Out of hour twilight veterinary surgeon

CVS Limited; Chester; On-site; GBP 59,000 - 70,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary practice in Chester is looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their MiNight Vet team. You will handle various responsibilities including emergency consultations, receiving case transfers, and inpatient monitoring in a fully equipped referral hospital. The ideal candidate should have at least 3 years of veterinary experience, strong surgical knowledge, and excellent communication skills. This position offers up to £70,000 FTE, generous annual leave, and various health benefits.

Benefits

Generous annual leave

Private healthcare

Employee Assistance Programme

Staff discount scheme

Qualifications

• At least 3 years’ experience in practice.
• Ability to deliver high standards of care and client service.
• Confidence in emergency and general practice cases.

Responsibilities

• Conduct OOH consultations for first opinion emergencies.
• Receive case transfers from member practices.
• Provide inpatient care and monitoring.
• Conduct medical investigations and workups.
• Perform emergency surgical procedures.

Skills

Strong clinical knowledge

Experience in routine surgical procedures

Experience in emergency surgical procedures

Good communication skills

Calm, methodical approach

Job description

The Role

We are seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our MiNight Vet team. You'll work in a primary care OOH setting based at ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists; a fully equipped RCVS approved Veterinary referral hospital. (Please note: ChesterGates inpatients are under the care of interns and referral clinicians.)

Why us?

Situated just outside of Chester city centre, our practice is ideally placed for those who enjoy exploring in their time off. The Lake District, Liverpool, North Wales, the Wirral and two airports are all within easy reach—giving you a perfect mix of professional fulfilment and quality downtime.

• Work alongside a talented, friendly and supportive team of vets, nurses, VCAs and receptionists
• Benefit from close collaboration with ChesterGates Veterinary Specialists
• Enjoy a workplace that supports professional development, including the potential to pursue an ECC certificate

Salary & Rota

The shifts are 2pm-midnight with 30 mins unpaid break.

Totalling an average of 22.56 hours/week.

Annualised contract.

There is opportunity for additional hours until October 2026.

• Annualised
• Average hours: 22 per week
• Salary up to £70,000 FTE
• Free parking on site
• Conveniently located near public transport, with nearby access to the Wirral, Lake District, Liverpool, and North Wales

What to Expect

MiNight Vet Chester Wirral provides 24-hour care for our first opinion member practices, including the ongoing care of MiNight Vet inpatients. Being based within a referral hospital, you'll benefit from access to a wider clinical team and advanced facilities, with additional equipment and medications on hand to support complex case management.

You’ll be involved in a mix of:

• OOH consultations for first opinion emergencies
• Receiving case transfers from our member practices
• Inpatient care and monitoring
• Medical investigations and workups
• Emergency surgical procedures

Typical cases include foreign bodies, caesarean sections, GDVs, dyspnoea, seizures, HGE, urethral obstructions and DKA.

This is a rewarding and varied role with plenty of scope to use and develop your clinical skills.

What We’re Looking For

This role would suit a confident and capable small animal vet with at least 3 years’ experience in practice. You’ll need:

• Strong clinical knowledge across emergency and general practice cases
• Experience in both routine and emergency surgical procedures
• Good communication skills and a calm, methodical approach
• A genuine commitment to delivering high standards of care and client service

What We Offer

• Generous annual leave entitlement of 5 weeks per year plus Bank Holidays
• Buy/sell up to an additional 4 weeks annual leave!
• Staff discount scheme on Veterinary bills and products
• A range of health benefits including private healthcare
• Employee Assistance Programme and access to over 400 Mental Health First‑Aiders

Find a full list by clicking the link here: CVS Careers - What We Offer

To arrange a confidential chat or a visit to the practice, please contact Andy [e-mail]

CVS Group plc is an AIM listed, international integrated veterinary services provider, which delivers to clients through four business areas: our veterinary practices, diagnostic laboratories, pet crematoria and e‑commerce division. Our success is derived from the passion our people have for animals and for making pets a priority, it’s what is at the heart of our work, every day.

CVS is committed to being a fully inclusive place to work where all our colleagues are encouraged and supported to be themselves, where difference is celebrated and where everyone feels able to deliver their best. We are also determined to build a workforce that is more representative of our diverse communities and the people we provide our services to.