At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to handle diverse routine and emergency cases in a supportive environment.
- Company: Oakhill Veterinary Centre, an independent practice with a fantastic team in Preston.
- Benefits: Flexible hours, competitive salary, five weeks holiday, and health programmes.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant workplace culture with regular social events and team-building activities.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in animal care while developing your skills with experienced mentors.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years experience preferred, but enthusiasm and reliability are key.
The predicted salary is between 30000 - 40000 £ per year.
You will see a great mix of both routine and emergency medical and surgical cases and will be fully supported by our friendly and experienced team. An exciting opportunity has arisen for a small animal veterinary surgeon to join our proudly independent practice in Preston, Lancashire. We are a flexible employer, open to discussing working patterns which fit your needs.
WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM THE ROLE
A diverse and rewarding role where you’ll see a great mix of both routine and emergency medical and surgical cases, meaning no two days are the same. We can tailor the role around you. There is the possibility for consult-only roles, dedicated operating days and structured development, including one-to-one surgical guidance as required and freedom to further individual interests. Within our team we have several certificate holders and vets experienced in surgery, dermatology, ultrasonography, and medicine. As an independent practice you have the freedom to work up cases the way you want. All branches are fully equipped with digital X-ray, ultrasound and lab, plus access to dental X-ray and endoscope. All the directors are vets working within the team, as such they continually invest in the practice for the benefit of patients and staff. Regular clinical meetings with CPD, case discussion, and the opportunity for your ideas to be heard. We want all our team members to feel motivated and satisfied at work. That’s why we’re committed to creating a supportive environment where everyone can thrive, with initiatives focused on employee wellbeing and development.
A LITTLE ABOUT WHAT’S ON OFFER
- Competitive salary based on experience, with a structured annual review and career progression opportunities.
- No OOH – we work in partnership with Vets Now for our out of hours service.
- Weekend rota is equally shared, 2-in-15 (weekend 1 = Sat day and Sun morn only and weekend 2 = Sat day only).
- Five weeks paid holiday (pro rata for part time staff) plus bank holidays or day off in lieu.
- VDS cover and another professional membership of your choice paid.
- Family-friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay.
- Cycle to Work scheme.
- Active and varied health and wellbeing programme for all, with regular team building and whole practice social events throughout the year.
LEARNING AND DEVELOPMENT OPPORTUNITIES
We are proud to be an independent and enthusiastic practice who actively encourage and support further education, including to certificate level. As part of an established team, you will be offered support and mentorship by experienced clinicians. Working closely with our team of vets who have diverse skill sets and knowledge, allowing you to develop in any direction. Structured mentoring program. All branches are fully equipped with diagnostics, imaging and operating suites. Paid CPD to certificate level if required. RCVS Approved Graduate Development Practice – we work closely with the new veterinary school at UCLan.
MORE ABOUT US
Oakhill Veterinary Centre is a three-branch RCVS accredited practice offering a client-focused service to pets in and around Preston. We have a genuinely amazing team and wonderful clients. Our talented team is made up of 18 veterinary surgeons, 18 registered veterinary nurses (RVNs) and 20 support staff.
SOUNDS GOOD? APPLY TODAY!
Ideally, we’re looking for someone with 2-3 years’ experience, but whatever your experience, if you’re enthusiastic, reliable and get the job done, we’d love to hear from you! We are a flexible employer, open to discussing working days which give you a work-life balance and welcome applications from candidates looking for full time or part time work.
Small Animal Vet — Flexible Hours, No OOHs in Kirkham employer: Oakhill Veterinary Centre
Oakhill Veterinary Centre is an excellent employer that prioritises employee wellbeing and development, offering a supportive environment where team members can thrive. With flexible working hours, no out-of-hours duties, and a commitment to continuous professional development, including mentorship from experienced clinicians, we ensure that our staff feel motivated and satisfied in their roles. Our independent practice fosters a collaborative culture, allowing you to work up cases as you see fit while being part of a talented team dedicated to providing high-quality care to pets in Preston.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Small Animal Vet — Flexible Hours, No OOHs in Kirkham
✨Join Medical Networks
Get involved in local and national medical associations, like the Royal College of Physicians. These networks can help you connect with mentors and colleagues who might know of openings, plus they're great for staying updated on the latest in medicine and clinical practices.
✨Attend Healthcare Conferences
Make it a habit to attend medical conferences and seminars. These events are fantastic for networking and often feature job boards where hospitals and clinics post their openings. Plus, it’s a good way to get your face recognised in the industry.
✨Leverage Your Medical School's Resources
Don’t forget to use your medical school’s career services! They usually have great connections with hospitals and clinics looking to fill full-time physician positions and can help you with mock interviews or networking events.
✨Apply Directly Through Hospital Websites
When you're ready to apply, make sure to check the careers section of hospital websites directly. Hospitals like Oakhill Veterinary Centre often post their job openings there first, and applying directly can sometimes give you an edge over other applicants.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Vet — Flexible Hours, No OOHs in Kirkham
Some tips for your application 🫡
Show Off Your Credentials:When applying for a physician role, make sure to highlight your medical qualifications and any special certifications you have. We want to see your medical degree, residency training, and any additional certifications that set you apart, like specialised training in paediatrics or geriatrics. Don’t leave out those all-important letters after your name!
Tailor Your CV to Medicine:Your CV should reflect your experience and skills as a doctor. Be specific about your clinical rotations, medical practice, and any research work you've done – we love seeing quantifiable impacts, so mention how you've improved patient care or led successful treatment plans.
Craft a Personal Statement with Heart:In your cover letter, let us know why you chose medicine and what drives your passion for patient care. Personal stories about transformative experiences—like a memorable patient encounter or a moment that defined your career path—can really make you shine. Remember, we're looking for someone who genuinely cares about their patients!
Demonstrate Continuous Learning:In the medical field, showcasing your commitment to continuous learning is essential. Mention any recent courses, workshops, or conferences you’ve attended, and highlight your willingness to stay updated on medical advancements. This shows us that you’re not just a physician; you're a lifelong learner, ready to adapt and grow.
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakhill Veterinary Centre
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at Oakhill Veterinary Centre. Expect questions about diagnosis, treatment plans, and patient management. Be ready to discuss case studies or even do some role-playing with hypothetical patient scenarios for a more practical assessment.
✨Know Your Procedures and Protocols
Familiarise yourself with the latest procedures and protocols that are specific to the field of medicine you’re applying to. Whether it’s surgical techniques or patient care protocols, being able to discuss these confidently can really set you apart in the interview at Oakhill Veterinary Centre.
✨Show You're a Team Player
In the medical field, collaboration is key. Have examples ready that showcase your teamwork and communication skills. Talk about how you've worked with nurses, specialists, or other doctors in the past to provide the best care for your patients. This shows you're ready to integrate into the team at Oakhill Veterinary Centre.
✨Stay Current with Medical Trends
Make sure you’re clued up on the latest medical trends, research, and innovations. Not only does this prepare you for technical questions, but it also shows your passion for the field. Be ready to discuss how these trends might affect your practice at Oakhill Veterinary Centre.
