About the Role
You'll be joining one of three exciting positions across Village Vets' Hertfordshire branches, working a balanced 42-hour week across 4 days. This hybrid model gives you the intimacy and continuity of branch-based first opinion work alongside exposure to complex hospital cases at St Albans—perfect for vets who want variety and genuine professional development without burnout.
Weekend commitment is manageable: either 1 in 3 Saturdays or 1 full weekend out of 6, with time off in lieu. There are no out-of-hours night shifts required—the dedicated hospital night team handles emergency cover.
Depending on which branch you join, you'll either be part of a brand-new setup (Potters Bar reopening in June with full refurbishment and zero current vets—a rare chance to shape systems and culture) or slot into an established, supportive team (Berkhamsted, with exotics expertise already embedded). Both locations offer modern facilities, engaged client communities, and the chance to make a real mark.
Key Responsibilities
- Deliver first opinion small animal consultations at your assigned branch (3 days at Potters Bar, or 2 days at Berkhamsted)
- Perform routine surgery, diagnostics, and dental work within the branch setting
- Spend 1–2 days weekly at St Albans Hospital, working alongside specialists in dentistry, ophthalmology, surgery, and medicine to develop advanced clinical skills and emergency & critical care experience
- Build strong relationships with loyal, predominantly insured client bases who value continuity of care
- At Potters Bar specifically: help establish systems, influence practice culture, and grow the branch during its exciting post-refurbishment phase
- Collaborate with supportive nursing teams (2–4 RVNs per branch) and client care assistants
Requirements
- 2+ years UK clinical experience in first opinion practice
- Confident with routine small animal consultations, surgery, and diagnostics
- Genuine interest in building client relationships and enjoying the branch practice environment
- Keen to develop advanced skills including hospital medicine, ECC, and specialist procedures
- Collaborative, team-focused approach with supportive mindset
- Excitement about helping shape and grow a branch practice (particularly relevant for Potters Bar candidates)
Benefits
- Time Off: 5 weeks holiday plus bank holidays and Birthday Leave
- Professional Development: RCVS and VDS fees paid; external CPD fully funded; access to extensive free online Linnaeus CPD programme; career progression opportunities within the group
- Financial: Up to £60,000 per annum plus performance bonus scheme; relocation support available for direct candidates
- Pension & Protection: Employer contribution pension scheme; life assurance; enhanced sickness pay
- Family Support: Enhanced equal family leave
- Wellness & Lifestyle: Employee assistance programme; eyecare voucher scheme; free annual flu jab; e-car salary sacrifice scheme; cycle to work scheme; staff discount schemes
About the Practice
Village Vets is part of Linnaeus, a leading privately-owned veterinary partnership across the UK and Ireland, and is backed by Mars Veterinary Health—the world's largest family-owned veterinary company. With over 6,000 associates, Linnaeus is built on two core values: a commitment to excellence and a passion to create a better world for pets. The group carefully partners with respected primary care and referral practices, including small animal, farm, and equine specialists.
The three Hertfordshire branches—Potters Bar, Berkhamsted, and the St Albans Hospital hub—offer modern facilities including theatres, dental suites, digital X-ray, and dedicated kennels. Teams are collaborative and supportive, with a culture that values staff voice, professional development, and authentic working environments. St Albans Hospital serves as the clinical hub, staffed by experienced clinicians and certificate holders, with dedicated night cover ensuring no out-of-hours burden on branch vets.
