Mixed Vet - Orkney

Mixed Veterinary Surgeon for Independent Practice in Orkney Islands

This independent practice in the Orkney Islands is looking for an additional vet to join their supportive, friendly team. Whether you are a recent graduate eager to bring enthusiasm to the team or an experienced vet looking to develop your areas of interest, this is a fantastic opportunity. The practice is open to both mixed practitioners and small animal-only candidates.

The team, consisting of 7 vets with a wide range of experience (from 3 years to 30+ years), is known for its camaraderie and strong support for each other. All team members highly recommend the practice as a place to work and Orkney as a fantastic place to live.

About the Practice

The practice is a kind, friendly, and hard-working team that values each other, their clients, and the animals they care for. With normal working hours from 9 AM to 5:30 PM, the practice offers a great work-life balance. As an RCVS PSS accredited practice and a Vet Nurse Training Centre, the practice is well-equipped to handle all species seen. They are also dedicated to supporting Vet GDP and heavily invest in training and CPD, viewing the team as their greatest asset.

Currently undergoing an expansion, the practice is converting a new building into a larger surgery, with completion expected in summer 2025.

The Role

The practice is currently staffed by 7 full-time and part-time vets providing 5 full-time-equivalent positions. They offer an out-of-hours emergency service that is generally quiet, with a busier period during seasonal calving and lambing in the spring. The rota is shared equally, with a 1 in 6 on-call schedule.

This is a mixed practice, with approximately 65% small animal, 25% farm, and 10% horses. The caseload includes a variety of species, mainly pets, beef cows, sheep, and horses, along with some dairy, exotics, and wildlife. The practice has strong relationships with referral centres across all species, providing support for more complex cases. They are eager to accommodate and support individual areas of interest, whether clinical or procedural.

The practice is well-equipped with digital radiography, dental x-ray, ultrasound, endoscope, BP monitors, ECG, multi-parameter monitors, tonopen vet, drip pumps, equine motorised dental equipment, bull and ram ejaculators, and on-site hospitalisation. The new surgery will have four consult rooms, space for more equine and large animal equipment, and a dedicated small animal dental room. They aim to be a gold-standard cat-friendly practice.

The team also includes 5 experienced RVNs, 2 SVNs, 4 admin staff, and 2 care assistants, ensuring a collaborative and well-supported working environment.

The Ideal Candidate

The practice is looking for a vet who enjoys working as part of a team and is passionate about delivering high-quality care across a wide range of species. The role would suit someone who enjoys the challenge of mixed practice and values a collegiate, supportive working environment. The practice is happy to support recent graduates with experienced mentors, while also welcoming more experienced vets who want to further develop their skills and explore areas of interest. Given the increased demand in the small animal side of the practice, they would also consider an experienced small animal clinician to enhance their team.

Location

The practice is based in Kirkwall, the main town in Orkney, which offers a wonderful quality of life. Orkney boasts a population of around 23,000 and provides a range of activities including music, sports, outdoor adventures, crafts, nature, wildlife, and archaeology. The islands offer excellent primary and secondary schools, local shops, and great transport links, including multiple boat routes and flights from all Scottish airports.

Orkney is home to over 20,000 high-quality beef cows and a significant sheep and dairy farming industry, with farmers who are progressive and dedicated to herd health. Its a fantastic community for animal lovers.

The Package

• Salary: £32,000 to £65,000, depending on experience, for a 4.5-day working week (35 hours) and an equal share of the on-call rota.
• Help with relocation and accommodation.
• A practice vehicle or mileage payment for your own vehicle.
• Generous CPD funding, including travel and accommodation for relevant courses or conferences annually.
• Annual 4 weeks of sick leave.
• Medicines and goods at net price, with reduced fees for procedures.

If you are interested in joining a supportive team in a unique and beautiful location, with the chance to develop professionally in a mixed practice setting; submit your CV and call Mia for a confidential chat on 01291 645871. 

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