Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a full-time permanent position at a single-site small animal practice in Burnley, where you’ll balance consultation days with dedicated surgery sessions. You’ll have the opportunity to work up your own cases and develop your skills—there’s some sole charge work, but it’s minimal and you’ll always have support around you. Most vets work four days per week (three consult days plus one guaranteed ops day), with flexible scheduling available between 8am and 7:30pm. You’ll enjoy a 1:4 weekend rota with time off in the week in lieu, plus no out-of-hours emergency cover—your nursing team handles inpatient care overnight, with vets on a relaxed 1:6–7 rota if clinical questions arise.

Burnley is a welcoming place to live and work with excellent transport links to Manchester and Liverpool, or easy access to the Lake District and Peak District for a weekend escape. The practice is currently undergoing extensive refurbishment, investing in consult rooms, prep areas, waiting facilities, and staff amenities—completion expected soon.

If you’re looking for genuine flexibility—whether full-time, part-time, or a custom arrangement—Oakmount is keen to discuss what works for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct veterinary consultations and surgical procedures across three theatres (orthopaedic and soft tissue specialist areas)
• Build case continuity with clients, focusing on preventative health care and long-term patient relationships
• Contribute to the 1:4 weekend rota as part of the team schedule
• Participate in the 1:6–7 inpatient rota (telephone advice to nursing team overnight)
• Develop specialist interests—feline medicine knowledge enhancement is particularly encouraged
• Support SVN training as part of an established training practice
• Engage with quality improvement and infection prevention programmes

Requirements

• Registered Veterinary Surgeon (RCVS qualified)
• Full-time or flexible hours available
• Ability to work some sole charge (minimal at this practice)
• Interest in small animal medicine and surgery

Benefits

• Salary & Sign-On: Up to £65,000 depending on experience, plus up to £5,000 welcome bonus
• Annual Leave: 6.6 weeks including bank holidays, plus additional holiday for your birthday
• Professional Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave (pro rata), certificate support, access to IVC Evidensia Academy and Vetlexicon online resource
• Memberships & Insurance: BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS, and private medical insurance
• Wellbeing Support: Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline), enhanced family-friendly policies including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay, wellbeing-focused initiatives
• Pension: Company pension scheme with employer contribution via IVC Evidensia
• Care Fund: £1,250 per annum to spend on your own development and priorities
• Research Funding: All vets can apply for research funding opportunities
• Colleague Perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Cars Scheme, voluntary benefits, discounts with hundreds of retailers, discounted pet treatment at IVC Evidensia practices

About the Practice

Oakmount Veterinary Centre is Burnley’s original veterinary practice, established in the spirit of James Herriot as an all-creature practice. It evolved from farm and companion animal care to focus exclusively on small animal and exotic bird medicine after 1998. The practice relocated to larger premises on Trafalgar Street in 2001 and has grown into a larger facility with modern amenities including two operating theatres, digital x-ray (vertical and horizontal beam), dental x-ray, ultrasound, in-house blood analysers, and fully accessible reception areas.

The team comprises 7 vets (including a clinical director), a practice director, 10 RVNs, 3 SVNs, 2 VCAs, and 6 support staff. The practice is an SVN training establishment and boasts three certificate holders in surgery, ophthalmology, and exotic animal medicine and surgery. Oakmount is part of IVC Evidensia.