Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time maternity cover position working 40 hours per week across 4 days, though the practice is flexible and will consider part-time arrangements for the right candidate. Based at Charter Veterinary Hospital in Barnstaple, you'll work across three conveniently located sites in the area: Barnstaple, Pilton, and Mullacott. The role runs for 6 months from October 2026. The only rota commitment is a 1:6 Saturday shift (12 hours) with time off in lieu; there is no out-of-hours cover required.

Located in an area of outstanding natural beauty with award-winning golden sandy beaches, rugged moors, lush green valleys, and picturesque coastlines, this practice truly offers the work-life balance you deserve. The region is easily commutable from Bideford, Great Torrington, South Molton, Westward Ho!, Ilfracombe, and surrounding areas within Devon and North Cornwall.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage a varied small animal caseload across surgical, medical, and diagnostic cases with clinical autonomy
• Carry out diagnostic investigations including ultrasound, digital x-ray, endoscopy, and CT scanning with precision
• Lead on different case types and contribute to shaping clinical standards within the practice
• Support and mentor nursing, PCA, and reception team members, sharing knowledge to help colleagues develop
• Provide excellent client care, building trust and long-lasting relationships with pet owners
• Participate in the 1:6 Saturday rota (12-hour shift) with TOIL provided

Requirements

• Registered with the RCVS as a veterinary surgeon
• Experienced clinical vet with strong surgical and medical skills
• Confident in clinical decision-making and comfortable with autonomy
• Natural mentor and team player who enjoys supporting colleagues
• Committed to continuing professional development and gaining further confidence in clinical practice
• Excellent client communication skills

Benefits

• Salary up to £55,000 FTE depending on experience
• RCVS and VDS fees paid in full
• Generous CPD allowance, BSAVA library access, 450+ courses available
• Fully funded postgraduate qualifications (CertAVP, PgCert) with tuition, exams, and study leave covered
• Up to 33 days holiday per year with option to buy or sell additional days
• Access to Vet Oracle telemedicine specialists and Advanced Clinical Services Network 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 requirement (1:6 Saturday daytime rota only)

About the Practice

Charter Veterinary Hospital is a small animal practice within the CVS Veterinary Group, a large corporate veterinary organisation committed to putting colleagues first. The practice has a passionate team of vets, nurses, PCAs, and receptionists working from modern facilities across three sites in North Devon.

The hospital is extremely well equipped with CT scanner, dental x-ray, endoscopy, diathermy, digital x-ray, and ultrasound. The team has a varied caseload and is passionate about sharing knowledge to support professional development. CVS provides extensive central support including expert HR, recruitment, payroll, IT, finance, and procurement teams, freeing up clinical staff to focus on patient care. The group invests significantly in practice improvements through a dedicated multi-million-pound enhancement fund and prioritises wellbeing through monthly line-manager check-ins, a network of Wellbeing Champions, Pastoral Support Vets, and personal mentors.