patients. 1:8 weekends, covering an emergencies‑only service for our clients from 8.00am – 5.00pm, with a 1:5 Saturday morning rota. An additional day off is given after working a weekend, which has the potential to offer 5 full days of leave without having to use any holiday balance, allowing a great work‑life balance.

You will be supported with extended consultations and will have your own consulting list, with an experienced Vet available off‑consult to provide support as needed. Full surgical support is provided, working alongside another vet on a 1:1 basis until you feel confident to undertake procedures independently. We are not prescriptive and allow the graduate’s confidence and ability to guide when they progress to managing cases and surgery independently. Initially, you will see routine appointments only, with a gradual transition to more complex or unwell patients. Regular case discussions are held to support learning and reflection.

You will have access to the company van or practice use only.

Be Part of Something Bigger – What you’ll get

At IVCEvidensia, we’re committed to helping you shape your career your way. Our Graduate Academy offers the very best start to life in practice.

• Boost Your Learning – Take your career to the next level with our blended learning programme, tailored to your goals.
• Connect, Learn, Grow – Join a global community of veterinary professionals and access career opportunities across our network.
• Unlock Your Development – Explore CPD and research opportunities, including the IVCEvidensia Research Fund.
• Supported to Thrive – Gain invaluable experience with guidance from a dedicated mentor who cares about your progression.
• Your Wellbeing – Feel supported with £1,250 per year to spend via our Care Fund, plus a range of wellbeing initiatives.

Benefits and Rewards

Enjoy a competitive starting salary from £36,000, alongside a range of benefits designed to help you thrive:

• Salary increase in year 2
• 6.6 weeks holiday + your birthday off
• Company pension with IVC contribution
• Private medical insurance
• 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes
• Retail discounts and cashback
• Discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)

You

Joining a community where you’re seen, valued, and empowered to have an impact that’s felt. This is more than just your first step – it’s the start of something bigger.

IVCEvidensia – Disability Confident Employer

We welcome candidates from all backgrounds and are happy to discuss reasonable adjustments during the recruitment process.

Spring Lodge Veterinary Group, Witham

Powers Hall End, Witham, Witham, CM8 2HG, United Kingdom

Any questions before applying?

Speak to Chloe Nation from our recruitment team who would be happy to help you with any questions you have before applying for this role.