Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a fixed-term, part-time position covering parental leave for 12 months. You’ll work three days a week (31 hours) with a manageable 1:4 weekend rota, delivering high-quality first-opinion care in a friendly, community-focused practice. Based at Calder Vets Penistone, you’ll have the autonomy to lead the branch day-to-day while backed by an experienced nursing and reception team who genuinely support clinical work.

Penistone is a welcoming market town setting with a loyal, engaged client base. The branch is well-equipped with in-house laboratory facilities (biochemistry, haematology, microscopy), x-ray and dental x-ray, and multi-parameter monitoring—everything you need to deliver high-standard cases without constant referrals.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion veterinary care across routine consultations and surgery
• Performing routine surgical and medical procedures
• Lead the branch operation day-to-day, working as the sole charge vet alongside your nursing team
• Build and maintain strong client relationships through clear communication and continuity of care
• Collaborate with the wider Calder Vets network (eight clinics across South and West Yorkshire) on clinical cases and professional development

Requirements

• A confident individual who is comfortable working in a sole charge environment
• Confident and capable in sole charge practice—comfortable working independently with clinical decision-making
• Strong communication skills and genuine commitment to excellent patient and client care
• Team player who values collaboration and professional development
• Experience in routine consultations and surgery

Benefits

• Leave: Five weeks’ annual holiday plus bank holidays and birthday leave
• Professional Development: RCVS and VDS fees paid; unlimited access to external CPD funding; extensive free online Linnaeus CPD library; clear career progression pathways
• Wellbeing & Support: Confidential Employee Assistance Programme; trained Mental Health First Aiders across practices; eyecare vouchers; free annual flu jab
• Financial & Perks: Life assurance; employer-contribution pension scheme; staff discount schemes; cycle-to-work scheme; recruitment referral rewards

About the Practice

Calder Veterinary is a high-quality, forward-thinking practice spanning eight clinics across South and West Yorkshire. The group combines primary care with mid-tier referral services, including a 24/7 RCVS-accredited Tier 3 Hospital with dedicated emergency and critical care (ECC) provision. Clinical excellence drives everything—the practice runs 15-minute minimum consultations and many vets are working towards specialist certificates in surgery, imaging, dermatology, cardiology, and medicine.

Beyond consultations and routine surgery, Calder Vets offers advanced services including laparoscopy, endoscopy, soft tissue and orthopaedic surgery, echocardiography, in-house CT, and a dedicated rehabilitation service (physiotherapy, hydrotherapy, laser therapy). The team culture is collaborative and supportive—case discussions happen regularly, social events are common, and you’ll benefit from a large veterinary team plus strong nursing and front-of-house support. Many clients hold the Penistone branch in high regard, and the practice is Cat-Friendly accredited. Calder Vets is part of Linnaeus, a company of Mars Veterinary Health.