Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed

Veterinary Surgeon - Mixed

Castle Veterinary Group | Castlewellan & Downpatrick, County Down

Full-Time or Part-time | Permanent

Salary £37,000 - £50,000 DOE (FTE)

Company Vehicle Provided

At inspiring vet care, our people are at the heart of everything we do. As the UK’s number one vet care provider, we're trusted with the care of over 2 million animals, delivering our purpose of healthier animals and happier owners.

Advance Your Career in a Thriving Mixed Practice

Are you an experienced Mixed Veterinary Surgeon looking for a role that offers true variety, clinical autonomy and the support of a close-knit team?

Castle Veterinary Group is entering an exciting period of growth, and we're looking for a confident and capable vet to join our established practices in Castlewellan and Downpatrick. This is an excellent opportunity to become part of a progressive mixed practice where you'll enjoy a diverse caseload, modern facilities and the freedom to develop your own clinical interests while making a genuine impact on the future of the practice.

Working across both sites, you'll see a rewarding mix of companion animal and farm animal work, supported by experienced colleagues who value collaboration, high clinical standards and excellent client relationships. If you're looking for a long-term home where your ideas are welcomed and your development is encouraged, we'd love to hear from you.

A Fantastic Location to Live and Work

Set in the heart of County Down, this role offers the opportunity to work in one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful regions. Surrounded by stunning countryside and located close to the spectacular Mourne Mountains and coastline, you'll enjoy easy access to outdoor activities, coastal walks and some of the most picturesque scenery in the UK.

For those seeking a balance between a rewarding veterinary career and an outstanding quality of life, Castlewellan and Downpatrick offer the best of both worlds.

A Diverse and Rewarding Mixed Role

This position provides an excellent balance of small animal and farm animal medicine, giving you the opportunity to enjoy genuine variety in your day-to-day work. You'll be involved in managing medical and surgical cases, providing preventative healthcare, carrying out routine and emergency procedures and building strong relationships with a loyal client base.

We are particularly interested in speaking with vets who enjoy taking ownership of cases, making confident clinical decisions and contributing to the continued development of the practice. Whether your interests lie in surgery, dentistry, diagnostic imaging, herd health or another area of mixed practice, you'll be supported in pursuing and developing your passions.

The role includes ambulatory farm work, with a company vehicle provided, allowing you to comfortably service clients throughout the local area.

Join a Team That Supports One Another

Castle Veterinary Group has built a strong reputation within the local community for providing exceptional patient care and trusted veterinary services. As our practice continues to grow, we're looking for colleagues who want to be part of our journey and help shape the next chapter of our success.

You'll be joining a welcoming and experienced team that genuinely enjoys working together. Our veterinary surgeons, nurses and reception teams take pride in delivering outstanding care and supporting one another through busy days and challenging cases. There is a strong team culture throughout the practice, with everyone working collaboratively towards the same goal of achieving the very best outcomes for patients and clients.

While this role offers a high degree of clinical freedom and independence, you'll never feel unsupported. Our Clinical Directors remain actively involved in practice life, providing regular guidance, mentorship and professional support whenever needed.

Modern Facilities Designed for Excellent Clinical Care

Castle Veterinary Group is equipped with the facilities and technology needed to support high-quality veterinary medicine. Across our practices, you'll have access to digital radiography, ultrasound, in-house laboratory and diagnostic equipment, inpatient facilities and dedicated large animal examination areas.

We are committed to investing in our practices so that our teams have the tools, equipment and resources needed to provide exceptional care while continuing to develop their clinical interests.

Who We're Looking For

We're seeking an RCVS Registered Veterinary Surgeon with previous mixed practice experience who is confident managing cases independently and comfortable participating in an on-call rota.

This opportunity is best suited to a vet who has already gained experience within mixed practice and is ready to take the next step in their career. Due to the level of autonomy required, particularly for out-of-hours responsibilities, this position is not suitable for new graduates.

The ideal candidate will be a strong communicator who enjoys building lasting client relationships, working collaboratively with colleagues and delivering a consistently high standard of veterinary care. Above all, we're looking for someone who is enthusiastic, proactive and committed to making a positive contribution to the practice and wider team.

Working Pattern

This is a full-time position of up to 40 hours per week, typically worked Monday to Friday between 8.30am and 5.30pm.

The role also includes participation in a shared on-call rota covering both weeknights and weekends. Time off in lieu is provided for out-of-hours commitments, helping to ensure a healthy and sustainable work-life balance.

Our Clinical Directors remain actively involved in the rota and continue to provide regular in-person support, ensuring vets always feel backed by an experienced leadership team.

How We’ll Support You

At inspiring vet care, we’re committed to supporting your ongoing development and wellbeing. When you join us, you’ll benefit from:

* Clear career pathways with progression opportunities across primary care, referral, leadership, and specialist roles

* Funded learning and development including CPD allowance and access to IVC academy training centres & role-relevant courses

* £1,250 annual Care Fund for every vet

* Access to mentors, regional clinical coaches, and peer networks

* Support to develop clinical interests and expand your capabilities

* A collaborative, values-led culture focused on care, community, and continuous improvement

What We Offer Our Team

* 7 weeks’ holiday including bank holidays

* Private medical insurance

* Enhanced family leave and pay across maternity, paternity, adoption and surrogacy

* BVA membership, VDS cover & RCVS fees

* Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes (eligibility applies)

* Retail discounts and cashback offers

* Reduced-cost veterinary care for your own pets

Ready for Your Next Challenge?

If you're an experienced Mixed Veterinary Surgeon looking for clinical variety, genuine career progression, modern facilities and the opportunity to live and work in one of Northern Ireland's most beautiful locations, we'd love to hear from you.

Join Castle Veterinary Group and become part of a supportive, ambitious team where you can develop your career while making a real difference to the animals, clients and communities we serve.