FSS has an exciting opportunity for two qualified Official Veterinarians (OVs) to join our team and work across Approved Meat Establishments in Scotland. Whilst these are temporary contracts, there will be opportunities to apply for permanent roles.
We’re looking for motivated and driven veterinarians to deliver Official Controls in Food Standards Scotland meat approved premises (abattoirs and game handling establishments) across Scotland. It is a great opportunity to join a supportive team with a positive workplace culture, as demonstrated by our BVA Great Workplace Silver accreditation.
The FSS OV is the technical lead for field teams in all aspects related to verification of the Food Business Operator’s compliance with all relevant legislation as stated in the FSS Scottish Manual for Official Controls (SMOC). This is a role that has a significant impact on both animal welfare and safeguarding human health.
We offer:
- competitive starting salary of £39,767 per annum
- 35 hour working week with no on-call requirement
- additional pay supplement of £4,250 per annum (upon successful completion of the training programme)
- pay progression within the grade until you reach maximum of the band (£45,472)
- fully paid and supported in-house training, which is estimated to take between 3-4 months
- continuous professional development opportunities, including fully paid training of at least 35 hours per year and paid Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) and British Veterinary Association annual fees
- 5 weeks annual leave, increasing to 6 weeks after 2 years of service (plus 11.5 public and privilege days per year, with an additional day in 2026 – World Cup Holiday – 15 June)
- family-friendly benefits including paid maternity, paternity and adoption leave (subject to qualifying period), and access to a range of other Civil Service benefits
- Civil Service Pension Scheme — one of the best pension schemes in the UK, with employee contribution starting at 4.6% and employer contribution from 26.6.% (note that the pay supplement is also pensionable)
- generous sick pay entitlement — up to 6 months fully paid sickness leave in any 12 months rolling period
- special and volunteering leave
- management and peer support throughout your development and career with us
- guidance to navigate all requirements to become a Government Vet with FSS (RCVS registration, working visa, support with relocation etc.)
We ask that you:
- are a qualified veterinarian from one of the universities approved by RCVS
- have at least IELTS level 6 English and achieve level 7 within maximum 18 months from starting employment
- work well within a team, communicate clearly and take satisfaction in a job well done
For more information please download the candidate pack below.