Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal

Spring Lodge Vets is thrilled to announce an inclusive opportunity for both an experienced or an up-and-coming veterinary surgeon to join our vibrant team on a permanent basis. Nestled within a dynamic multi-site group, including an accredited hospital, we're inviting passionate individuals to become an integral part of our community.
Whether you're an experienced Vet ready to lead with your advanced GP skills, or you're at the beginning of your veterinary career, eager to learn and grow, we have a place for you. Immerse yourself in the opportunity to either take charge at our standalone clinic, fully equipped with top-tier surgical facilities, or blend your time between hands-on practice at the branch and learning at our main hospital, the choice is yours with full support to guide your career path according to your aspirations.
Our six locations are home to a diverse and robust support network, including skilled Vets who have certificates in Surgery, Medicine, Cardiology, Ophthalmology and Advanced General Practice. Alongside an experienced team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, Veterinary Students, Veterinary Care Assistants, and dedicated front-of-house team members. Each person in our group plays a vital role in our practice's life and culture.

Our people are at the heart of everything that we do, that's why we know that work-life balance is vital in supporting our people to be their best selves. Our flexible approach to rota patterns and working hours offers a balance that truly flexes with you and your lifestyle no matter what stage you are in your career.
The working hours are 41 hours per week over 4 days. The hours are from 8/8:30am - 7pm Monday to Friday. There is a Saturday morning rota where we complete standard consults from 8am to 2pm on a 1:5 basis.
We also run an overlap service for emergencies only for our clients at our hospital, from 2pm-5pm on a Saturday and from 8am-5pm on a Sunday. This is based on a 1:9 rota. As we are a host practice for Vets Now, no on call or night work is required., We are ideally located with options to visit the beach for the day or to jet off somewhere more exotic, as we are close to both the coast and Stansted airport. Also, if you fancy a trip into London our local stations all have direct links to Liverpool Street within 40 mins.
Closer to home we have the cities of Chelmsford and Colchester on your doorstop, or if a quieter pace of life appeals a variety of rural villages with very good pubs!
Our practice has been accredited internally as the centre of excellence in our region. This accreditation recognises clinics that work to the highest standards, offering the client and their pets the very best in customer service and patient care.
We have excellent surgical and medical facilities with separate dog and cat wards and boast a comprehensive kit list, both surgical and medical, that you would expect from a hospital standard clinic.
We can offer an interesting and varied caseload, a generous salary, attractive holiday, and CPD package with encouragement and support given to undertake further qualifications. Additionally, health insurance and enhanced maternity pay over and above statutory rates are provided., Currently we have 14 Veterinary Surgeons, which include a mix of full and part time clinicians, 15 Registered Veterinary Nurses, 4 Student Nurses, 4 Veterinary Care Assistants and dedicated Veterinary Receptionists. Our team includes Vets who are already certificate holders, or are working towards their qualifications, in surgery, medicine, cardiology, ophthalmology and advanced general practice.
Some of the Nurses are also undertaking additional nursing qualifications including ECC and anaesthesia. We aim to work as sustainably as possible and are continuously striving to make improvements in this area. B
eing a host clinic for Vets Now, enables patient continuity and excellent patient support on-site. We are a close-knit team and have regular social events, not only larger group events but small team get togethers. We have qualified mental health first aiders and wellbeing champions.

Because our employees matter

We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from -

Work-life balance

• 6.6 weeks annual leave


• Your birthday as a paid day off


Wellbeing


• Private medical insurance


• Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay


• Cycle to Work scheme


• Initiatives focused on employee wellbeing


• Non-accidental injury support


Development


• £1250 CPD allowance with 5 days paid pro rata


• Certificate support


• Learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy


• Access to Vetlexicon - our online encyclopaedia provider


• All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding


• All our Vets get £1250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund


• Infection Prevention and Control Programme


• Quality Improvement Programme


Professional Memberships


• BVA membership


• VDS cover


• RCVS fees


Additional


• Pawsome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with 100's of retailers


• Pension - 5% Employee/3% Employer


• Discounted staff pet care