Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

Join Shetland Vets as one of two mixed veterinary surgeons in the UK's most northerly practice. This is a full-time permanent role spanning three island sites, with a manageable 1-in-5 weekend on-call rota (Saturday mornings 9–1) and one weeknight on-call per week. You'll rotate between practices for consultations, operating, and farm visits, with occasional ferry trips to the outer islands for those comfortable with sole charge work.

The caseload is wonderfully varied: approximately 75% small animal, 20% farm animals (mainly beef and sheep), 5% equine, plus occasional wildlife cases. You'll work a typical 4-day week (8:30–5:30, with occasional later finishes) and benefit from strong colleague support and experienced RVN nurses available during on-call shifts. This is mixed practice that rewards clinical versatility without burning you out.

Shetland itself offers a rare combination of professional fulfilment and lifestyle appeal: rugged coastlines, wild swimming, Northern Lights, puffins and orca, vibrant community events, and a genuinely supportive island community. Daily flights to Aberdeen, Edinburgh, Glasgow, and Inverness keep mainland connections strong, and island residents enjoy discounts on travel.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver mixed animal consultations, surgery, and farm visits across three practice sites in Lerwick, Scalloway, and Bixter
• Contribute to the practice's weekly visiting schedule to Unst and Yell, with ad-hoc visits to Whalsay and other islands
• Share weekend on-call cover (1 in 5, including Saturday morning consultations) and one weeknight on-call per week
• Work collaboratively with a team of four other mixed vets, one small animal specialist, and experienced RVNs across all clinical areas
• Develop clinical expertise across orthopaedics, ophthalmology, farm animal health, and emergency medicine as opportunities arise
• Support the practice's commitment to high-quality care, employee ownership, and sustainable island veterinary practice

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (BVSc, BVetMed, or BVMS) with RCVS registration
• A couple of years of mixed practice experience preferred
• Comfort with sole charge work in an island setting (with telephone and nursing support always available)
• Enthusiasm for varied caseloads and readiness to develop clinical skills across all species and disciplines
• Collaborative approach and willingness to engage with the practice's employee-ownership culture

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000 to £56,000 depending on experience
• Employee-owned profit share scheme (shares held in trust for long-term employee benefit)
• Out-of-hours bonus
• Relocation package of up to £5,000 for the right candidate
• Temporary accommodation available during settling-in period
• Practice vehicle provided
• 6 weeks' annual leave including bank holidays
• Fully supported CPD and professional development
• RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal
• Island resident discounts on flights and ferries

About the Practice

Shetland Vets is an independent, employee-owned practice and the only veterinary surgery across the Shetland Islands. Established over 40 years ago, it has been owned by its employees since 2014 through a trust structure that ensures staff have genuine input into how the business operates. The practice comprises five veterinary surgeons (including four mixed vets and one small animal specialist), three full-time and four part-time RVNs, two animal care assistants, and a dedicated reception and admin team. Team members bring diverse interests spanning orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and farm animal health, creating a collaborative and knowledge-rich environment.

The practice operates across three sites in Lerwick, Scalloway, and Bixter, serving all inhabited islands and the mainland. Its values emphasise compassion, professionalism, environmental responsibility, and investment in staff development. The team is known for being supportive, friendly, and genuinely committed to work-life balance in what is one of the UK's most unique working environments.