Nestled off Scotland’s north coast, Orkney is a unique archipelago of over 70 islands—17 inhabited—with a population around 22,000 It blends world‑class archaeological sites, vibrant cultural life, and coastal scenery with long summer daylight hours and mild climate The local economy thrives on public sector services, tourism, renewable energy, and agriculture .
About Orkney Islands Council
Despite its small size, Orkney Islands Council is the region’s largest employer, with around 2,000 staff across education, social care, infrastructure, housing, health, and more They emphasise supportive, inclusive workplace values—People, Unity, Trust, Ownership, Creativity—and hold accreditations like Disability Confident and Investors in People . Employee benefits include flexible working options, generous leave entitlements, access to a pension scheme, wellbeing hub, and enhanced family support .
Key Job Openings
Currently, around 70 roles are listed on MyJobScotland. Offering competitive salaries and diverse responsibilities, here are just a few examples:
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Social Care Worker, Smiddybrae House – £39,884–44,682 (FT)
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Environmental Services Manager, Kirkwall – £58,518–63,756 (includes islands allowance)
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Cleaner, Stenness Primary – pro‑rata £27,090–27,340
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Teacher of Music, Kirkwall Grammar – £27,090–27,340 pro‑rata
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Night Care Assistant, Papdale Halls – £65,508–72,315
Numerous part‑time, temporary, relief, and full‑time roles make it easy to find a match for your career stage and lifestyle.
Incentives & Early‑Career Support
Recognising the challenge of filling social care roles across remote islands, the council has introduced Golden Hello (£2,000) and Refer‑a‑Friend (£750) schemes for qualifying posts to encourage new or returning staff . These initiatives are part of a one‑year pilot to improve workforce stability and ease reliance on costly agency staffing .
Visa Sponsorship & Relocation Support
While Orkney Islands Council doesn’t explicitly advertise UK visa sponsorship on MyJobScotland, many public sector employers can and do sponsor skilled migrant workers—especially in statutory roles like social care, education, and environmental management. Here’s what to know:
✔︎ Right to Work Requirements
Non‑UK/EU applicants will need a valid Right to Work permit, such as a Skilled Worker visa. Supporting documents may include share‑code or immigration papers .
✔︎ Overseas Criminal Record Check
A police‑check from all non‑UK countries lived in within the last 5–10 years may be requested .
✔︎ Relocation Help
Council policy covers interview and relocation expenses in many posts That’s a great boost for those moving from afar.
✔︎ Housing & Lifestyle
While job opportunities are strong, housing is limited—rent and availability pose constraints Successful relocation often involves staying flexible with accommodation and possibly commuting from nearby islands. Winters offer a realistic view of life up north, so a mid‑season visit can help you assess fit .
How to Apply
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Create a MyJobScotland account.
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Browse and sign up for alerts on Orkney Islands Council positions
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Carefully follow the application guidance, especially on Right to Work documentation .
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Highlight any relevant qualifications (SVQ, HND degrees, etc.) and evidence of eligibility to work in the UK.
Note
If you are Currently in the UK and you need help Applying for jobs like these, you can consider joining our Telegram community by CLICKING HERE
Final Thoughts
If you’re a professional—especially in social care, education, environmental services, or governance—Orkney Islands Council is a welcoming employer offering strong benefits, relocation support, and incentives. While visa sponsorship isn’t detailed on listings, it’s quite possible for specialist roles. However, be prepared to navigate the housing market and embrace island life—flexibility and realistic expectations are key.
Next Steps:
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Explore the full list of roles on MyJobScotland for Orkney Islands Council.
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Consider contacting HR to confirm visa sponsorship options for your desired role.
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Plan a pre‑move visit (ideally in winter) to experience daily life and housing firsthand.
Let me know if you’d like help identifying roles that match your background, or guidance on UK skilled‑worker visa timing and documents.
