Shetland Islands Council, established in 1975, is the primary local authority serving around 22,000 residents across Scotland’s northernmost archipelago From education and social work to housing, environmental health, transport, and energy, this multifaceted organization shapes daily life in Shetland.
Working here means being part of a close‑knit team in an extraordinary natural setting — think Northern Lights, remote islands, and dynamic communities. Staff benefit from “distant‑islands allowances,” strong pension schemes, continuous professional development, flexible work, and relocation support.
Why Consider Shetland?
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Unique island challenges — Manage council‑run ferries, ports, airports, and one of Europe’s largest oil terminals.
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Exceptional lifestyle — Shetland’s stunning landscapes, tight communities, long summer days, and dark winter nights are unlike anywhere else.
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Strong demand for talent — With nearly 31 openings on MyJobScotland, roles range from entry‑level to senior positions, such as Head Teachers, Environmental Health Officers, Housing Officers, and Social Care Workers
Current Featured Roles
Highlighted roles from the council’s job portal include:
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Social Care Worker (Entry/Main Grade): Full‑ or part‑time roles in community care, offering between £16.24–18.11/hr. No formal qualifications required for entry roles—strong personal values are key.
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Environmental Health Officer: Permanent, full‑time role in Lerwick paying £49,658–51,376/yr (including island allowance) with relocation package.
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Housing Officer – Development Services: Career‑graded, salary £34,000–38,962/yr, with funded qualifications and progression support.
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Registrar in Executive Services: Full‑time role (£34,000–34,965/yr incl. distant‑islands allowance) supporting civil ceremonies and vital record‑keeping..
These listings offer varied hours and contract types—from casual and part‑time to permanent and full‑time—across council departments.
Visa Sponsorship Available
Several roles explicitly note UK visa sponsorship is available—applicants should state their need in their application. This is confirmed for key roles including:
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Social Care Workers: “If you require UK visa sponsorship please state this in your application…”
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Registrar and Environmental Health Officer roles similarly invite sponsorship‑required applications.
Importantly, visa sponsorship in Scotland must align with Home Office criteria; it’s not automatic or “free” Nevertheless, the council is open to sponsoring skilled candidates where local labor retention is challenging.
Living & Working in Shetland: Tips from Around the Web
Reddit users and locals offer grounded insights:
“Shetland employers are used to recruiting from outside… Jobs with the Council and NHS sometimes have a relocation package too.”
“…finding somewhere to live! … NHS jobs have had to turn them down cause it’s near impossible sometimes.”
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Housing is scarce, particularly in Lerwick; remote options are more accessible.
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Living costs are higher—but offset by island allowances and strong job availability.
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Weather can be extreme; prepare for remote lifestyle, expensive travel, and intermittent ferry journeys.
