Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Forest Vets Harlow is reopening with a brand new facility, and they’re looking for an experienced surgical vet to shape this exciting venture. You’ll join a 2-3 vet team working across a 40-hour week—with flexibility to work either four or five days depending on your preference. The rota includes just a 1-in-10 weekend on-call commitment with no out-of-hours night shifts, giving you genuine protected time off.

This role offers something rare: the chance to generate your own surgical caseload and run your own clinics with a bias towards orthopaedic work, while being part of a much larger network. Across the four Linnaeus sites in the region, you’ll have access to 14 day vets and 3 night vets, including specialists in ophthalmology, dermatology, internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and small animal surgery. Whether you need a second opinion, want to refer a complex case, or simply fancy collaborative learning, that support is there.

The practice itself is equipped with five consultation rooms, surgery, in-house x-ray, and laboratory facilities. For advanced diagnostics and procedures—CT, MRI, endoscopy—the nearby hospital is accessible, and you’re encouraged to follow up your own cases there. Harlow’s location makes it an easy commute from Hertfordshire, Essex, and North London.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver primary surgical and medical care to small animal patients within a supportive 2-3 vet team
• Generate your own surgical caseload, with particular focus on orthopaedic procedures
• Run your own consultation clinics
• Perform routine and advanced soft tissue surgery, fracture repairs, and cruciate ligament procedures
• Collaborate with the experienced nursing team and support new graduate vets in their development
• Utilise onsite diagnostics and liaise with specialists across the Linnaeus network for complex cases

Requirements

• RCVS registered Veterinary Surgeon
• Certificate in Surgery (or equivalent surgical qualification)
• Demonstrable confidence performing basic fracture repairs, cruciate ligament repair, and advanced soft tissue surgery
• Interest in balancing both surgical and consulting duties

Benefits

• Leave & Time Off: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays, birthday leave, and 1-in-10 weekend on-call with no night shifts
• Professional Development: RCVS and VDS fees covered, external CPD funded, access to extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme
• Financial: Employer pension scheme contribution, life assurance, staff discount schemes
• Wellbeing: Enhanced sickness pay, enhanced equal family leave, employee assistance programme, free annual flu jab, eyecare voucher scheme
• Additional Perks: E-car salary sacrifice scheme, cycle-to-work scheme, recruitment referral reward scheme, career progression opportunities

About the Practice

Forest Vets Harlow is part of Linnaeus, one of the UK and Ireland’s most respected veterinary groups. Linnaeus is a forward-thinking partnership of primary care and referral practices, carefully selected to ensure the highest standards of patient care. The group is owned by Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned allows Linnaeus to prioritise its long-term purpose—creating a better world for pets—over short-term profits.

With over 6,000 associates across the group, you’ll have access to a global network of specialists, international development opportunities, and a comprehensive wellbeing package designed to support your physical and mental health. The culture emphasises inclusivity, authenticity, and excellence, bringing together professionals united by a commitment to quality care and shared purpose.