Working in Orkney

An entrepreneurial spirit underpins the economy of the islands, in the traditional industries of fishing and farming – and in more recent sectors like tourism, jewellery making and renewable energy.

Unemployment levels in Orkney are among the lowest in the country.

On the smaller islands it is not uncommon for people to have a number of part time jobs rather than on single full time employment.

There are always jobs listed in The Orcadian and Orkney Today newspapers. Both of these newspapers offer a subscription service and it may well be worth your while subscribing to either or both of these to keep an eye on what's going on in Orkney before moving here.

There is a Jobcentre Plus in Kirkwall

Jobcentre Plus,
Tankerness Lane,
Kirkwall,
Orkney.
KW15 1AJ

Phone: 01856 885300

As an example of the work available in Orkney here is a snapshot of the vacancies advertised in the 15th March edition of The Orcadian.

  • Inshore Fisheries Group Coordinators (2 Full Time Vacancies 1 Part Time Vacancy)
  • Part time, Kitchen, Bathroom and Bedroom Sales Person
  • Yard Person/LGV Driver (Class 2)
  • Harvesting Crew and Site Assistants
  • Invitation for Sponsored Deck and Engineer Officer Cadets (School of Nautical Studies)
  • College Technician
  • Cleaner (part time)
  • Seasonal Car Hire Assistant
  • Seasonal Hotel Staff (Cleaner, Bar, Dining Room, All Departments)
  • Coordinator for The Heart of Neolithic Orkney World Heritage Site
  • Part Time Terminal Duty Officer (Airport)
  • Jewellery Enameller
  • Orkney Island Council
    • Teacher of Business Education
    • Kitchen Assistant x 2
    • Part Time Leisure Attendant
    • Counter Pollution/QA Manager
    • Planning Officer (Quality and Information)
    • Home Support Worker
  • Shop Worker/Trainee Carpet Fitter
  • Part Time Cleaners x 2
  • Delivery Driver
  • Full & Part Time Bar Staff
  • Part Time Bartenders x 2
  • Cleaner/Caretaker
  • Receptionist/Administration Assistant - Accountants
  • Nursery Nurse
  • Store person
  • Chef (full time)
  • Workshop Junior Machinist
  • Grass cutters/General Workers
  • Trained/Experienced Hairdresser
  • Secretary (Football Club)
  • Cleaner (part time)

Hopefully this give a taste of the number and range of jobs available on a typical week. For more information and to keep up to date on specific vacancies i would strongly recommend taking a subscription to The Orcadian or Orkney Today (or both).

There are many small businesses in orkney particularly in the tourism sector. Small business development is very well supported both through the local council and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise. More information on what support is available can be found in the Orkney Islands Councils website and the Highlands and Islands Enterprise website. For examples of the support that Highlands and Islands Enterprise have provided to local businesses grant approvals are listed on their website.