Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is an exciting opportunity for an experienced small animal veterinary surgeon to join a dynamic, well-equipped 13-year-old practice in Basildon. You’ll be working in a genuinely supportive, clinically driven environment that combines the resources and caseload complexity of a referral practice with the collaborative, friendly culture of a first-opinion clinic. The practice is exceptionally well-resourced with advanced surgical and diagnostic equipment, and actively encourages postgraduate learning and professional development.

The working pattern is designed around work-life balance: you’ll work a four-day week with a 1:4–1:5 weekend rota covering Saturdays and Sundays. Importantly, there is no out-of-hours requirement, allowing you to switch off outside contracted hours. The Basildon location offers excellent transport links and direct train access into London, making commuting straightforward.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver high-quality small animal surgical and medical care across a varied, interesting caseload
• Perform advanced surgical procedures including orthopaedic work (fracture repairs, TPLO, angular limb deformity corrections), soft tissue and oncological surgeries (thoracic, abdominal, upper respiratory, BOAS, complex wound reconstruction)
• Utilise the practice’s specialist surgical equipment: bipolar and monopolar diathermy, harmonic scalpel, laparoscopic suite (including minimally invasive spays and biopsies)
• Conduct endoscopic procedures: rhinoscopy, video-otoscopy, cystoscopy, gastroduodenoscopy, colonoscopy
• Support diagnostic imaging work using dental radiography, high-end cart-based ultrasound (abdominal, thoracic, cardiac, superficial MSK), with easy access to CT and MRI at a nearby affiliated practice
• Engage in case discussions, collaborative learning, and mentoring within an experienced clinical team
• Contribute to a practice culture that prioritises patient welfare, client communication, and team support

Requirements

• Veterinary surgeon with 3–5 years of small animal clinical experience
• Strong surgical interest and enthusiasm for advancing surgical skills (essential), or demonstrated passion for ophthalmology, exotics, or cardiology (equally valuable)
• Alternatively, solid all-round GP skills with genuine enthusiasm for varied caseload and continuous learning
• RCVS registration (current and in good standing)
• Supportive team player who values case discussion, shared learning, and patient-centred decision-making
• Ability to thrive in a clinically driven, evidence-based environment

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £50,000–£60,000 depending on experience
• RCVS registration and professional memberships: VDS cover and BVA membership included
• Private medical insurance
• Group retail discounts
• Structured postgraduate support: the practice actively sponsors and encourages vets pursuing PgCert and Master’s qualifications in clinical specialisms
• Work-life balance: four-day working week with no out-of-hours commitment
• Weekend rota: 1:4–1:5 shared rota (Saturdays and Sundays only)
• Excellent location: direct train links to London and strong local transport connections

About the Practice

Vets4Pets Basildon Pipps Hill is an established, thriving small animal practice with a reputation for clinical excellence and team development. The practice is home to vets holding specialist qualifications—including PgCert in Small Animal Surgery, a colleague completing a certificate in Internal Medicine, and another with a Master’s degree in ECC and Anaesthesia—creating a culture of continuous learning and mentorship.

The practice is exceptionally well-equipped for advanced surgical and medical work. The surgical suite includes laparoscopic capability for minimally invasive procedures, and the endoscopy suite supports rhinoscopy, otoscopy, cystoscopy, and gastroduodenoscopy. Diagnostic imaging includes dental radiography and a premium ultrasound machine with comprehensive abdominal, thoracic, cardiac, and musculoskeletal imaging capability, plus convenient access to CT and MRI at a nearby associated practice. This level of resourcing enables the team to provide referral-standard care while maintaining a first-opinion service.