At a Glance
- Tasks: Join a supportive team delivering varied veterinary care across three modern sites.
- Company: Oaks Veterinary Centre, a progressive practice with a warm culture since the 1930s.
- Benefits: Enjoy competitive salary, generous leave, private medical insurance, and CPD support.
- Other info: Flexible hours, no out-of-hours duties, and a vibrant team culture.
- Why this job: Make a real difference in pet care while enjoying excellent work-life balance.
- Qualifications: Experienced Veterinary Surgeon with a passion for animal welfare.
The predicted salary is between 42000 - 65000 £ per year.
Find Your Future with Oaks Veterinary Centre. Oaks Vets have proudly supported the Ayrshire community since the 1930s, providing compassionate, modern, and progressive veterinary care. Over the last decade, our team has grown significantly to meet the needs of today’s pet owners, now spanning three well‑established sites in Saltcoats, Largs and Dundonald. Due to one of our wonderful vets relocating closer to home, we are looking for an experienced Veterinary Surgeon to join our friendly and forward‑thinking team. If you’re looking for a practice that values its people, invests in development, and embraces a warm, positive culture – you’ll feel right at home with us.
What You’ll Be Doing
You’ll join a clinically strong and supportive team delivering a varied and rewarding caseload across all three sites. You’ll handle a mix of consultations and surgeries, including routine procedures as well as more advanced cases supported by certificate holders in surgery, medicine, nutrition, radiography, and feline medicine. We also have vets and nurses undertaking exotic certificates, offering opportunities to explore niche interests if you wish. You’ll work with a dedicated nursing and support team who take pride in providing exceptional patient care. With no out‑of‑hours duties and a fair weekend rotation, this role offers an excellent work‑life balance while still allowing you to grow your clinical skills in a nurturing environment.
Work Life Balance
We offer genuine flexibility and are open to discussions around the number of days and hours worked. The full‑time pattern is typically 30‑40 hours per week, and we are very happy to consider part‑time or job‑share arrangements. Our weekend rota currently includes 1.5 weekends in 10, and there are no out‑of‑hours or on‑call requirements. At Oaks, we fully understand that our people have priorities and commitments outside of work. Our flexible approach to rota design helps you create a balance that supports both your career and personal life.
Our Team & Culture
What truly sets us apart is our team. Oaks Vets is home to a warm, collaborative, and genuinely supportive group of 40 colleagues – including 10 vets, 10 RVNs, 10 receptionists, and additional support staff. Many of our people have been with us since their school or placement days, and we love supporting them as they grow within the profession. We take wellbeing seriously and make sure work is enjoyable, with regular team events, lunches, wellbeing challenges, and a culture built on kindness, communication, and shared success. As a training practice, we actively support students, new graduates, and developing clinicians – something the whole team takes pride in.
The Practice, Facilities & Location
All three of our sites have been recently refurbished, offering bright, modern clinical spaces equipped with everything you need to deliver high‑quality care. Across the practices you’ll find digital diagnostic equipment, dedicated theatre and prep rooms, dental facilities, ultrasound, separate cat consulting spaces – including a brand‑new cat‑only room – and a staff wellbeing room perfect for breaks, coffee, or catching up on admin. Located on the beautiful West Coast of Scotland, our practices sit within easy reach of beaches, coastal walks, historic towns, and the scenic Ayrshire countryside. With Glasgow only 45 minutes away, you’ll enjoy the ideal blend of coastal living and city convenience.
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 the following:
- 6.8 weeks annual leave, inclusive of bank holidays
- Additional holiday entitlement for your birthday
- 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
- £1,250 CPD allowance with 40 hours paid CPD leave pro rata
- 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
- 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: we give you the 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 - Small Animal in Saltcoats employer: The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats
Oaks Veterinary Centre is an exceptional employer that prioritises the wellbeing and development of its team members, offering a supportive and collaborative work culture. With flexible working arrangements, no out-of-hours duties, and a commitment to professional growth through generous CPD allowances, employees can enjoy a fulfilling career while maintaining a healthy work-life balance in the picturesque setting of Ayrshire, Scotland.
StudySmarter Expert Advice🤫
We think this is how you could land Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Saltcoats
✨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 The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats 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 Veterinary Surgeon - Small Animal in Saltcoats
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 The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats
✨Get Clinical Knowledge Sharp
Brush up on your clinical knowledge, particularly in areas relevant to the role at The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats. 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 The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats.
✨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 The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats.
✨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 The Oaks Vets - Saltcoats.
