ABOUT USShetland - a place to belong
Shetland is a special place, with a strong tradition of welcoming people from different cultures and countries. It has a flourishing and diverse economy full of opportunity and interest, and offers a lifestyle like nowhere else. The council is the biggest employer and offers a range of roles in every part of the isles, all with a chance to make a real impact on the community.
A population of 22,000 lives across three major islands and a dozen smaller ones, in the 7,500-resident capital Lerwick, colourful villages like Scalloway and a host of smaller crofting townships and more remote settlements. Famed for its stunning seascapes across 1700 miles of coastline, its wildlife, outdoor activities and modern infrastructure, Shetland’s position 400 miles south of the Arctic Circle provides it with long, light summer nights and starlit, dark winter skies. With the constant chance of seeing the Northern Lights.
It can be stormy and startlingly calm, but always beautiful with often surprisingly mild winters. Shetland is remote, but connected. It’s archaeology goes beyond the vikings to the Picts and before, but the past half century has seen huge changes, largely funded by the offshore oil industry. Fishing, aquaculture, textiles, tourism and now renewable energy are major economic drivers.
Working for the council, you’ll face unique island challenges and issues familiar in any local authority. We’re ready to welcome you.
Shetland - a move that can make a difference
The council provides a range of essential services and support to 22,000 people across 15 inhabited islands, so we’re looking for flexible, creative people who enjoy Shetland’s sometimes unusual challenges.
We actively encourage applications from anyone interested in living and working in Shetland and we have opportunities for a huge range of skill sets.
As well as the range of services any local authority must provide, Shetland is home to one of Europe's largest ports, the Sullom Voe Terminal, which is operated by the council, and we're one of the few local authorities which operates both its own ferry services and airports. So we can offer some unusual career moves.
But in every aspect of council work, there are advantages and opportunities unique to Shetland: close, small teams, your very visible place in the community, and a management committed to transparency, accountability, staff welfare and we offer generous terms and conditions.
We believe in investing in our employees, so professional and personal development is thoroughly supported, with training opportunities within the isles and elsewhere, often using video conferencing and other forms of interactive digital education.
Shetland offers challenges, opportunities, career growth and a sense of accomplishment in a unique environment. It may not be for everyone, but we’re looking for special people who’ll thrive in this special place.
