Graduate Veterinary Surgeon – Small Animal

About the Role

This is your first step into veterinary practice—and Robson Vets makes it count. Based in Laurencekirk with a second site in Montrose, you’ll work across a small animal practice set in stunning Scottish countryside, with views stretching towards the Cairngorms. The practice sits just 30-40 minutes from both Dundee and Aberdeen, with train links 5 minutes away, plus onsite accommodation and free parking available.

Your role spans consultations, surgical assistance, and study time across a manageable 40-hour week (4 days plus a 1:4 supervised weekend rota). You’ll spend your first weeks observing and building confidence alongside the three-strong vet team, before progressing to supervised consultations and operating once you’re ready. After 6 months, you’ll be assigned your own patients with backup support.

The practice is a Positive Pawprint accredited facility, and you’ll be part of a warm, collaborative team of 3 vets and 6 nurses (4.7 FTE) all invested in your development. The local community offers everything you’d need—shops, cafes, takeaways, gym access just minutes away, plus beautiful walks on your doorstep. House rentals are available locally for those relocating.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct small animal consultations under mentor guidance, progressing to independent practice as confidence develops
• Assist with and eventually lead surgical procedures, working through a structured skills matrix with supervised operating
• Contribute to patient care across separate dog and cat wards, intensive care, and isolation facilities
• Participate in the practice’s preventive care, dental, laser therapy, and acupuncture services
• Engage with the practice’s mentorship programme and structured learning pathway
• Support the wider 3-vet, 6-nurse team in delivering high-quality small animal care

Requirements

• Newly qualified veterinary surgeon (or final-year student with upcoming graduation)
• Full UK veterinary registration (or eligible to register)
• Enthusiasm to learn and develop clinical skills in a supportive environment
• Ability to work as part of a collaborative team
• Flexibility to adapt to practice routines and rota commitments

Benefits

• Competitive salary: £36,000 per annum (pro-rata) with a salary increase in year 2
• Time off: 6.6 weeks holiday plus your birthday off
• Wellbeing support: £1,250 annual Care Fund allowance, 24/7 Employee Assistance Programme
• Professional development: Paid RCVS and professional memberships, access to IVC Evidensia’s Graduate Academy blended learning programme, CPD and research opportunities including the IVC Evidensia Research Fund
• Pension: Company pension scheme with IVC contribution
• Health: Private medical insurance
• Practical perks: Cycle to Work and Green Car schemes, retail discounts and cashback, discounted pet care at IVC practices
• No financial tie-in
• Mentorship: Dedicated mentor focused on your progression and clinical development

About the Practice

Robson Vets is part of IVC Evidensia, a leading UK veterinary group. The Laurencekirk practice operates two sites (Laurencekirk and Montrose consult-only branch) and is accredited as a Positive Pawprint practice. The team comprises 3 experienced vets and 6 nurses (4.7 FTE), all with experience supporting newly qualified graduates.

The practice boasts comprehensive small animal facilities: two operating theatres, separate dog and cat wards, intensive care ward, isolation ward, dental suite with digital and dental x-ray plus signal pet technology, ultrasonography, flexible and rigid scopes, multiparameter anaesthetic machines, fluid infusion pumps, syringe drivers, and patient warmers. Laser and acupuncture therapies are delivered onsite. Additional amenities include three consulting rooms, overnight accommodation, and a staff kitchen.