At a Glance
- Tasks: Provide emergency care for small animals during night shifts, managing consultations and surgeries.
- Company: Join the UK's number one vet care provider in a supportive environment.
- Benefits: Up to £69,000 salary, £5,000 welcome bonus, and generous holiday allowance.
- Other info: Work in a purpose-built hospital with excellent career development opportunities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while enjoying a balanced work-life schedule.
- Qualifications: Experience as a Veterinary Surgeon with a passion for emergency and critical care.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
Coombefield Three Counties Veterinary Emergencies, part of IVC, are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our emerging night service at our longstanding small animal hospital in Axminster, Devon. This is a fantastic opportunity for a vet who enjoys the challenge of emergency and critical care and wants to develop their skills in a supportive environment.
Working alongside a dedicated night RVN, you’ll have the opportunity to manage a varied and interesting caseload while providing a high-quality overnight service to our surrounding practices and clients.
ECC Without the Daytime Pressure
The caseload is predominantly cats, dogs and rabbits, with the occasional exotic or wildlife patient adding a little extra variety. You’ll manage emergency consultations, surgery and inpatients throughout the night, with the time and space to properly work up your cases without the pressure of a full daytime consult and surgery list. The shift starts and finishes with a handover from the day team, helping to provide excellent continuity of care for our patients. You’ll work sole charge overnight, but with a dedicated RVN on site throughout your shift, so you’ll have experienced nursing support alongside you.
A Team That Wants You to Grow
You’ll become part of a team of 15 Veterinary Surgeons, supported by a large nursing, reception and administration team. Many of our colleagues have been with us for years, creating a friendly and supportive environment where people genuinely enjoy working together. We have certificate holders in ECC, Ophthalmology and Feline Medicine, alongside vets working towards further qualifications, and a visiting Orthopaedic Specialist. We’re committed to supporting professional development, so if you’re keen to gain further experience or work towards a certificate, we’ll encourage you every step of the way.
A Hospital Equipped for Emergencies
You’ll be based at our purpose-built small animal hospital, with everything you need to manage your overnight caseload. We have two operating theatres, a dedicated dental room, imaging suite, in-house laboratory including an EPOC machine, cattery, kennels, isolation unit and pharmacy, alongside external laboratory support when required.
A Night Pattern That Gives You Your Days Back
This is a part-time night role, working two nights every three weeks, currently Thursday and Friday, although there is some flexibility around the days. Shifts are 7pm–8am. And importantly, there are no weekends and no on-call requirements, giving you a predictable working pattern and plenty of time to enjoy life outside the practice.
Thinking of Moving to Devon?
Axminster sits right on the Devon and Dorset border, surrounded by beautiful countryside and within easy reach of the Jurassic Coast. You’re close to Lyme Regis and the coast, while Exeter is around 30 miles away, making the area a great option if you’re looking for a quieter pace of life without being too far from a city. With charming towns, countryside walks, beaches and plenty of opportunities to enjoy the outdoors.
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
- 6.6 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
We’re committed to supporting our people through career development opportunities, wellbeing initiatives and access to world-class learning resources. Whether you’re just starting out or looking to take the next step in your career, inspiring vet care offers the support, opportunity and community to help you grow.
Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Axminster employer: Ivc
As the UK's leading vet care provider, Mearley Veterinary Group offers an exceptional work environment where clinical excellence meets strategic leadership. Employees benefit from a supportive culture that prioritises professional development, mentorship opportunities, and a collaborative approach to veterinary care across three dynamic sites. Join us to make a meaningful impact on animal health while enjoying a fulfilling career in a thriving community.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Axminster
✨Connect with Local Healthcare Communities
Dive into local healthcare communities and networks. Join meetups or workshops relevant to human medicine in your area, where you can chat with professionals and fellow students. Getting to know people in these spaces often leads to part-time opportunities that aren’t advertised!
✨Check with Your University’s Career Services
Use your university’s career services to uncover part-time roles specifically in human medicine. They usually have connections with clinics, hospitals, or research labs looking for students, which can be a foot in the door while you’re still studying.
✨Volunteer for Experience
Consider volunteering in clinics or community health initiatives. This not only builds your CV but also expands your network in the human medicine field. Plus, many of these places might offer part-time positions to dedicated volunteers later!
✨Keep an Eye on Job Boards and Our Website
Frequently check job boards tailored to healthcare roles, but also don’t forget to visit our website for part-time opportunities at Ivc. Regularly applying through us can give you a leg up in the application process because we love seeing familiar names!
We think you need these skills to ace Night Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Axminster
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Your Passion for Healthcare:When applying for a part-time role in human medicine, it’s important to express why you’re passionate about the healthcare field. Convey your interest through your CV and cover letter — highlight any relevant volunteer work, clinical experiences, or coursework that showcases your commitment to improving patient care.
Include Relevant Certifications:If you have any certifications related to healthcare, like Basic Life Support (BLS) or First Aid, make sure to include these in your CV. They not only boost your credibility but also demonstrate that you’re prepared for the demands of the job, which is super important in human medicine.
Be Clear About Your Availability:Since this is a part-time role, employers will want to know when you can work. In your cover letter, specify your availability and any flexibility you might have. Showing that you’re accommodating with your hours can make a big difference!
Tailor Your Application for Ivc:Lastly, tailor your CV and cover letter specifically for Ivc. Research their mission, values, and recent achievements in human medicine. This personal touch shows you’ve done your homework and genuinely want to be part of their team, which resonates well in the healthcare field.
How to prepare for a job interview at Ivc
✨Brush Up on Medical Knowledge
Since we're diving into human medicine, it's essential to have your medical theories and practices fresh in your mind. Be prepared to discuss relevant case studies or experiences, and don’t shy away from some light medical jargon that shows you’re grounded in the field.
✨Emphasise Your People Skills
Part-time roles in medicine often mean interacting with patients and staff. We need to showcase our ability to communicate clearly and compassionately. Think of examples that highlight your interpersonal skills—maybe a time you helped a patient or resolved a conflict within a team.
✨Get Ready for Scenario-Based Questions
In human medicine, they might throw some hypothetical scenarios your way during the interview. Prepare to think on your feet! Consider common patient situations or ethical dilemmas that could arise. Practising how you'd handle these could set you apart.
✨Discuss Your Availability and Flexibility
For a part-time position, it's key to talk about your availability. Let’s be honest about when you can work and how you can flexibly fit your shifts around any studies or other commitments. This shows you're reliable and genuinely interested in fitting into the team at Ivc.
