Job Description
Veterinary Surgeon – Mixed Practice
Old Church Vets, Donegal
Full-time | Permanent
Salary up to €50,000 DOE
Start Your Career in a Practice That Truly Supports You
Looking for a role where you can build confidence, develop your skills, and feel genuinely supported from day one?
Old Church Vets is offering an exciting opportunity for a graduate or junior veterinary surgeon to join our well-established mixed practice team. With a strong emphasis on mentorship, collaboration, and hands-on learning, this is the ideal environment to grow into a confident and capable mixed practitioner.
A Role Designed for Learning & Progression
You’ll gain experience across a true mixed caseload, including: Small animal consultations and surgery, which make up the majority of day-to-day work, alongside farm work (primarily suckler/beef and sheep) and a small amount of equine.
From your very first day, you’ll be supported to develop practical skills, clinical reasoning, and independence at the right pace. Whether you’re assisting or leading, there will always be guidance available when you need it.
Strong Mentorship in a Collaborative Team
You’ll be joining a welcoming team of 8 vets, 5 RVNs, and a dedicated support team, all working in a genuinely collaborative environment.
We pride ourselves on being a place where questions are encouraged, support is always available, and learning never stops. This is a team that understands what early career vets need and actively creates the space for you to succeed.
Exposure to Excellent Facilities & Varied Caseload
Our main hospital in Donegal Town is a beautifully converted 19th-century church, fully equipped with modern veterinary facilities including a full IDEXX lab, ultrasound, digital X-ray, endoscopy, and orthopaedic capabilities.
With a varied caseload and strong in-house capabilities, you’ll have the chance to see cases through, build experience, and develop your clinical interests.
A Structured Rota with Real Support
We understand the importance of balance, particularly early in your career. You’ll work a structured rota with a supportive on-call system, ensuring you’re never left feeling out of your depth.
Out-of-hours is shared across the team, with guidance always available, helping you build confidence in emergency and farm work gradually.
Life in Donegal
Based in Donegal, you’ll have access to some of Ireland’s most stunning scenery — from rugged coastlines to vibrant local communities. It’s the perfect setting if you enjoy outdoor living, a slower pace, and a strong sense of community.
Who This Role Is Perfect For
This role is tailored specifically for new graduates or junior vets who:
*You must be VCI registered
*Have a genuine interest in mixed practice
*Are eager to learn and develop across species
*Enjoy working as part of a supportive, team-focused environment
A positive attitude, curiosity, and willingness to get involved are far more important than experience.
A Benefits Package That Supports You
Alongside a competitive salary, you’ll benefit from a package designed to support both your professional growth and personal wellbeing including:
Work Life Balance & Employee Wellbeing
*22 days Annual Leave & Birthday leave
*Paid Maternity, Paternity & Adoptive Leave Packages
*Cycle to Work Scheme
*Full access to EAP and Wellbeing Centre
*Paid Bereavement Leave & Company Sick Pay
Development
*€1300 annual CPD allowance with 5 days paid CPD days pro rata
*Funding of any Certificates / Diplomas / PhD’s you may want to pursue
*Career Progression Opportunities, both clinical and non-clinical
Professional Memberships
*VCI membership paid
*VDS cover paid
Additional Benefits
*Annual Pay Reviews
*Dedicated CARE fund – annual contribution of €1,100 from IVC Evidensia for each Vet to use on a case of your choice to ensure successful outcome with your patient (T&C’s apply)
*Pawesome Benefits - reward gateway giving discounts and cashback with hundreds of retailers
*Employer Pension Contributions
*Free Flu Inoculations
*Discounted Veterinary Fees
*Opportunity to join company programmes (LGBTQ+, Wellbeing Champions, Nurses Committee, Clinical Board and many more)
Build Your Career with Confidence
At Old Church Vets, you won’t just be “another junior” — you’ll be part of a team invested in your future.
If you're looking for your first role (or next step) in a mixed practice where you can learn, grow, and feel supported every step of the way, we’d love to hear from you. 🐾