At a Glance
- Tasks: Join our team to provide exceptional care for small animals in a dynamic environment.
- Company: Independent veterinary practice in Preston with a supportive and enthusiastic culture.
- Benefits: Competitive salary, flexible hours, five weeks holiday, and paid professional memberships.
- Other info: Enjoy a vibrant team atmosphere with regular social events and a focus on wellbeing.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while developing your skills with experienced mentors.
- Qualifications: 2-3 years of experience preferred, but enthusiasm and reliability are key.
The predicted salary is between 45113 - 55138 £ per year.
An exciting opportunity has arisen for a small animal veterinary surgeon to join our proudly independent practice in Preston, Lancashire.
Full or part time | No out-of-hours | 1 in 16 weekend rota
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.
- Fantastic team of experienced vets and fully qualified RVNs.
- As an independent practice you have the freedom to work up cases the way you want.
- All branches 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.
Vet Stephanie Heys says, “The small animal team have strong and diverse skill-sets, that allow cases to be worked up and treated to a very high standard in-house.”
- A little about what's on offe r
- 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.
- RCVS membership fees paid.
- 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 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.
“I love working at Oakhill – the team are so supportive and welcoming.
This has given me the opportunity to develop my confidence and skills.
- I feel that I have progressed so much in the two years I have been here.” Vet Maddy Walsh
- 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.
Have a look on our website, Facebook and Google reviews to get an idea about who we are and what we are all about!
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.
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Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon employer: Oakhill Veterinary Centre
Oakhill Vets is an exceptional employer that prioritises a supportive and dynamic work environment across its three branches in Kirkham, Fulwood, and Goosnargh. With a strong focus on employee growth and development, we offer comprehensive training and opportunities for advancement, all while fostering a culture of teamwork and compassion. Join us to be part of a dedicated team that values customer service excellence and the well-being of pets and their owners.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land 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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Oakhill Veterinary Centre.
✨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 Oakhill Veterinary Centre!
✨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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon.
✨Leverage University Career Services
If you’re still in or recently graduated from university, don’t hesitate to use your career services. They often have exclusive listings and contacts in the human medicine field that can help you land a full-time gig at places like Oakhill Veterinary Centre.
We think you need these skills to ace Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon
Some tips for your application 🫡
Showcase Your Relevant Experience:When applying for the Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Oakhill Veterinary Centre, 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 Small Animal Veterinary Surgeon at Oakhill Veterinary Centre. 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 Oakhill Veterinary Centre will definitely appreciate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Oakhill Veterinary Centre
✨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.