Veterinary Surgeon (1715)

Would you like to try a different aspect of veterinary work, away from a public facing role?  The majority of our work is working with RSPCA Inspectors, Animal Centre staff and other charities before animals are adopted out.

At our flagship site, Newbrook Animal Hospital and Animal Centre (Birmingham) we have an opening for a veterinary surgeon to join us on a fixed term basis (to cover maternity leave), working between 3 to 5 days (21 to 35 hours per week).  The week consists of working seven hour shifts; 8:00 hrs to 15:30 hrs for day shifts and 14:00 hrs to 21:00 hrs for evening (with on-call shifts for inpatients).  1:7 weekends with the following Monday and Tuesday off. 

This allows vets to still have a balanced lifestyle which is missing in so many jobs today.  Vets that work here actually still have hobbies and a life outside of work.

Veterinary surgeons work directly with those animals most in need, victims of cruelty and neglect providing essential veterinary care and advice in our region.

We offer a theatre service for the region for RSPCA animals at other centres and partner charities.  We also provide outreach support to companion animals kept in private boarding before they come into RSPCA animal centres.  

If you have any questions and want to get an honest feel for the work that we do carry on reading but you can also ask Chloe, one of our more recent vets that has joined the team who will answer any questions.  If you would prefer to talk to one of our longer stay vets then she can arrange that too!

• We work to a high welfare and clinical standard and know that we are working for the benefit of our animal patients first and foremost. 
• When consulting you will be examining animals that are victims of cruelty and neglect from Inspectors and animals on the road to recovering from animal centres.
• You will be performing routine operations such as neutering, dentals, amputations, cardiac ultrasounds and imaging, eye enucleations.  
• There is a dedicated role for report writing, reporting lab results, answering emails queries on clinical cases.
• The Hospital takes surgical referrals from a wide geographical area from RSPCA branches and Animal Centres.
• We have experienced vets who can train, mentor and support you.  We all work together to support each other with growth, learning and development as a veterinary surgeon team.
• Vets support RSPCA Inspectors with cruelty cases.  This is a very rewarding part of the job where you will make a huge difference to animals' lives that are in real need of help.  This requires report writing, full training and support is given in this type of work. 
• Some travel is involved to our regional centres in supporting the veterinary care at these sites and for case work with the Inspectors.
• You will also be working closely with many teams within the RSPCA providing pragmatic guidance on rehoming decisions of RSPCA animals whilst working to shelter medicine principles (for example icatcare / ISFM principles).
• Engaging with projects such as trap, neuter and release of feral cats with partner charities.

We are located in a charming rural setting amongst 70 acres of countryside, has excellent motorway access and is 20 minutes drive from central Birmingham. It consists of a friendly and enthusiastic team of ten Veterinary Surgeons, twenty-two RVNs and nine Support Staff. The team are extremely passionate about personal development, and always striving to ensure a thriving and supportive environment.  For example we have 15 minute morning clinical vet rounds everyday Monday to Friday for any cases the vets would like to discuss and a weekly 10 minute morning Hospital meeting for general updates. We have a number of separate cat and dog wards and a wide range of equipment.

If you would like an informal chat with Chloe, or another of the vet team please email: vetsnewbrook@rspca.org.uk  and in the subject area put ‘chat with Chloe' or if you prefer ‘chat with one of the vet team'.

• We think this is a great role and below are some of the things we are looking for, so if some of these things ring true to you then get in touch - you don't need to tick every box!

  • MRCVS registered
  • Someone who really enjoys working as part of a team. 
  • Some previous clinical experience
  • An individual who enjoys routine surgery and dentistry
  • A person who is happy to make pragmatic decisions
  • Someone who is happy and able to undertake off site visits (driving licence required)
  • An ability to organise and prioritise workload
  • An interest in starting to work in the shelter medicine charity sector 
  • A pragmatic welfare-oriented approach
  • The ability to explain clinical and welfare decisions in a clear and compassionate way to a variety of non-clinical staff, including the Animal Centre team and Inspectorate

  So, if you want to get genuine job satisfaction from helping the animals most in need by supporting Inspectors and seeing the animal's journey through rehabilitation to rehoming - come and join us

  Successful candidates for certain RSPCA roles will need to undergo a Disclosure and Barring Service (DBS) check.

  Applicants must have the legal right to work in the UK - We are unable to sponsor visas at RSPCA

We are proud to offer an extensive benefits package. To give you a idea of what is on offer, here are some of the excellent benefits available: 

• The RSPCA offers 5 days CPD + £1000 CPD allowance (pro rata).  There is also additional financial support for certificates and masters courses in relevant subject areas for those who want to pursue this.
• VDS and MRCVS registration fees paid annually