At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team to provide outstanding care for small animals.
- Company: Aireworth Vets, a friendly and collaborative veterinary practice.
- Benefits: Generous holiday, competitive salary, CPD funding, and health cash plan.
- Other info: Enjoy a balanced rota with time for life outside work and plenty of social events.
- Why this job: Be part of a family-like team that values collaboration and professional growth.
- Qualifications: RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon with experience in consultations and surgeries.
The predicted salary is between 56475 - 69025 £ per year.
A practice where you'll always have someone in your corner. Finding the right practice isn't just about the facilities or the caseload. It's about the people you work alongside every day. At Aireworth Vets, we've built a culture where collaboration comes naturally. Whether you're discussing a challenging medical case, asking for a second opinion before surgery or simply sharing ideas over a coffee, there's always someone happy to help. It's one of the reasons people enjoy working here.
In fact, once people visit the practice and meet the team, Aireworth tends to sell itself. "Aireworth Vets is a fantastic place to work. The team genuinely feels like a family, with everyone supporting one another through busy days and celebrating successes together. The workload can be fast-paced, but there's a real sense of teamwork, with everyone pulling together to make sure our patients receive the best care possible. We’re always striving to deliver the highest standard of veterinary care and are constantly looking for new ways to improve, innovate, and stay forward-thinking in everything we do. There are also plenty of social events throughout the year, helping us build strong relationships outside of work, and it's always a bonus when food is provided!" Matty Dixon, Senior Veterinary Surgeon.
For more than 100 years, we've been caring for pets and their owners across Keighley and the surrounding communities. Today, we are a thriving, RCVS-accredited practice with modern facilities, an experienced team and a commitment to continually investing in our people, our services and the care we provide. Since joining VetPartners in 2019, we've also benefited from the support of a wider veterinary community, giving our team access to additional learning, development and career opportunities while retaining the friendly, collaborative culture that makes Aireworth such a great place to work.
The role: We're looking for an experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly, supportive team. This role would suit an RCVS-registered Veterinary Surgeon who has completed their VetGDP and is confident managing routine consultations and everyday surgical procedures independently. You’ll be based primarily at our Keighley practice, with some time spent at our nearby sister practice, Avenue Vets, giving you a varied working week and the opportunity to build relationships with clients across both sites. More than anything, we're looking for someone who enjoys working as part of a collaborative team, is committed to providing outstanding patient care and is keen to continue developing their skills and interests throughout their career.
Join a team that enjoys working together: You’ll become part of our team of 10 small animal vets, supported by a fantastic nursing team of 17, alongside experienced reception and client care colleagues. Together, the team brings a wealth of expertise across surgery, medicine, diagnostic imaging, behaviour and exotic animal medicine. Our Clinical Director, Carla, has particular interests in soft tissue surgery and behaviour, while Stuart holds a Certificate in Small Animal Surgery. Tasha is currently developing her passion for medicine through a certificate in diagnostic imaging, and Matty has a keen interest in exotic animal medicine, wildlife and animal welfare. Alongside them, you’ll be working with many other experienced colleagues who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge and supporting one another's development.
More complex soft tissue and orthopaedic cases are managed in-house alongside Carla and Stuart, giving you the reassurance of experienced support while also providing the opportunity to develop your own surgical skills over time. Whatever your own clinical interests, we’ll encourage you to develop them too, with generous CPD funding, full certificate support and colleagues who genuinely enjoy sharing their knowledge.
A varied first-opinion caseload with the facilities to match: You’ll enjoy a varied first-opinion caseload, balancing consultations with routine surgery while continuing to develop your clinical skills. Working from our large, purpose-built practice, you’ll have access to CT, laparoscopy, digital radiography and modern diagnostic equipment, allowing us to investigate and treat a wide range of cases in-house. Just as importantly, you’ll be supported by an experienced team that helps the day run smoothly. Our skilled RVNs work across anaesthesia, medicine, theatre, dispensary and CT, working to their full potential and enabling our vets to focus on patient care. Alongside them, our client care team manages insurance claims and much of the administrative workload, giving you more time to spend where it matters most—with your patients.
More than just a great place to work: Creating a great place to work goes beyond the consulting room. From regular team meals, Christmas parties and escape rooms to wellbeing initiatives, charity events and the occasional Fat Friday (or Fruity Friday, depending on your preference!), we believe supporting one another is just as important outside of work as it is within it. Regular clinical meetings, case discussions and protected team time give everyone the opportunity to learn, share ideas and celebrate successes together, while plenty of informal catch-ups help make sure work stays enjoyable too. It's a friendly, collaborative environment where everyone has a voice and new ideas are always welcomed.
