Lead Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist - Big Rock Animal Clinic

VetStrategy; Okotoks; On-site; CAD 71,000 - 81,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical Insurance

RRSP Matching

Discretionary salary increases

Annual salary review

Job summary

VetStrategy in Okotoks, Alberta, is seeking a Lead Registered Veterinary Technician to support veterinarians and lead the nursing team. This full-time position focuses on high-quality animal care, client education, and efficient clinic operations.

The Lead RVT will manage staff, assist with inpatient and outpatient care, perform anesthesia, and maintain detailed medical records while fostering a collaborative, compassionate workplace.

Qualifications

• Completion of a 2- or 3-year animal health or veterinary technology program.
• 10+ years of experience in veterinary medicine.
• Proven RVT leadership and mentoring skills.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Ability to multitask under high-stress conditions.

Responsibilities

• Manage veterinary technical staff scheduling and training.
• Provide RVT duties and assist veterinarians and conduct inpatient/outpatient care.
• Counsel clients on animal health and homecare.
• Maintain accurate patient records and logs.

Skills

RVT certification

Veterinary experience

Leadership

Communication skills

Record keeping

Team leadership

Education

Animal health or veterinary technology program

Tools

Anesthesia equipment

Radiography

Job description

Across Canada, VetStrategy is a network of veterinary practices united by a shared purpose: healthy animals, happy owners.

We Bring This To Life Through Three Promises

• Our People Promise – To be a great place to work.
• Our Customer Promise – To deliver world‑class veterinary care, locally.
• Our Sustainability Promise – To be a force for good.

Guided by our values—We Care, We Dare, We Share—we prioritize well‑being, embrace challenges, and foster collaboration. Rooted in passion and compassion, we support our people, patients, their families, and our communities. Humble and approachable, we achieve more together.

Employer:

Vet Strategy Alberta Inc. o/a Big Rock Animal Clinic

Position:

Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

Terms of Employment:

Full-time / Permanent

Location:

Okotoks, Alberta

Employment Address:

47 McRae Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A5

Hours of Work:

40 hours/week

Language:

English

Existing Vacancy:

This posting reflects an ongoing opportunity for future openings.

Benefits:

Eligible for discretionary salary increases in accordance with company policy. Eligible for Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance and RRSP Matching.

Salary:

$70,720- 81,120 per annum

Position 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 collaboration.

Duties:

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

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 meetings.

Animal Care- Inpatient

• Preparing whiteboard, kennels, etc. for patient arrival
• Providing restraint and handling of a variety of species (restraint for exotic species will be taught if needed)
• Performing physical assessments and preliminary examinations on all hospitalized patients
• Conducting various methods of sample collection including venipuncture, cystocentesis, FNA’s, skin scraping, etc.
• Using and maintaining diagnostic equipment
• Conducting fecal analysis, urinalysis, cytology, blood smear preparation and evaluation
• Preparing samples for outside laboratories
• Setting, positioning, taking, and processing radiographs
• Preparing surgical suites
• Administering premedication, induction, and maintenance anesthetics
• Closely monitoring patients under general anesthesia
• Providing surgical assistance (sterile and circulating) as necessary
• Conducting IV fluid and medication calculations
• Preparing and administering medications via several routes
• Placing and maintaining IV catheters
• Performing dental cleanings and charting
• Assist with dental extractions as needed
• Performing maintenance on surgical and dental equipment
• Performing basic wound care and bandage placement on injured patients
• Ensuring patient hygiene and feeding
• Maintaining detailed and accurate records of all patient data and medication logs
• Recording patient data into the computer system

Animal Care- Outpatient

• Collecting patient history and discussing any pertinent preventive health issues such as parasite control, grooming, etc.
• Retrieving samples (blood, fecal, etc.) as necessary
• Assisting veterinarian during patient examinations
• Preparing medications and any necessary literature
• Following patient admittance and discharge procedures

Client Care

• Communicating empathetically and effectively with clients in high-stress scenarios
• Familiarizing with patient/client history and anticipating their needs accordingly
• Explaining and discussing surgical and medical estimates
• 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.
• Demonstrating techniques for homecare such as administering oral or topical medications, demonstrating SQ injections and fluid administration, oral hygiene and basic grooming
• Conducting patient recalls as needed and directing questions to the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) if required
• Providing accepted resources for better client compliance
• Supporting doctors and their recommendations to ensure best practices for patient health
• Ensuring that all client needs have been met
• Ensuring patient follow ups and laboratory result calls are completed in a timely manner

Housekeeping

• Understanding principles of asepsis and sterility
• Understanding and familiarity with appropriate cleaning products and necessary contact times
• Strong understanding of zoonoses/zoonotic agents
• Cleaning surgical suite and instruments
• Wrapping packs to be sterilized
• Keeping patient kennels always clean or alerting kennel attendant when cleaning is needed
• Cleaning up after oneself and patients in all areas of the hospital
• Restocking areas as needed, keeping a running list of hospital needs and alerting appropriate staff members to said needs
• Following all daily, weekly, and monthly checklists put in place for hospital upkeep
• Assisting with laundry as needed

Administrative & General

• Entering treatments, surgeries, comments, etc. into the computer system
• Assisting client care specialists with invoicing, phone inquiries, etc., as needed
• Understanding billing/payment options including pet insurance, and applying such knowledge as necessary
• Ensuring appointments run smoothly by helping with traffic flow
• Coaching, training, and supporting the development of other technicians
• Soliciting feedback of her/his peers to assist in developing a mutually respectful environment
• Planning support and deployment of the team with the doctors
• Overseeing inventory and performance reviews
• Providing medical support to the doctors including administering pharmaceuticals, providing aid during surgery, and monitoring patients
• Establishing medical protocols, working within the provincial guidelines for all medical practices

Requirements

• 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 intelligent

Note:

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 urgency.

AI 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.

VetStrategy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please reach out to [e-mail].