Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Kernow Vet Group; Watford; On-site; GBP 40,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

A veterinary practice in Watford is seeking an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join their dedicated team. The role involves managing a diverse caseload of pets, performing consultations and surgeries in a well-equipped facility. With a strong focus on employee wellbeing, you will enjoy a competitive salary, work-life balance with 6.6 weeks annual leave, and opportunities for professional development. Join a supportive environment where clinical decision-making and autonomy are valued.

Benefits

6.6 weeks annual leave

Private Medical Insurance

£1250 CPD allowance

Enhanced family-friendly policies

Access to discounts with retailers

Qualifications

• Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with RCVS Registration is required.
• Experience in consultations, surgery, and working with diverse animal species.
• Ability to work both autonomously and as part of a team.

Responsibilities

• Provide high-quality veterinary care and treatment to animals.
• Perform surgeries, consultations, and diagnostics using advanced equipment.
• Manage a varied caseload effectively and efficiently.

Skills

Surgical skills

Clinical decision-making

Communication

Teamwork

Patient care

Education

Veterinary degree

RCVS Registration

Job description

Park Veterinary Centre, Watford, Watford, South East

A Practice with Heritage, Standards and Ambition

Park Veterinary Centre has proudly served the Hertfordshire community for over 100 years. As an RCVS GP Training Practice and nurse training practice, we’re committed to exceptional clinical standards while actively supporting the development of our team. We’re now looking for a confident Veterinary Surgeon ready to step into a varied, engaging role within a well-established practice.

A Caseload That Keeps You Sharp

You’ll see a broad and interesting mix of patients including cats, dogs, rabbits, small furries, exotics and even the occasional chicken. Working on a rota, you’ll be involved in consultations, surgery, dentistry, ultrasound and radiography, as well as supporting our consult-only branch. A consult-only role can also be considered, and there will be some sole-charge responsibility, making this an ideal opportunity for a vet who enjoys autonomy and clinical decision-making.

Space, Scale and Serious Clinical Capability

This is a large, well-equipped practice with four consult rooms including a dedicated nurse consult room, a full in-house laboratory, two theatres with a shared prep area, a dedicated X-ray suite with dental radiography, and separate cat and dog wards with isolation. You’ll also enjoy a comfortable staff area with refreshments available throughout the day.

Advanced Facilities to Support Confident Practice

You’ll have access to digital and dental X-ray, ultrasound, laparoscopic and endoscopic equipment, alongside a fully equipped lab and dedicated anaesthesia and patient care areas, allowing you to work cases up thoroughly and confidently in-house.

A Working Pattern with Structure and Balance

This is a 10-month fixed-term contract, working 28 hours per week, ideally across Monday, Tuesday and Thursday, with shifts typically falling between 8.30am and 8pm. The rota includes 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (9am–1pm), offering consistency alongside work-life balance.

A Large, Experienced and Supportive Team

You’ll join a team of 11 vets across two sites, supported by a strong group of RVNs, SVNs and an experienced client care team. The practice is home to certificate holders in medicine, imaging and surgery, with several vets currently working towards further qualifications, including exotics which is a growing area of interest within the team.

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance

6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays pro rata

Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Private Medical Insurance

Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline

Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay

Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

Development

£1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata

Certificate support

Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy

Access to Vetlexicon – our online encyclopaedia provider

All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding

All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund

Infection Prevention and Control Programme

Quality Improvement Programme

Professional Memberships

BVA membership

VDS cover

Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well

Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria

Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you

Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers

Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Park Veterinary Centre, Watford

256 Cassiobury Drive, Watford, Watford, WD17 3PA, United Kingdom

At IVC Evidensia we are a committed to Diversity, Equality, Inclusion and Belonging, we are keen to hear from candidates from all minority and diverse groups. As a Disability Confident Employer, we are keen to hear from candidates with disabilities and long-term health conditions and would be happy to discuss any reasonable adjustments needed during the recruitment process.

Any questions before applying?

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