Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to work at the UK’s most northerly veterinary practice, where you’ll experience a genuinely varied caseload across three island sites. You’ll rotate between consultations, operating, and farm visits, with ferry trips to the outer islands for those confident in solo work. With a 4-day working week (typically 8:30–17:30) and a manageable 1:5 weekend on-call rota, you’ll have real time to enjoy everything Shetland offers – from wild swimming and hiking to catching the Northern Lights.

Your colleagues bring expertise spanning orthopaedics and ophthalmology, creating a truly collaborative environment where you’ll never feel isolated. The practice is employee-owned since 2014, meaning your success directly impacts the team’s shared rewards.

Shetland itself is ranked in Lonely Planet’s top European destinations – think rugged coastlines, puffins, orca sightings, and a tight-knit community that genuinely welcomes newcomers. Daily flights connect you to the mainland, and island residents get discounts on travel, making weekend trips home straightforward.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver mixed animal clinical care across three practice locations (Bixter, Scalloway, Lerwick)
• Manage small animal consultations and procedures (approximately 75% of caseload)
• Undertake farm visits for beef and sheep work (around 20% of caseload)
• Handle occasional equine and wildlife cases, from seals to wallabies
• Provide sole charge cover to the outer islands (Unst, Yell, Whalsay) with telephone support and RVN backup
• Contribute to on-call rota: one weeknight on call and 1:5 weekends (Saturday morning consults 9–13:00, with Monday off in lieu)
• Work collaboratively with 4 mixed vets, 1 small animal vet, 3 full time RVNs, 4 part-time RVNs, and support staff

Requirements

• Qualified veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• Ideally 2+ years’ experience in mixed practice
• Comfortable with mixed animal work and varied clinical presentations
• Willing to undertake some sole charge work with remote support
• Collaborative approach and ability to thrive in a tight-knit team
• Flexibility and adaptability – island life requires both

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£56,000 (depending on experience)
• Work-life balance: 4-day working week with genuine time off
• Financial: Employee-owned profit share scheme, out-of-hours bonus, RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Relocation support: Up to £5,000 relocation package available; temporary accommodation provided as you settle in
• Practice vehicle: Provided for farm visits and inter-site travel
• Leave & CPD: 6 weeks’ annual leave (including bank holidays), fully supported continuing professional development
• Wellbeing: Access to Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal

About the Practice

Shetland Vets is the only independent veterinary practice across all inhabited Shetland Islands, with three locations serving the community for 40 years (celebrating this milestone in 2025). The practice operates as an employee-owned business, with shares held in a trust for long-term staff benefit. The team includes 5 veterinary surgeons, 7 RVNs, 2 ACAs, and dedicated reception and admin staff.

The caseload reflects island life: roughly 75% small animal, 20% farm (predominantly beef and sheep), 5% equine, plus occasional wildlife cases. The practice is known for its supportive culture where experience is shared generously, and every team member has input into how the business is run. Modern facilities, collaborative spirit, and genuine investment in staff development set the tone.