Job Information
Linnaeus Veterinary Surgeon in Epping, United Kingdom
Job Title: Veterinary Surgeon
Location: Woodford & Epping, Essex
Hours: Full-time (5 x 8-hour days or 3 long days + 1 short day)
Practice: Forest Vets
Salary: £45,000 – £65,000 DOE
Not every “first opinion” role gives you access to CT, MRI, endoscopy, and a full hospital team... this one does.
We’re looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join Forest Vets in a unique split role between our Woodford branch and Epping 24-hour hospital. This is an opportunity to combine the autonomy and continuity of branch work with the clinical depth and support of a hospital setting all without sacrificing your work-life balance.
Why join us?
No out-of-hours (fully covered by our dedicated night team)
50/50 consult and surgery split
Access to advanced diagnostics – CT, MRI, endoscopy, laparoscopy
Work alongside certificate holders across multiple disciplines
Clear and supported pathway to certificates
1 in 11 weekends with TOIL – genuinely sustainable rota
Varied caseload – from routine first opinion to more complex hospital cases
Strong clinical support – never working in isolation despite sole charge elements
The Practice & Team
Forest Vets offers something that many practices can’t, scale, support, and clinical opportunity, all within a genuinely collaborative environment.
Your time will be split between Woodford and Epping, giving you the best of both worlds.
Woodford is a busy, well-equipped branch where you’ll build client relationships and manage cases with continuity. It’s ideal for consults and routine surgery, with digital x-ray, ultrasound, dental x-ray, and in-house lab facilities. There is some sole charge, but it’s backed by a highly connected and supportive wider team.
Epping is our 24-hour hospital and a key part of what makes this role stand out. Here, you’ll have access to CT, MRI, endoscopy, bronchoscopy, laparoscopy, and a dedicated dental suite, allowing you to work cases up to a far higher level than typical first opinion practice. You’ll also benefit from the support of multiple RVNs on shift and a structured hospital environment.
We also offer radioactive iodine treatment at our refurbished Harlow site, further expanding the clinical exposure available.
Across the wider group, you’ll be part of a 17-vet team, supported by 14 day vets and 3 night vets, including certificate holders in ophthalmology, dermatology, internal medicine, cardiology, diagnostic imaging, and surgery. This creates a genuinely rich clinical environment where case discussion, collaboration, and development are part of everyday practice.
We prioritise continuous learning through regular clinical meetings and an in-house journal club, and we are genuinely supportive of vets pursuing certificates and developing their own clinical interests.
On top of all this, the practice is located in one of the most attractive corners of Essex and London, where leafy green space meets excellent transport and vibrant local life. You’re right on the edge of Epping Forest, a 2,400‑hectare ancient woodland stretching for miles of walking, cycling, horse riding, boating and wildlife trails, perfect for decompressing after work or exploring at the weekend.
What we’re looking for
RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with at least 3 years UK small animal experience
Confident managing a mix of consults and routine surgery
Comfortable with some sole charge
Keen to take advantage of hospital-level facilities and support
Interested in developing clinically, including certificate study
A team player who values collaboration and shared learning
Benefits
5 weeks holiday + bank holidays + Birthday Leave
RCVS & VDS fees paid
CPD allowance and 4 days each year to attend events plus Linnaeus CPD Programme (including certificate holder level CPD)
Extensive free online Linnaeus CPD program
Career progression opportunities
Staff discount schemes
Life Assurance
Enhanced sickness pay
Enhanced equal family leave
E-car salary sacrifice scheme
Recruitment referral reward scheme
Wellness program including:
Employee assistance program
Eyecare voucher scheme
Free annual Flu jab
Cycle to work scheme
About Us
Forest Vets is part of Linnaeus and Mars Veterinary Health, the largest family-owned veterinary company in the world. Being privately owned, we can truly be driven by our purpose, to create a better world, and think long-term as opposed to being focused solely on short-term profits.
At Linnaeus, A BETTER WORLD FOR PETS starts with a better world for our people. Our Associates are over 6000 strong and empowered to speak up, step up and deliver quality services. You’ll have access to a huge network of specialists, worldwide development opportunities and an easily accessible, comprehensive wellbeing package that prioritizes your physical and mental health, allowing you to focus on what you do best – care for pets.
We are committed to fostering a culture that is inclusive and diverse, we care about you and want you to be authentic, with everything you need to perform at your best. We are all individual but two important things bring us together: a commitment to excellence and our passion to achieve our purpose.
If you would like to apply for the role or for an informal chat to discuss it further, please get in touch with Joanne in the recruitment team joanne.gray@linnaeusgroup.co.uk
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