Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

You'll be joining Shetland Vets, the only veterinary practice across the Shetland Islands, covering all inhabited islands and the mainland. This is a full-time permanent role working a four-day week (typically 8:30–17:30, with occasional later finishes 10:00–19:00) with a manageable 1:5 weekend on-call rota and one weeknight on-call, designed around genuine work-life balance rather than relentless pressure.

The caseload is beautifully varied: approximately 75% small animal, 20% farm work (mainly beef and sheep), 5% equine, plus occasional wildlife cases including everything from seals to wallabies. You'll rotate between three practice sites and have the opportunity to conduct regular visits to the outer islands by ferry, including weekly trips to Unst and Yell. While some sole charge work is involved, you're never truly on your own; support is always available by phone and your nursing team is on call alongside you.

Shetland itself offers breathtaking scenery, a welcoming community, and a genuinely different lifestyle. With 19 hours of summer daylight, opportunities for hiking, kayaking, wild swimming, and Northern Lights viewing, combined with strong cultural events and excellent schools, this is a location that appeals to those seeking both professional fulfillment and a meaningful change of pace.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide primary veterinary care across mixed animal consultations, operating procedures, and farm visits across three practice locations
• Conduct regular visits to outer islands (Unst, Yell, Whalsay, and others) with developing confidence in sole charge situations
• Collaborate with an experienced team of four mixed vets, one small animal specialist, and multiple RVNs and animal care assistants
• Contribute to the practice's philosophy of combining compassionate animal care with professional excellence and environmental responsibility
• Participate in the on-call rota: one weeknight and 1:5 weekends (Saturday mornings 9:00–13:00, with Monday off in lieu)

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon with RCVS registration
• Ideally 2+ years' experience in mixed animal practice
• Comfortable working across small animal, farm, and equine cases
• Willingness to develop sole charge capability in an island setting with supportive backup
• Collaborative mindset and ability to thrive in a small, friendly team

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000 to £56,000 depending on experience
• Employee-owned profit share scheme
• Out of hours bonus
• Relocation package up to £5,000 for the right candidate
• Temporary accommodation available while settling in
• Practice vehicle provided
• 6 weeks' annual leave including bank holidays
• Full CPD support and funding
• RCVS and VDS fees paid by the practice
• Access to Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal
• Island resident discounts on flights and ferry travel

About the Practice

Shetland Vets is an independent, employee-owned practice and the only veterinary service across the Shetland Islands. Operating since 1985 (celebrating 40 years in 2025), it serves all inhabited islands with three branch locations in Bixter, Scalloway, and Lerwick. The practice has been employee-owned since 2014, meaning team members hold shares in a trust for long-term benefit and have genuine input into how the business is run.

The team comprises five veterinary surgeons (four mixed and one small animal focused), seven RVNs (three full-time and four part-time), two animal care assistants, and receptionists/admin staff. Team members bring diverse interests including orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and farm animal health, creating a collaborative and knowledge-rich environment. The practice is committed to exceptional animal care, client service, and reducing environmental impact across the islands.