Farm Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You'll join an independent farm animal practice that covers a wide range of species with particular emphasis on dairy work and proactive herd health management. Based on the Welsh border near the Brecon Beacons and Wye Valley, the practice enjoys excellent access to Cardiff, Bristol, the Midlands and London, making it ideal if you value both a rural setting and proximity to major centres.

This is a supportive environment where you'll work alongside 10 clinicians, an ATT and a Vet Tech. The practice operates a manageable 1:6 rota with a day off every other week plus a half-day after weekend on-call, giving you genuine work-life balance. You'll have access to modern equipment including herd/flock analysis tools, laparoscopic LDA, Ovacyte machine and freezebranding facilities.

The caseload is predominantly family-run farms with a good mix of dairy, beef and sheep enterprises, plus growing smallholder work. You'll be involved in industry projects and farmer education (Lantra Approved Provider), with regular in-house clinical meetings and strong emphasis on client service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care across dairy, beef and sheep farms, with opportunity to develop herd health expertise
• Participate in proactive herd/flock health planning and client-focused service delivery
• Engage in industry projects and farming community initiatives
• Contribute to in-house clinical meetings and continued professional development
• Potentially progress into a director or shareholder role as your experience grows

Requirements

• RCVS registration as a veterinary surgeon
• Strong interest in farm animal medicine, particularly dairy work and herd health
• New graduates welcome with structured support available
• Willingness to work within a collaborative, supportive clinical team

Benefits

• Competitive salary package
• 1 in 6 on-call rota with day off every other week plus half-day after weekend cover
• Minimum 5 days CPD allowance annually, often more approved
• Company vehicle provided
• VetGDP-approved practice with structured on-call shadowing for new graduates
• Access to XLVets or BCVA New Graduate Programme
• Regular social activities with team and local farming community
• RCVS Practice Standards accredited as General Farm Practice
• Surrey Vet School partner practice

About the Practice

Farm First Vets is an independent farm animal practice based on the Welsh border, part of the XLVets community of independent veterinary practices. RCVS accredited as a General Farm Practice and a partner with Surrey Vet School, the practice serves a predominantly family-run farming community across dairy, beef, sheep and smallholder sectors.

The team is well-established with 10 clinicians, an ATT and a Vet Tech, creating a supportive environment that values clinical development, farmer education and continuous investment in technology. The practice runs Dairy, Beef and Smallholder Client Clubs and is actively involved in industry initiatives including Arwain DGC and Farming Connect Focus Farms.