Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Eden Veterinary Centre is seeking a Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon for a part-time, fixed-term maternity cover position (13 months). This role is ideal if you're balancing other commitments and value flexibility without sacrificing clinical quality. Based in Carlisle on the edge of the Lake District, you'll work 15-20 hours per week with just one evening surgery and one Saturday morning per month on rota, and crucially, no out-of-hours requirements.

The practice recently relocated to a brand-new, purpose-built facility designed to combine high clinical standards with a genuinely supportive, close-knit team culture. You'll find yourself in an environment where patient care and continuous professional development are central to everything the team does.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality first-opinion care across consultations and surgical procedures
• Work collaboratively with a strong nursing team of 6 RVNs and 1 VCA
• Support colleagues through case discussions and clinical collaboration
• Contribute to a positive team culture and continuous clinical improvement
• Develop your own clinical interests while sharing knowledge and experience with the wider team

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Around 3 or more years' experience in small animal practice
• Confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning with openness to feedback
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• 6.6 weeks' annual holiday including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres
• BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Private medical insurance
• Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption, and surrogacy
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)
• Retail discounts and cashback offers
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks
• Clear career pathways across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

About the Practice

Eden Veterinary Centre was established in 2001 by Charlie Foster in response to the Foot and Mouth outbreak. The practice occupies a historic red-brick building that was originally a family home with a smallholding, creating a warm, welcoming environment that helps pets feel at ease. The practice benefits from purpose-built facilities including two fully equipped theatres, a dedicated dental suite with dental X-ray, digital radiography and ultrasound imaging, and a full in-house laboratory. The team comprises 6 vets (including a Clinical Lead), 6 RVNs, 1 VCA, a Practice Director, and an experienced reception team. Eden Vets is an approved veterinary nurse training practice and has a surgical certificate holder on staff, with ambitions to expand into soft tissue and orthopaedic referrals. The practice has strong charitable connections, supporting the RSPCA, Cats' Protection League, Blue Cross, The Penny Jones Animal Hospice, and The Animals Refuge at Wetheral Shields. Eden Veterinary Centre is part of Inspiring Vet Care, the UK and Europe's leading veterinary care group made up of over 900 practices and referral hospitals.