Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity to join the expanding team at Castle Vets, operating across two beautifully situated practices in Bishop Auckland and the historic market town of Barnard Castle in County Durham. You'll work full-time or part-time with genuine flexibility to support a good work-life balance, and crucially, there is no out-of-hours commitment. The role can be tailored to your interests: whether you prefer consultations, surgery, or a balanced mix of both.

You'll be part of a talented clinical team including vets holding CertAVP, PgCert VPS, and PgCert SAS qualifications, alongside passionate RVNs with advanced specialisms in anaesthesia, surgery, and behaviour. Visiting advanced practitioners in surgery and imaging mean you can keep complex cases in-house where appropriate, while strong links with local referral centres ensure you can follow referred cases through their patient journey.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide general practice veterinary care across a varied caseload in small animal medicine and surgery
• Conduct diagnostic investigations and manage cases with confidence and clinical skill
• Lead on different case types as your expertise develops, with mentoring and support from the team
• Support and inspire colleagues across the practice, fostering a collaborative and progressive culture
• Contribute to shaping clinical standards and best practice within Castle Vets
• Provide sickness and emergency cover across the local practice group when needed, with fuel expenses fully reimbursed

Requirements

• Registered with the RCVS as a veterinary surgeon
• Confident in general practice clinical skills with ability to take on varied cases
• Committed to developing further expertise and managing different case types
• Strong team player with natural mentoring ability and genuine passion for client care
• Ability to handle a varied caseload and provide guidance to wider team members

Benefits

• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance with BSAVA library access, 450+ courses available, and fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) including tuition, exams, and study leave
• Up to 33 days annual holiday with option to buy or sell additional days
• CVS Pension Scheme
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists, Advanced Clinical Services Network, and Regional Clinical Leads for case support and mentoring
• Health cash plan and Employee Assistance Programme
• Wellbeing Champions network and enhanced family leave policies
• Staff pet care discounts: 50% off services, MiPet food and medications
• No out-of-hours commitment
• Flexible working opportunities

About the Practice

Castle Vets operates two practices serving County Durham: a purpose-built facility in Bishop Auckland and a beautifully situated branch in historic Barnard Castle. Part of CVS Group Plc, the practice benefits from significant investment in facilities and a multi-million-pound improvement fund. The team is committed to building a forward-thinking practice where staff wellbeing and progression are valued as highly as exceptional client and patient care.

As a CVS practice, you'll have access to central expert support in HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, and procurement. The practice prioritises colleague support through monthly line-manager check-ins, a network of 400+ Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets, and personal mentors. CVS is committed to creating an inclusive and equitable workplace where diverse perspectives are welcomed and people feel safe to contribute.