Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time first opinion veterinary surgeon position at Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, Castle Donington, based on a maternity cover contract with potential to convert to permanent as the first opinion service expands. You'll work in a large RCVS-accredited hospital environment with immediate access to specialist input, advanced imaging (CT and MRI on site), and collaborative case management. The role suits experienced vets who value clinical independence without sacrificing support.

The hospital is ideally located just 10 minutes from East Midlands Airport, with easy reach of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham. The Peak District offers excellent outdoor recreation nearby, while nearby cities provide cultural, social, and shopping amenities. This is a genuinely collaborative setting where first opinion clinicians are valued and well supported.

With a balanced rota focused on work-life balance, you'll work Saturday mornings only (1 in 4, 4-hour shifts) with absolutely no night duties. All out-of-hours cover is managed by the hospital's dedicated in-house night team.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first opinion small animal veterinary care for a varied and often complex caseload
• Work with confidence in a high-support environment with immediate access to referral specialists
• Utilise on-site CT and MRI for streamlined diagnostics and continuity of care
• Collaborate closely with the hospital's referral team (neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, internal medicine, oncology, soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology)
• Support clinical leadership in shaping and developing the growing first opinion service
• Participate in a balanced Saturday rota with no overnight or night work

Requirements

• 2+ years qualified as a Veterinary Surgeon
• Confidence and clinical competence in first opinion practice
• Full RCVS registration as a Member (MRCVS)
• Willingness to work in a collaborative, supportive team environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary commensurate with experience
• Generous CPD allowance, including support towards professional certificates
• Balanced rota: 1 in 4 Saturday mornings (4-hour shifts), no night work
• Enhanced maternity, adoption, and paternity pay (CVS Group)
• Company Share Save scheme
• Staff discounts across CVS practices
• Health Shield cash plan
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme
• Potential conversion to permanent position following maternity cover

About the Practice

Dovecote Veterinary Hospital is a large, RCVS-accredited facility in Castle Donington with an established first opinion service and a highly respected referral team. The hospital offers on-site advanced diagnostics (CT and MRI), specialist services including neurology, neurosurgery, orthopaedics, internal medicine, oncology, soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, and dermatology. The team includes experienced Registered Veterinary Nurses and support staff providing comprehensive clinical support throughout the day. The hospital is part of CVS Group Plc.