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- Tasks: Join a friendly team to provide quality care for small animals in a supportive environment.
- Company: Otter Vets, a caring practice in beautiful Sidmouth.
- Benefits: Up to £65,000 salary, relocation allowance, and generous annual leave.
- Other info: Flexible working hours with no on-call requirements and a supportive team.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pets' lives while enjoying a balanced work-life.
- Qualifications: Veterinary degree and passion for animal care.
The predicted salary is between 65000 - 65000 £ per year.
Salary up to £65,000 DOE and relocation allowance up to £5,000.
Otter vets are looking for a Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly team in Sidmouth on a 6‑month FTC.
A Caseload Designed to Be Enjoyable and Manageable
Our caseload is a great mix, mostly cats and dogs with a few small furries, and our days are thoughtfully structured to feel balanced and achievable. Time is split well between consultations and surgery, with dedicated admin time built into each day so you can stay on top of notes without feeling rushed. Surgical work is largely routine, with set operating days each week, and if your preference is a consult‑only role, we’re very open to discussing this.
Support When You Need It Most
There are some elements of sole charge within the role, but you’re never truly on your own. Support is always available, both within the practice and across our other branches, giving reassurance and backup whenever it’s needed. You’ll be supported by a brilliant nursing team who assist with both surgery and consultations, as well as running their own nurse clinics, helping the day run smoothly and collaboratively.
Well‑Equipped and Set Up for Quality Care
The practice is well equipped with digital X‑ray, ultrasound, tonometry and a full IDEXX suite, allowing you to work cases up confidently and deliver high‑quality care. Our focus is on doing things properly, without unnecessary pressure or compromise.
Flexible Working That Fits Around You
This is a full‑time role of 40 hours per week, worked across four or five days, with just one in four Saturday mornings from 8:30 am to 1 pm. There are no out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements. We’re also open to part‑time applications. This is a FTC for 6 months.
A Team That Truly Supports One Another
Our friendly team works across two sites and includes an experienced vet, two dedicated RVNs and four fantastic support team members, with regular long‑term locum support as well.
Life in and Around Sidmouth
Sidmouth is a beautiful seaside town on the Jurassic Coast, offering a relaxed pace of life surrounded by stunning scenery. With coastal walks, independent shops, cafés and easy access to the East Devon countryside, it’s an ideal location for anyone who loves the outdoors. Whether you’re relocating or already nearby, Sidmouth offers a wonderful balance of work, well‑being and lifestyle.
Because Our People Matter
We recognise that our people are fundamental to the success of our business. Investing in our people, premises and processes is at the heart of what we do. In addition to a competitive base salary, you will benefit from:
- Work‑life balance
- 6.6 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- Wellbeing: Private Medical Insurance, Employee Assistance Programme (24/7 confidential helpline)
- Enhanced family‑friendly policies, including maternity/paternity/adoption/shared parental and surrogacy pay
- Initiatives focused on colleague wellbeing
- Development: £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave, certificate support, learning and development opportunities via the IVC Evidensia Academy, access to VetLexicon (our online encyclopaedia provider)
- All our Vets & Nurses can apply for research funding; All our Vets get £1,250 per annum to spend via our Care Fund
- Infection Prevention and Control Programme, Quality Improvement Programme, Professional Memberships (BVA membership, VDS cover, RCVS Fees)
- Company pension scheme (IVC Evidensia will make a contribution as well)
- Supporting a greener commute to work with a Cycle to Work scheme and Green Cars Scheme, subject to eligibility criteria
- Voluntary benefits: flexibility to choose from a range of voluntary benefits to suit you, access to discounts/cashback with hundreds of participating retailers, discounted treatment for your own pets at an IVC Evidensia practice
Veterinary Surgeon or Consult Only - Small Animal employer: Otter Vets, Ottery St Mary
Contact Detail:
Otter Vets, Ottery St Mary Recruiting Team
StudySmarter Expert Advice 🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon or Consult Only - Small Animal
✨Tip Number 1
Network like a pro! Reach out to fellow vets, attend local meet-ups, or join online forums. You never know who might have the inside scoop on job openings or can put in a good word for you.
✨Tip Number 2
Show up and shine! If you can, visit the practice before applying. It’s a great way to get a feel for the team and the environment, plus it shows you’re genuinely interested in joining their crew.
✨Tip Number 3
Be ready to chat! Prepare for informal chats or interviews by brushing up on your skills and experiences. Think about how you can contribute to their supportive team and what makes you a great fit for their practice.
✨Tip Number 4
Apply through our website! It’s the easiest way to get your application noticed. Plus, we love seeing candidates who take the initiative to connect directly with us.
We think you need these skills to ace Veterinary Surgeon or Consult Only - Small Animal
Some tips for your application 🫡
Tailor Your CV: Make sure your CV reflects the skills and experiences that match our job description. Highlight your veterinary experience, especially with small animals, and any relevant qualifications that make you a great fit for our team.
Craft a Personal Cover Letter: Your cover letter is your chance to shine! Share why you're passionate about joining us at Otter Vets and how you can contribute to our friendly team. Don’t forget to mention your interest in the flexible working options we offer!
Showcase Your Team Spirit: We value collaboration, so let us know about your experiences working in a team. Whether it’s supporting fellow vets or working with nursing staff, share examples that demonstrate your ability to work well with others.
Apply Through Our Website: We encourage you to apply directly through our website for a smoother application process. It’s the best way to ensure your application gets to us quickly and efficiently, so don’t hesitate!
How to prepare for a job interview at Otter Vets, Ottery St Mary
✨Know Your Stuff
Make sure you brush up on your veterinary knowledge, especially regarding small animals like cats and dogs. Familiarise yourself with common procedures and the equipment mentioned in the job description, such as digital X-ray and ultrasound. This will show that you're not only qualified but also genuinely interested in the role.
✨Show Your Team Spirit
Since this position emphasises teamwork and support, be ready to discuss your experiences working collaboratively with others. Share examples of how you've supported colleagues or worked within a team to enhance patient care. This will highlight your fit within their friendly team environment.
✨Ask Thoughtful Questions
Prepare some insightful questions about the practice's approach to work-life balance and professional development opportunities. Asking about their support systems and how they ensure a manageable caseload can demonstrate your interest in both the role and the well-being of the team.
✨Be Yourself
While it's important to showcase your skills, don't forget to let your personality shine through. The practice values a friendly atmosphere, so being genuine and approachable can help you connect with the interviewers. Share your passion for animal care and why you want to be part of their team in Sidmouth.