Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your chance to begin veterinary practice in a genuinely supportive setting where you’ll be mentored every step of the way. Based in Sleaford—a charming market town with low cost of living, surrounded by countryside yet close to Lincoln (20 minutes), Grantham (20 minutes), and even London rail access—you’ll work 42 hours per week across four 10.5-hour shifts. The schedule sits comfortably between the practice’s 07:30–19:00 weekday hours and 08:00–14:00 Saturday opening, with Saturday cover rotating approximately 1 in 5 only once you’re ready and confident.

You’ll join a thriving small animal practice with 9 vets, 8 nurses, two student nurses, and a VCA. The team actively encourages professional development; your Clinical Director holds cardiology and advanced surgery certificates, while another vet specialises in ophthalmology. Weekly practice meetings, dedicated vet-only sessions, and structured breaks built into each day ensure you’re supported and heard.

There’s zero pressure toward sole charge work until you’re completely comfortable, and backup is always available. The practice sees a varied caseload with a healthy surgical-to-consultation balance, and facilities include four consulting rooms, two theatres, dental X-ray, and a dedicated nurse consulting room.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide clinical care for small animal patients under mentorship, progressing at your own pace
• Participate in consultations and surgical procedures with guidance from experienced colleagues
• Engage in weekly practice meetings and contribute to shared best practice discussions
• Work collaboratively with the nursing team on patient care and discharge planning
• Take advantage of built-in CPD time and structured learning opportunities
• Cover occasional holiday and sickness absence at the Grantham branch as you develop confidence

Requirements

• Recently qualified veterinary surgeon (or within the Graduate Academy eligibility window)
• RCVS registration and professional indemnity insurance
• Willingness to learn and engage with a supportive mentorship model
• No prior experience required—graduates are actively supported to work at their own pace

Benefits

• Salary & progression: £36,000 per annum (full-time equivalent), with salary increase in year 2
• Time off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Wellbeing support: £1,250 per year via the IVC Evidensia Care Fund, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional development: Blended learning programme tailored to your goals, access to CPD and research opportunities including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund, paid professional memberships (RCVS and others)
• Financial security: Company pension with IVC contribution, private medical insurance, no financial tie-in
• Lifestyle perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, retail discounts and cashback, discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Mentorship: Dedicated mentor assigned to guide your progression
• Community: Access to IVC Evidensia’s global network of veterinary professionals and career opportunities across the group

About the Practice

Kirks Vets, Sleaford is an established small animal practice serving the local community. The practice is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading veterinary group, and benefits from the group’s resources and support while maintaining its close-knit, locally focused team culture. The practice actively embraces the IVC Evidensia Graduate Academy programme and has successfully retained previous graduate cohorts, with vets progressing into leadership and specialist roles.

The team is committed to high-quality care, ongoing professional development, and creating a workplace where both staff and patients thrive. The practice’s facilities and diverse caseload provide excellent learning opportunities for graduates entering the profession.