About the Role
This is an exciting opportunity to join an established equine practice in the Scottish Highlands, combining ambulatory and clinic-based work across a varied and rewarding caseload. You'll work a full-time position (up to 40 hours per week) with a shared 1:5 out-of-hours rota, giving you genuine time to enjoy life in this exceptional location. Based close to Inverness with excellent transport links and international airport access, the practice sits at the gateway to mountains, coastline and breathtaking landscapes.
You'll work alongside a supportive, forward-thinking team committed to clinical excellence and continuous improvement. Whether you're seeking a leadership opportunity or looking to develop your clinical skills further, the practice is happy to shape the role around the right candidate. Flexible working arrangements and part-time options are open to discussion.
Key Responsibilities
- Manage a varied caseload across ambulatory and in-clinic cases
- Perform lameness work-ups, pre-purchase examinations, routine minor surgical procedures and castrations
- Support and mentor colleagues within the equine team
- Contribute to clinical excellence and continuous improvement initiatives
- Work collaboratively with the team on shared on-call duties (1:5 rota)
Requirements
- Qualified Veterinary Surgeon with equine experience
- Confident in lameness work-ups and pre-purchase examinations
- Competent in routine minor surgical procedures and castrations
- Interest in supporting and developing colleagues
- Flexibility and openness to tailoring working patterns to suit your lifestyle
Benefits
- Salary: Up to £65,000 depending on experience
- Leave: 6.8 weeks annual leave (inclusive of bank holidays) plus additional birthday holiday entitlement
- Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata); access to IVC Evidensia Academy; certificate support; research funding opportunities; Vetlexicon access
- Professional Memberships: BVA membership, RCVS fees, and BEVA membership fully funded; VDS cover included
- Relocation Support: Available for the right candidate
- Work Vehicle: Work-use vehicle provided
- Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance; 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme; enhanced family-friendly policies (maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay); colleague wellbeing initiatives
- Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution
- Additional Benefits: Cycle to Work scheme; Green Cars Scheme; voluntary benefits package; discounts/cashback with hundreds of retailers; discounted treatment for own pets at IVC Evidensia practices; Care Fund (£1,250 per annum to spend on wellbeing/development)
- Quality Initiatives: Infection Prevention and Control Programme; Quality Improvement Programme
About the Practice
Kessock Equine Vets is an established, dedicated equine-only practice operating under IVC Evidensia (part of Mars Veterinary Health). The practice combines ambulatory services with excellent clinic facilities, allowing comprehensive in-house case management. The team is committed to clinical excellence, continuous improvement, and creating a supportive, collaborative workplace culture built on shared learning and genuine passion for equine care.
The practice is well equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technology including digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, gastroscopy, shockwave therapy, and motorised dental equipment. Facilities include inpatient stabling, stocks, a large treatment area with knockdown and recovery facilities, dedicated trot-up and arena spaces, and regular clinic days with visiting specialists. The location near Inverness provides access to skiing, mountain biking, climbing, sailing, and wild swimming—offering an exceptional balance of professional fulfilment and personal wellbeing in the Scottish Highlands.
