Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

Elm Vets has been part of the Plymouth community for over 100 years, and they’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join their friendly, supportive team across three city-centre sites. You’ll work a three-day week (30 hours over Monday–Friday at 8:30am–7pm) plus one Saturday morning per month on a 1:6 rota—consult-only and sole charge, but never without support if you need it. There’s no out-of-hours or on-call work, which means genuine work-life balance.

Your week will include one dedicated surgical day and consultation-focused medical work-ups, with exposure to orthopaedics, dermatology, and routine procedures across a diverse caseload. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, giving you access to wider networks and development opportunities while maintaining the friendly, local practice feel.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied small animal caseload, working collaboratively with the wider practice team
• Lead one dedicated surgical day per week, supported by excellent in-house facilities (ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopic equipment)
• Conduct consultations and medical work-ups, developing confidence in routine and more complex cases
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues, contributing positively to the clinical culture and supporting the development of the team
• Manage Saturday morning clinics (1:6 rota) as sole charge, delivering high-quality consultations

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and RCVS registration (or eligibility to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Strong communication skills and the ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and ongoing development
• Professional, reliable, and able to work both independently and as part of a team
• Flexibility to work across three practice sites

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 DOE (full-time equivalent)
• Work-life balance: 30 hours per week over three days, no out-of-hours or on-call cover, 1:6 Saturday mornings only (consult-only)
• Holiday: 6.6 weeks’ annual leave including bank holidays
• Learning & development: £1,250 annual Care Fund, funded CPD allowance, access to IVC Academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• Mentorship: Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks; support to develop clinical interests
• Health & wellbeing: Private medical insurance, enhanced family leave (maternity, paternity, adoption, surrogacy)
• Professional memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Additional perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, retail discounts and cashback, reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets
• Flexibility: Can also consider candidates looking for 20+ hours per week or consult-only arrangements

About the Practice

Elm Vets has been part of the Plymouth community for over 100 years, with two branches led by practice partners John Parkinson and Dick Moar. The team includes four fully qualified veterinary surgeons, a dedicated nursing team headed by Corinna Goss (comprising qualified and student nurses), and support staff. The practice is now part of IVC Evidensia, the UK and Europe’s leading veterinary care group, which provides access to wider clinical networks, learning opportunities, and career development pathways whilst maintaining the practice’s independent identity and local community focus.

The practice is well-equipped with ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, and laparoscopic equipment. The team includes certificate holders in emergency & critical care and orthopaedics, fostering a strong culture of shared learning and clinical development.