Night Veterinary Surgeon, Small Animal

About the Role

This is a dedicated night veterinary surgeon position at Scarsdale Vets, Pride Park, part of the inspiring vet care network. You'll work a 7-on-14-off pattern, with each shift lasting 12 hours plus an hour for lunch. Rather than routine appointments or animal MOTs, your nights will centre on managing existing hospital patients and first opinion out-of-hours emergency cases. The caseload is genuinely varied and reactive, meaning no two shifts are the same; this role suits someone energised by an unpredictable, clinically diverse environment.

You'll collaborate closely with a dedicated overnight nursing team comprising four RVNs and two kennel assistants, all working to deliver the highest standards of care to inpatients. The ECC caseload is described as diverse and engaging, offering excellent opportunities to develop your clinical skills in emergency medicine and critical care.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage first opinion hospital inpatients throughout night shifts
• Assess and treat first opinion out-of-hours emergency cases as they arrive
• Work collaboratively with the night nursing team of four RVNs and two kennel assistants
• Deliver high-standard patient and client care across a varied caseload
• Continue developing your clinical skills while supporting colleagues' ongoing development
• Contribute positively to the clinical culture and teamwork of the practice

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and current RCVS registration (or eligible to register)
• Experience working in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases
• Good level of experience in emergency and critical care (ECC)
• Knowledge of referral work advantageous (e.g. rotating internship experience)
• Strong communication skills and ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues
• Proactive approach to learning, with openness to feedback and development
• Professionalism, reliability, and ability to work both independently and collaboratively

Benefits

• Salary up to £65,000 depending on experience
• 6.8 weeks' holiday per year, including bank holidays
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for professional development
• Funded learning and development, including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses
• 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 (subject to eligibility)
• 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 with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles

About the Practice

Scarsdale Vets is part of inspiring vet care, the UK's number one vet care provider, trusted with the care of over 2 million animals. The practice is committed to delivering healthier animals and happier owners through a collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community and continuous improvement.

The night team benefits from thoughtfully designed rotas that promote a healthy work-life balance, strong nursing support, and a diverse caseload that keeps shifts engaging while building advanced clinical skills. The practice offers comprehensive support for ongoing development and wellbeing, with mentorship, peer networks, and access to world-class learning resources.