Offer summary

Qualifications:

Experience as a farm veterinary surgeon is essential., Ability to handle farm emergencies independently is required., Strong interpersonal skills to build trusting relationships with clients are necessary., A problem-solving mindset and confidence to work autonomously are important..

Key responsabilities:

Provide out-of-hours emergency veterinary care for farm animals.

Attend to emergencies from home during on-call hours.

Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to ensure quality care.

Maintain a flexible schedule with a commitment to one weekend per month.

Job description

Discover a new challenge

Are you an experienced farm veterinary surgeon looking for a rewarding out-of-hours role with an exceptional work-life balance? We have a fantastic opportunity for a confident farm vet to join our dedicated OOH service on an 18-month fixed-term maternity cover contract. The ideal candidate will be comfortable handling farm emergencies independently, with the ability to build strong, trusting relationships with clients. A problem-solving mindset and the confidence to work autonomously-while still being part of a wider support network-are essential.

In return, we offer an excellent work-life balance, with extended downtime between shifts, allowing you to make the most of your free time. This is a great chance to be a vital part of our emergency response team while enjoying the flexibility and variety that comes with out-of-hours work.

Embrace a rewarding balance

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.

This role follows a one-week-on, three-weeks-off rota, providing the perfect blend of clinical experience and personal downtime. Working from 6pm to 8am, Monday to Sunday, you will be on call from the comfort of your own home, attending emergencies as needed. The workload varies throughout the year, with a busier spring period and quieter summer months, allowing you to make the most of your time off. A minimum commitment of one weekend per month is required, but we are open to discussing flexibility for the right candidate.

Why join us?

At Avondale, we are a well-established, large, semi-rural mixed practice covering small animal, equine, and farm work. Our roots date back to 1921, with a fascinating claim to fame-our founding partner was the first to diagnose and report a left displaced abomasum (LDA)! We have proudly carried the Avondale name since 2005 and, in 2009, moved into a purpose-built facility designed to support both small animal and equine care.

We are proud of our dynamic and multidisciplinary team, which includes two Clinical Directors, 19 vets, eight nursing staff, and ten dedicated support staff. As an equine-specialist-friendly practice, we foster a supportive and collaborative work ethic. We also love to have fun outside of work, taking part in local events such as the annual Strathaven Raft Race-some of us bravely getting wet while others cheer from the shore!

Located on the outskirts of the charming market town of Strathaven in South Lanarkshire, our practice benefits from a strong community spirit and an excellent local environment. Strathaven, a Royal Burgh since 1450, offers a blend of history and modern living, with attractions such as Strathaven Castle, the award-winning Strathaven Park, an airfield, and a golf club. With excellent schools and Glasgow just a 40-minute drive away, it's a fantastic place to live and work.

Because our people 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

6.8 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday

Wellbeing

Private Medical Insurance
Employee Assistance Programme: 24/7 confidential helpline
Enhanced family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing

Development

£1250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave 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

Colleague Benefits

Company pension scheme. IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well
Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
Voluntary benefits: we give you the flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you
Access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers
Discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice

Avondale Veterinary Group, Strathaven - Farm

Avondale House, Strathaven Rural Centre, Strathaven, United Kingdom

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Animals treated

Farm animals

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