Mixed Veterinary Surgeon

About the Role

This is a mixed veterinary surgeon role with Shetland Vets, the only veterinary practice in Shetland. The caseload is varied, with around 75% small animal, 20% farm, mainly beef and sheep, and 5% equine, plus the occasional wildlife case.

You will be joining a practice with three sites across the islands and a rota built around work life balance. The role includes a 4-day working week, typically 8:30 to 5:30 with the occasional later finish of 10 to 7, one weeknight on call, and 1 in 5 weekends on call. Saturday morning consults run from 9 to 1, and the Monday after a weekend on call is given off in lieu, on top of the regular day off.

There is some sole charge, including confidence for visits to the outer islands, but support is always available at the end of the phone and nurses are on call to help when needed. Weekly visits are provided to Unst and Yell, with occasional visits to Whalsay and ad hoc trips to other islands.

Key Responsibilities

• Work across three Shetland sites, covering consultations, operating and visits.
• Manage a mixed caseload made up mainly of small animal, farm and equine work, with occasional wildlife cases.
• Take part in the on call rota, including one weeknight and 1 in 5 weekends.
• Carry out weekly visits to Unst and Yell, plus occasional visits to Whalsay and other islands.
• Provide sole charge cover when required, with remote support available when needed.

Requirements

• Experience in mixed practice is preferred, with the listing stating that ideally you will have a couple of years behind you.
• Confidence to handle sole charge on island visits is needed for parts of the role.
• You should be ready to work across a varied caseload.

Benefits

• Salary from £40,000 to £56,000, depending on experience.
• Employee-owned profit share scheme.
• Out of hours bonus.
• Relocation package of up to £5,000 for the right candidate.
• Temporary accommodation while you settle in.
• Practice vehicle provided.
• 6 weeks annual leave, including bank holidays.
• CPD fully supported.
• RCVS and VDS fees paid.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Programme and wellbeing portal.

About the Practice

Shetland Vets is an independent practice and the only vets in the Shetland Islands. It has been employee owned since 2014 and operates from three branches in Bixter, Scalloway and Lerwick.

The team includes four mixed vets, one small animal vet, RVNs, ACAs, receptionists and admin staff. The practice says its vets have interests across orthopaedics, ophthalmology and farm animal health, and it cares for the inhabited islands’ veterinary needs across a wide range of species, including cats, cows, owls, otters and the odd wallaby.