Equine Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join Cliffe Equine Hospital, an RCVS-accredited equine practice set in the East Sussex countryside just outside Lewes. You’ll work with a forward-thinking team committed to clinical excellence and genuine work-life balance. With a manageable 1:5 out-of-hours rota (50% outsourced), you’ll have significant time to develop your own referral caseload and work up cases at the hospital, backed by a dedicated equine nursing team and a resident Specialist in Equine Sports Medicine.

The practice operates full, part-time, and flexible working arrangements, with progression plans available for candidates looking to develop their careers. Located in a vibrant market town with direct access to Brighton, Gatwick (30 minutes), and London Victoria (1 hour), you’ll enjoy a genuinely accessible location without sacrificing rural practice appeal.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage your own equine caseload, with support from the specialist team for complex cases
• Work up cases through the hospital’s full surgical and diagnostic facilities
• Conduct field and ambulatory procedures with backing from the equine nursing team
• Contribute to inpatient care, supported by two resident house vets
• Participate in the 1:5 out-of-hours rota (50% outsourced to partner providers)
• Collaborate with dedicated equine dental technicians and the specialist in sports medicine

Requirements

• At least 2 years’ equine veterinary experience
• Full UK driving licence and own vehicle (essential for field work)
• A positive, team-focused mindset with genuine enthusiasm for ongoing professional development
• Interest in orthopaedics (advantageous but not essential)

Benefits

• Work-Life Balance: 6.6 weeks annual leave, additional holiday for your birthday
• Wellbeing Support: Private medical insurance, enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay), cycle to work scheme, non-accidental injury support, dedicated wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid pro rata, certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy, Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia, research funding opportunities, £1,250 annual Care Fund for personal development
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS fees all covered
• Financial & Extras: Competitive base salary up to £50,000 depending on experience, 5% employee/3% employer pension contribution, discounted staff pet care, Pawsome Benefits reward gateway with discounts at 100+ retailers
• Quality Assurance: Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme

About the Practice

Cliffe Equine Hospital is an established RCVS-accredited equine facility based at Harbens Farm, Laughton, near Lewes in East Sussex. The hospital is exceptionally well-equipped with 20 inpatient stables, full surgical and hospital facilities, comprehensive diagnostic equipment (both in-house and ambulatory), and an extensive range of treatment technology. An on-site laboratory enables vets to run haematological and biochemical tests immediately, improving diagnostic efficiency. Two resident house vets manage the majority of day-to-day inpatient care, whilst dedicated equine dental technicians handle all routine dentals.

The practice is actively committed to environmental sustainability, operating a fleet with over 50% electric vehicles (three fully electric Audis plus two hybrid vehicles). Beyond clinical work, Cliffe Equine is deeply embedded in the local community, supporting numerous equine charities and riding schools, and hosting regular client events with proceeds donated to charity.