Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

You’ll be joining Taverham Veterinary Practice as part of IVC Evidensia’s Graduate Academy – a structured two-year programme designed specifically to ease you into veterinary practice with confidence and support. This is a full-time position with 40 hours per week on average, including variable shift times and weekend hours, but crucially, there’s no on-call requirement, so your evenings and nights are genuinely yours.

Taverham is perfectly positioned halfway between Norwich’s vibrant city centre and the stunning North Norfolk coast – think easy access to rivers, lakes, and some of England’s most beautiful coastlines. Transport links mean Cambridge, London, and major northern cities are all within straightforward reach, making this an ideal location for a fresh graduate seeking both career development and lifestyle balance.

Your day-to-day experience will span consulting, inpatient care, surgery, procedures, and twilight shifts. You’ll have dedicated shadowing and training days with certificate holders in Internal Medicine, Surgery, Diagnostic Imaging, Cardiology, Ophthalmology, Dermatology, Dentistry, and Emergency & Critical Care – real specialists who’ll invest in teaching you. You’ll even participate in a charity surgery day every eight weeks, building your skills while giving back.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver first-opinion small animal veterinary care under supervision, building competence across the full range of general practice
• Contribute to consulting, inpatient management, and surgical procedures alongside an experienced team of 33 vets
• Participate in structured training rotations with certificate holders in multiple specialisms
• Support the practice’s commitment to StreetVet and other local charitable initiatives
• Engage with the practice’s vibrant social calendar and inclusive team culture

Requirements

• Newly qualified veterinary surgeon (or within your first few years of graduation)
• RCVS registration (or eligible to register)
• Enthusiasm to learn and grow within a supportive environment
• Willingness to work variable shift patterns including weekends and twilight hours
• Professional approach to patient care and team collaboration

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £36,000 per annum with a guaranteed increase in year 2
• Time off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Pension & insurance: Company pension with employer contribution, plus private medical insurance
• Professional support: £1,250 annual Care Fund, paid RCVS and professional memberships
• Development: Blended learning programme, mentorship from a dedicated GDP Advisor, monthly reviews, and access to CPD and research opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Research Fund
• Wellbeing: 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme and pastoral mentor support
• Schemes & perks: Cycle to Work scheme, Green Car scheme, retail discounts, cashback, and discounted pet care at IVC practices
• Support network: Second-year “buddy” and access to a global community of veterinary professionals across IVC’s network
• No tie-in: No financial tie-in contract

About the Practice

Taverham Veterinary Practice is a large, ambitious small-animal hospital with genuine depth of expertise. The team includes 33 vets, 37 RVNs, 4 SVNs, 9 ANAs, and 43 support staff members – a substantial group committed to high standards and continuous learning. The practice is RCVS-accredited, holds multiple Practice Standards Scheme awards, and has invested in exceptional facilities: in-house laboratory, ultrasound, digital and dental X-ray, endoscopy, laparoscopy, and a brand-new CT scanner.

As part of IVC Evidensia (part of Mars Veterinary Health), the practice benefits from group resources and career pathways while maintaining its own identity and strong local roots. The team actively supports StreetVet and other community charities, and fosters a genuinely inclusive culture with regular social events, professional development opportunities, and genuine pastoral care for staff wellbeing.