Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is your chance to join the UK’s only veterinary practice in Shetland – a truly unique opportunity to work across a wonderfully varied caseload in a supportive, collaborative environment. You’ll rotate between three island practices handling consultations, operating, and farm visits, with occasional ferry trips to the outer islands for those confident in sole charge work. The rota is deliberately designed around work-life balance: a 4-day working week (typically 8:30–17:30, with occasional later finishes), one weeknight on call, and a manageable 1-in-5 weekend rota that includes Saturday morning clinics (09:00–13:00) with Monday off in lieu.

Your caseload will be refreshingly diverse: approximately 75% small animal, 20% farm work (mainly beef and sheep), 5% equine, plus the occasional wildlife case. There’s genuine sole charge opportunity here, but you’re never truly alone – support is always a phone call away, and the practice’s excellent nursing team is on call alongside you when needed.

Shetland itself is remarkable. Ranked number six in Lonely Planet’s top European destinations (the only UK location featured), the islands offer rugged coastlines, Northern Lights, puffins, kayaking, hiking, wild swimming, and a thriving community with cultural events year-round. At 60 degrees North, mid-summer gives you 19 hours of daylight.

Key Responsibilities

• Deliver mixed animal veterinary care across three island practices (Bixter, Scalloway, Lerwick)
• Conduct small animal consultations, surgical operations, and preventive health checks
• Undertake farm visits for beef and sheep health management and treatment
• Provide equine care and occasional wildlife case management
• Participate in regular visits to outer islands (Unst, Yell, occasional Whalsay)
• Work some sole charge duties with telephone support from senior colleagues
• Contribute to on-call rota (weeknight and weekend emergency cover)
• Collaborate with a team of four other mixed vets, one small animal vet, RVNs, ACAs, and admin staff

Requirements

• Qualified as a veterinary surgeon (RCVS registered)
• 2+ years’ experience in mixed animal practice (preferred)
• Confidence working independently with telephone support available
• Enthusiasm for varied caseloads and willingness to develop skills across all areas
• Professional, collaborative approach; ability to thrive in a close-knit, supportive team
• Valid UK driving licence (essential for island farm visits)

Benefits

• Salary: £40,000–£56,000 depending on experience
• Employee ownership: Profit-share scheme (shares held in trust for long-term staff benefit)
• Out-of-hours bonus
• Relocation package up to £5,000 for the right candidate
• Temporary accommodation available whilst settling in
• Practice vehicle provided
• 6 weeks’ annual leave (including bank holidays)
• Full CPD support and funding
• RCVS and VDS fees paid
• Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal access
• Island resident discounts on flights and ferries

About the Practice

Shetland Vets is an independent, employee-owned practice established in 1985, celebrating 40 years of caring for Shetland animals in 2025. Operating across three island locations (Bixter, Scalloway, and Lerwick), it’s the only veterinary practice serving all inhabited islands and the Shetland mainland. The team includes five vets (four mixed, one small animal), three full-time and four part-time RVNs, two ACAs, and dedicated reception and admin staff. With vets bringing expertise in orthopaedics, ophthalmology, and farm animal health, the practice combines compassion with professionalism, invests in staff development, and is committed to environmental sustainability and supporting local island communities.

Being employee-owned since 2014, all staff have a genuine stake in the business and input into how it’s run. The culture emphasises collaborative support, professional development, and work-life balance – exactly what makes Shetland such an appealing place to build a veterinary career.