Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This 12-month maternity cover Veterinary Surgeon role is based with Overdale Veterinary Practice in Buxton and is focused on small animal work. The average working pattern is 40 hours per week across four days, with 1:6 Friday evenings from 17:30 to 19:00 and 1:6 Saturdays from 08:00 to 16:00.

You’ll be joining a practice that values collaborative clinical work, with the opportunity to continue building your confidence in routine medical and surgical cases while contributing to a supportive clinical culture. The role is suited to a vet who enjoys working as part of a team and wants to deliver high-quality care for both patients and clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Work alongside the wider practice team to provide patient and client care.
• Manage a varied small animal caseload.
• Continue developing clinical skills and interests within day-to-day practice.
• Share knowledge and experience with colleagues.
• Contribute positively to the practice’s clinical culture.
• Support the ongoing development of those around you.

Requirements

• Veterinary degree and registration, or eligibility to register, with the RCVS.
• Experience in clinical practice with growing confidence in routine medical and surgical cases.
• Strong communication skills.
• Ability to build effective relationships with clients and colleagues.
• Proactive approach to learning and openness to feedback.
• Professionalism, reliability, and the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
• Commitment to high-quality patient and client care.

Benefits

• Up to £55,000 salary, depending on experience.
• 12-month fixed term maternity cover contract.
• Average 40 hours per week across a four-day week.
• 1:6 Friday evenings, 17:30 to 19:00.
• 1:6 Saturdays, 08:00 to 16:00.
• £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet.
• CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres and role-relevant courses.
• Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership and specialist roles.
• Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches and peer networks.
• 6.6 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays.
• Private medical insurance.
• Enhanced family leave and pay for maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy.
• BVA membership, VDS cover and RCVS fees.
• Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, subject to eligibility.
• Retail discounts and cashback offers.
• Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets.

About the Practice

Overdale Veterinary Centre is based in Buxton, in the Peak District. The practice describes itself as having a classical feel and provides clinical care across the board for clients in the area. Facilities include three small animal consulting rooms, one operating theatre, an imaging suite with digital x-ray, ultrasound and endoscopy, a prep area with dental facilities, an in-house laboratory, and separate cat and dog kennels.

The team includes 4 full-time and 2 part-time vets, with experience ranging from 1 year to 18 years. The practice also has small animal medicine certificate holders, one further certificate in progress, a nurse training practice, 3 full-time and 4 part-time qualified nurses, several ECC certificate holders, and a dedicated reception team. The practice is part of inspiring vet care.