Veterinary Surgeon

Veterinary Surgeon (First Opinion – Maternity Cover)

2+ years' experience preferred
 Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, Castle Donington
 Full-time | Competitive salary + benefits | CVS Group
 Part‑time considered
 Potential for permanent role following maternity cover

Are you an experienced Veterinary Surgeon seeking a hospital‑based first opinion role with excellent clinical support, advanced diagnostics, and a sustainable rota?

At Dovecote Veterinary Hospital, we are looking for a confident First Opinion Veterinary Surgeon) to join us on a maternity cover basis, with a possibility of a permanent position as our First Opinion service continues to expand.

This role is ideal for vets who enjoy clinical independence but value ready access to specialist input, advanced imaging, and collaborative case management.

Why Dovecote?

Dovecote is a large RCVS‑accredited veterinary hospital based in Castle Donington, just 10 minutes from East Midlands Airport and within easy reach of Derby, Leicester, and Nottingham. The Peak District is close by, offering fantastic opportunities for outdoor activities, while nearby cities provide a rich mix of cultural, social, and shopping experiences.

Our hospital environment offers:

• A well‑established First Opinion service with a varied, interesting, and often complex caseload
• A highly respected referral team, including flagship neurology and neurosurgery service orthopaedics, internal medicine, oncology ,soft tissue surgery, ophthalmology, dermatology
• CT and MRI on site, allowing streamlined diagnostics and excellent continuity of care
• we enjoy a close working relationships with our supportive referral surgeons
• A dedicated MiNight OOH team, meaning no night duties
• A large, experienced team of Registered Veterinary Nurses, many with certificates and experienced support staff, providing excellent clinical support throughout the day

This is a genuinely collaborative hospital where First Opinion clinicians are valued and well supported.

The Role & Rota

• Full‑time role (part‑time considered) 40h a week
• Designed for experienced vets with confidence in first opinion practice
• Balanced rota with a strong focus on work‑life balance
• 1 in 4 Saturdays, 4‑hour shift only
• No night work, fully covered by our in‑house OOH team

What We Offer

• Competitive salary, commensurate with experience
• A hospital role offering clinical autonomy with immediate referral back‑up
• Generous CPD allowance, including support towards certificates
• Supportive, proactive and visible clinical leadership
• Opportunity to help shape and influence a growing First Opinion service
• Potential for a permanent position following the maternity cover

CVS Group benefits include:

• Enhanced Maternity / Adoption / Paternity pay
• Company Share Save scheme
• Staff discounts across CVS practices
• Health Shield cash plan
• Access to the Employee Assistance Programme

Could this be your next step?

If you are a 2+ years qualified Veterinary Surgeon looking for a genuinely supportive hospital environment, advanced diagnostics, and a more sustainable way of working — with the option of a longer‑term future — we would love to hear from you.