Equine Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You’ll be joining Isle Vets in the heart of Cambridgeshire, a friendly and supportive equine practice that genuinely values work-life balance. This full-time position works 40 hours over 4 days (Monday–Friday) with a manageable 1 night per week on-call rota and 1 in 4 weekend cover, giving you proper time to breathe.

The practice delivers exceptional care across a diverse and varied caseload. While predominantly equine-focused, you’ll also encounter smaller animal farm work (smallholders with alpacas and pigs through to large commercial beef operations) and even opportunities with zoo animals. One day you might perform dentistry on a camel; the next, you could be reducing a beak on a giant tortoise. Routine work includes general health checks, while surgical cases span broken limbs, caesareans, rig operations, and laser procedures. The practice has excellent access to equine referral facilities for specialist cases.

Ely itself is a charming city with stunning architecture, rich history, and easy access to nature (Wicken Fen nature reserve is a short drive away). Cambridge and London are both easily accessible, and major airports are close by—perfect if you value both countryside living and city connectivity.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality veterinary care to a diverse equine and farm animal caseload, predominantly ambulatory work
• Perform routine health checks, dental procedures, and surgical interventions (fractures, caesareans, rig operations, laser work)
• Collaborate with a talented team of 9 veterinary surgeons (including 2 certificate holders), 2 registered veterinary nurses, and 5 support staff
• Contribute to a culture of knowledge-sharing and professional development within the practice
• Participate in the practice’s community engagement, including client evenings and educational talks
• Cover scheduled out-of-hours and on-call duties as part of the rota
• Explore specialist interests, with mentoring available in reproduction/AI and embryo transfer from the practice’s Clinical Directors

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RVS registration)
• Valid driving licence (essential—almost all work is ambulatory)
• Passion for equine and farm animal medicine
• Willingness to work within a team-oriented, supportive environment
• Professional communication skills and genuine commitment to animal welfare

Benefits

• Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus relocation allowance up to £5,000
• Work-Life Balance: 40-hour weeks over 4 days (Monday–Friday); 6.6 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) plus additional holiday for your birthday; manageable 1 night per week on-call and 1 in 4 weekend rota
• Development: £1,250 annual CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave; certificate support; learning and development via IVC Evidensia Academy; access to Vetlexicon online encyclopaedia; research funding available for vets and nurses
• Wellbeing: Private medical insurance; 24/7 employee assistance programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental/surrogacy pay); colleague wellbeing initiatives
• Professional Memberships: BVA membership, VDS cover, and RCVS fees covered
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
• Additional Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme (subject to eligibility); voluntary benefits; access to retail discounts and cashback; discounted treatment for your own pets at any IVC Evidensia practice; Care Fund (£1,250 per annum per vet to spend as you choose); Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme

About the Practice

Isle Veterinary Group has been providing 24/7 veterinary care in Ely and its surrounding villages and fens for several years. The group operates two practices side-by-side on West Fen Road, Ely: one focused on equine and farm animals (led by David Scott), and one specialising in small animals (led by Rosanne Smith). Both partners are well-respected in their respective disciplines.

The practice operates from a modern, purpose-built facility on the outskirts of Ely, fully equipped with hospitalisation and surgical facilities for both equines and farm animals. The team continuously invests in new equipment and technologies to deliver the highest standard of care. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group within Mars Veterinary Health, providing access to professional development resources, academy training, and a wider network of specialist support.