Lead Registered Veterinary TechnicianTechnologist Big Rock Animal Clinic

Employer: Vet Strategy Alberta Inc. o/a Big Rock Animal ClinicPosition: Lead Registered Veterinary TechnicianTerms of Employment: Full-time / PermanentLocation: Okotoks AlbertaEmployment Address: 47 McRae Street Okotoks Alberta T1S 1A5Hours of Work: 40 hours/weekLanguage: EnglishExisting Vacancy: This posting reflects an ongoing opportunity for future : Eligible for discretionary salary increases in accordance with company policy. Eligible for Medical Insurance Dental Insurance and RRSP : $70720- 81120 per annumContact: Please send resumes to and include Lead RVT in the email subject Overview: The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) fully assists the veterinarian(s). Reporting to the Practice or Office Manager (or to the attending veterinarian in their absence) the Lead RVT provides clarity and organization to the daily tasks of the nursing team and helps decrease the workload of practitioners allowing them to complete tasks that only they are licensed to perform. The skill and knowledge of the Lead RVT help achieve an excellent standard of care. Primary duties will be divided between providing animal care and counseling clients on best practices for animal health. The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician will also foster a positive environment of teamwork and : The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician will dedicate most of their scheduled hours to the performance of RVT duties. Other tasks the Lead Technician will perform will include but not be limited to:Management of the veterinary technical staff (including veterinary assistants) to ensure that:- The veterinarians are adequately supported (scheduling)- A high level of patient care is achieved- Adequate training has been provided for nursing staff (new and existing)Management of the kennel help (if applicable) to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained and acting as a representative of nursing staff at team and site management Care- Inpatient:o Preparing whiteboard kennels etc. for patient arrivalo Providing restraint and handling of a variety of species (restraint for exotic species will be taught if needed)o Performing physical assessments and preliminary examinations on all hospitalized patientso Conducting various methods of sample collection including venipuncture cystocentesis FNAs skin scraping etc.o Using and maintaining diagnostic equipmento Conducting fecal analysis urinalysis cytology blood smear preparation and evaluationo Preparing samples for outside laboratorieso Setting positioning taking and processing radiographso Preparing surgical suiteso Administering premedication induction and maintenance anestheticso Closely monitoring patients under general anesthesiao Providing surgical assistance (sterile and circulating) as necessaryo Conducting IV fluid and medication calculationso Preparing and administering medications via several routeso Placing and maintaining IV catheterso Performing dental cleanings and chartingo Assist with dental extractions as neededo Performing maintenance on surgical and dental equipmento Performing basic wound care and bandage placement on injured patientso Ensuring patient hygiene and feedingo Maintaining detailed and accurate records of all patient data and medication logso Recording patient data into the computer systemAnimal Care- Outpatient:o Collecting patient history and discussing any pertinent preventive health issues such as parasite control grooming etc.o Retrieving samples (blood fecal etc.) as necessaryo Assisting veterinarian during patient examinationso Preparing medications and any necessary literatureo Following patient admittance and discharge proceduresClient Care:o Communicating empathetically and effectively with clients in high-stress scenarioso Familiarizing with patient/client history and anticipating their needs accordinglyo Explaining and discussing surgical and medical estimateso Counselling and educating clients on products prescribed such as parasite control diet grooming and behavioural tools as well as common procedures performed such as dentals spays neuters etc.o Demonstrating techniques for homecare such as administering oral or topical medications demonstrating SQ injections and fluid administration oral hygiene and basic groomingo Conducting patient recalls as needed and directing questions to the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) if requiredo Providing accepted resources for better client complianceo Supporting doctors and their recommendations to ensure best practices for patient healtho Ensuring that all client needs have been meto Ensuring patient follow ups and laboratory result calls are completed in a timely mannerHousekeeping:o Understanding principles of asepsis and sterilityo Understanding and familiarity with appropriate cleaning products and necessary contact timeso Strong understanding of zoonoses/zoonotic agentso Cleaning surgical suite and instrumentso Wrapping packs to be sterilizedo Keeping patient kennels always clean or alerting kennel attendant when cleaning is neededo Cleaning up after oneself and patients in all areas of the hospitalo Restocking areas as needed keeping a running list of hospital needs and alerting appropriate staff members to said needso Following all daily weekly and monthly checklists put in place for hospital upkeepo Assisting with laundry as neededAdministrative & General:o Entering treatments surgeries comments etc. into the computer systemo Assisting client care specialists with invoicing phone inquiries etc. as neededo Understanding billing/payment options including pet insurance and applying such knowledge as necessaryo Ensuring appointments run smoothly by helping with traffic flowo Coaching training and supporting the development of other technicianso Soliciting feedback of her/his peers to assist in developing a mutually respectful environmento Planning support and deployment of the team with the doctorso Overseeing inventory and performance reviewso Providing medical support to the doctors including administering pharmaceuticals providing aid during surgery and monitoring patientso Establishing medical protocols working within the provincial guidelines for all medical practicesRequirements: Completion of a 2- or 3-year animal health or veterinary technology/college program is required 10 years of experience as a Veterinary Technician/working in veterinary medicine is required Excellent RVT both practical and knowledge based Proven leadership skills including successful coaching and mentoring skills Great attention to detail and well organized Excellent written and oral communication skills Able to remain calm focused and efficient in high-stress life-threatening situations Excellent triage and critical care skills Strong understanding of emergency protocols pharmacology and diagnostic procedures Able to rapidly assess patient condition and communicate effectively with the medical team Strong understanding of animal behaviour Familiarity with ventilators crash carts oxygen therapy and other emergency equipment Comfortable with running anesthesia and managing sedated patients with a deep understanding of common anesthetic agents potential side effects and appropriate protocols Compassionate communicator with distressed or grieving clients Prioritization and multitasking under pressure is essential Demonstrates adaptability attention to detail and excellent record keeping Approachable motivated and dedicated to fostering a collaborative approach Resilient team-oriented and emotionally intelligentNote: This job description may evolve as hospital protocols and case demand shifts. Veterinary Technicians must demonstrate initiative clinical skill and teamwork always often under conditions of uncertainty or Disclosure: We may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with scheduling interviews and managing screening times. We do not use AI to evaluate applicants or make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.