Are you a motivated farm vet eager for a dynamic and rewarding career? Look no further, An independent practice with over 100 years of service to the North Lancashire community, is looking for a passionate and dedicated farm vet to join their thriving large animal team.
What's On Offer:
- Diverse Caseload: Work with dairy, beef, sheep, camelids, and smallholders.
- Clinical Freedom: Enjoy autonomy in your practice, supported by a vibrant 7-vet team, including 3 certificate holders.
- Professional Development: Support ongoing training, CPD, and certificates to help you grow.
- Work-Life Balance: Benefit from a 1-in-4 OOH rota, with half a day in lieu after a weeknight shift and a full Monday off following a weekend on-call.
- Competitive Package: Salary ranging from £36,000 to £52,000 depending on experience, plus a company vehicle.
The senior Veterinary Surgeons provide excellent support during emergencies, ensuring you feel confident and backed by a team that truly cares.
Expected Duties of a Farm Veterinary Surgeon:
- Conduct routine health checks and vaccinations for dairy, beef, and sheep herds.
- Perform diagnostics and treatments for a variety of large animal conditions (e.g., lameness, mastitis, metabolic disorders).
- Provide emergency care during out-of-hours (OOH) shifts, including calving, lambing, and surgical interventions.
- Carry out reproductive work such as fertility testing, artificial insemination (AI), and pregnancy diagnosis.
- Advise farmers on herd health management, biosecurity, nutrition, and disease prevention strategies.
- Perform routine surgical procedures, including castrations, dehorning, and minor soft tissue surgeries.
- Manage herd health planning, working closely with farmers to improve productivity and welfare.
- Prescribe and administer medications, vaccines, and preventative treatments.
- Conduct farm visits to assess animal welfare and address any health concerns.
- Maintain accurate medical records and provide detailed reports for farm clients.
- Collaborate with colleagues on more complex cases or herd health projects.
- Stay up to date with advancements in farm animal medicine and participate in ongoing CPD (Continuing Professional Development).
- Support smallholders and provide care for camelids and other livestock as needed
To work as a veterinary surgeon in the UK, the following requirements must be met:
- Veterinary Degree: You must have a degree in veterinary medicine or surgery, typically a Bachelor of Veterinary Medicine (BVetMed), Bachelor of Veterinary Science (BVSc), or an equivalent qualification. The degree must be recognized by the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS).
- RCVS Registration: All practicing vets in the UK must be registered with the RCVS. This is mandatory, even for non-UK nationals or those who obtained their qualifications abroad. For overseas vets, a degree from an RCVS-approved institution is required, or you'll need to pass an examination to prove your competency.
- Work Visa (for non-UK citizens): If you’re from outside the UK or the EU, you will likely need a valid UK work visa. Many vets apply for a visa under the Skilled Worker Visa category, where veterinary surgeons are considered a shortage occupation.
- Good Command of English: A high level of proficiency in English is required, especially for overseas vets. Proof of English language skills (e.g., an IELTS or TOEFL score) may be required if your degree was not taught in English.
- Professional Indemnity Insurance: As a practicing vet, you will need professional indemnity insurance to cover potential legal claims related to your work.
- Practical Experience: Although not a legal requirement, gaining practical experience through internships, placements, or work experience with animals is highly beneficial. This can help you build essential clinical skills.
- Continual Professional Development (CPD): Vets in the UK are expected to engage in ongoing training and CPD to stay current with advances in veterinary science and practice.
- Driving License: A full UK driving license is often essential, particularly for farm or equine vets who need to travel between farms and stables.
- Soft Skills: Vets need strong communication skills, empathy, problem-solving abilities, and the capacity to work well under pressure, especially when dealing with clients and emergencies
If you're ready for your next veterinary adventure in the heart of Lancashire, apply today and become part of a practice that values your growth and well-being!
Contact | Stephanie.Hellier@gvcvets.com | 01392 793069