Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your chance to launch your career in a practice that’s genuinely invested in your development. You’ll join Ark Veterinary Surgery in Killamarsh, a friendly team of 3 vets and 4 RVNs working across two sites, combining small animal and exotic caseload in a supportive environment. The role offers 40 hours per week over 4 days with one midweek day off—giving you structured time for learning and life outside practice. You’ll work 1:6 Saturdays initially shadowing experienced vets, with no Sunday cover and no out-of-hours shifts. Located close to Sheffield and nestled near the Peak District’s stunning landscapes, you’ll have access to hiking, cycling, and climbing whenever you need to recharge.

The practice is well-equipped with digital radiography (including dental), keyhole and soft tissue surgery capabilities, K-Laser technology, a purpose-built operating theatre, and comprehensive in-house diagnostics. Within your team, you’ll find specialists in zoological medicine, exotics, imaging, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology—creating genuine opportunities to develop skills across varied disciplines.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide small animal and exotic veterinary care across two practice locations (Killamarsh and Dronfield)
• Work under mentorship from experienced vets, building clinical confidence and surgical skills progressively
• Contribute to the practice’s caseload including routine consultations, diagnostics, and surgical procedures
• Engage with the Graduate Academy structured learning programme tailored to your development goals
• Participate in Saturday morning clinics on a 1:6 rota, initially shadowing senior clinicians
• Support the collaborative team culture and contribute to ongoing quality improvements

Requirements

• Recently qualified (or newly qualified) veterinary surgeon with RCVS registration
• Enthusiasm for learning, particularly in small animal and exotic medicine
• Ability to work collaboratively within a supportive team environment
• Willingness to develop skills across varied disciplines with guidance from specialists
• Professional communication skills with colleagues and clients

Benefits

• Salary & Progression: Starting salary of £36,000 per annum with salary increase in year 2
• Time Off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off annually
• Professional Development: £1,250 per year via the Care Fund for CPD and learning; mentored support through the Graduate Academy; access to IVC Evidensia’s blended learning programme; research opportunities including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund
• Wellbeing & Support: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; £1,250 Care Fund for personal wellbeing initiatives
• Financial Security: Company pension with IVC contribution; private medical insurance; no financial tie-in
• Professional Support: Paid professional memberships including RCVS
• Lifestyle Benefits: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes; retail discounts and cashback; discounted pet care across IVC practices
• Community: Access to a global network of veterinary professionals and career opportunities across IVC Evidensia’s practice network

About the Practice

Ark Veterinary Surgery is an established, forward-thinking small animal and exotic practice serving the Killamarsh and Dronfield areas near Sheffield. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group. The team combines modern facilities with genuine specialist expertise, including advanced practitioners in zoological medicine and certificate holders across exotics, imaging, soft tissue surgery, and ophthalmology. The practice culture emphasises hands-on mentorship and collaborative learning, making it an ideal environment for graduates entering the profession.

IVC Evidensia is a Disability Confident Employer committed to diversity, equality, inclusion, and belonging. The organisation actively welcomes applications from candidates of all backgrounds and from those with disabilities or long-term health conditions, with reasonable adjustments discussed openly during recruitment.