A rota that gives you time outside of work: We know that enjoying your job also means having time away from it, and work-life balance has always been important at Aireworth. In fact, our generous eight weeks' holiday (including bank holidays) has been part of the practice for years because the practice owners believed that if they valued having proper time off, their team should have it too. It's a philosophy that remains part of our culture today. Our rota includes:
- Four-day working week with a set day off wherever possible
- A varied week combining consulting, operating and an average of one late shift each week (finishing at 8pm)
- Two vets scheduled for surgery each day
- Weekend rota never more than 1 in 6 (currently 1 in 8)
- Weekend hours of 8.30am-4.30pm on Saturdays and 10.00am-3.30pm on Sundays
- Dedicated overnight nursing team providing excellent inpatient care after hours
- Overseeing your own inpatients during late and weekend shifts, giving you continuity with the cases you've been managing throughout the day
- All emergency out-of-hours work is provided by Vets Now, so once your shift ends, you'll head home knowing exactly which patients you're responsible for
The result is a predictable, well-supported rota that gives you continuity with your own cases while still protecting your time outside of work. Part-time applications are also welcomed, and we're happy to discuss flexible working for the right person.
What you'll receive:
- Salary from £40,000 DOE (pro rata)
- Full-time permanent role (part-time applications welcomed)
- Eight weeks' holiday including bank holidays
- £1,750 CPD allowance with full certificate support
- RCVS membership, VDS and two additional memberships paid
- Health Cash Plan
- Enhanced family leave
- Discounted veterinary treatment
- Cycle to Work scheme
- Annual pay reviews
- Career development through VetPartners
- A genuinely supportive team where you'll be encouraged to develop your own interests
Life in Keighley: Set on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales and Brontë Country, Keighley offers everything from spectacular countryside walks and charming market towns to vibrant cities, with Leeds, Bradford and Manchester all within easy reach. Whether you enjoy hiking, cycling, wild swimming or simply want somewhere affordable to put down roots, it's easy to see why so many people choose to make this part of Yorkshire home.
If you're looking for a practice where collaboration comes naturally, where you'll be supported to grow and where people genuinely enjoy coming to work, we'd love to show you what makes Aireworth such a special place to build your career.
Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon employer: Aireworth Vets
At Aireworth Vets, we pride ourselves on fostering a collaborative and supportive work culture that feels like family. With a commitment to employee growth through generous CPD funding and a focus on work-life balance, including eight weeks of holiday, our team enjoys a fulfilling career while building strong relationships both inside and outside the practice. Located in the picturesque Keighley area, our modern facilities and experienced team ensure that you will have the resources and support needed to provide outstanding patient care and develop your skills.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
✨Get Involved in Local Health Initiatives
Dive into local health initiatives or volunteer at community health events. This not only boosts your practical experience but also gets you noticed among professionals in human medicine who may have leads on full-time positions like Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Aireworth Vets.
✨Connect with Professionals via Medical Associations
Join professional associations related to human medicine, such as the Royal College of Physicians. Attend their conferences and networking events to meet potential employers in a relaxed setting. Who knows, you might just bump into someone from Aireworth Vets!
✨Showcase Your Passion and Expertise Online
Build a personal website or a professional blog where you can share your insights on human medicine topics. This portfolio can catch the eye of recruiters looking for dedicated individuals for full-time roles like Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon.
✨Leverage University Career Services
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We think you need these skills to ace Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Aireworth Vets, focus on highlighting your clinical experience and any specific training you've undergone. Include any relevant placements or internships you’ve completed, as well as any certifications that bolster your qualifications in human medicine.
Highlight Your Soft Skills:In the field of human medicine, soft skills are just as crucial as technical knowledge. Mention your communication skills, empathy, and teamwork experiences in your CV and cover letter. This shows that you can work well in a clinical setting and with patients, which is super important in this industry!
Tailor Your Cover Letter Thoughtfully:Be sure to personalise your cover letter for the Experienced Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Aireworth Vets. Mention why you’re passionate about human medicine and how you align with the company’s mission. This is your chance to convey your enthusiasm and make a case for why you'll be a valuable addition to the team!
Include Continuing Education:Make sure to mention any ongoing education or courses you’re taking to keep your skills sharp. In human medicine, staying updated with the latest practices is key. It shows you’re dedicated to your field, which employers like Aireworth Vets will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Aireworth Vets
✨Brush Up on Clinical Knowledge
Since you're aiming for a role in human medicine, make sure you’re sharp on the latest clinical guidelines and practices relevant to the position. Be prepared to discuss case studies or scenarios you might encounter in the role. This will show that you're not just knowledgeable but also ready to apply that knowledge in real-life situations.
✨Demonstrate Soft Skills
In human medicine, technical skills are crucial, but don’t forget to showcase your soft skills like communication, empathy, and teamwork. In your answers, share specific examples of how you've worked effectively with patients or colleagues in the past, as these traits are highly valued in clinical settings.
✨Know Your CV Backwards
As you’re applying for a full-time position, your CV should tell a story. Be ready to discuss every part of it, especially your clinical experiences, the impact you had, and what you learned. Employers want to see how your journey has prepared you for this role, so think of it like you're taking them through your professional narrative.
✨Prepare for Ethical Scenarios
Ethics are a big deal in human medicine, so expect questions that assess your decision-making in tricky situations. Think about how you'd handle ethical dilemmas or patient confidentiality concerns. Prepare a few examples that illustrate your thought process and how you prioritise patient welfare in your decision-making.
