Certified Veterinary Technician - Ophthalmology Practice Leader

Thrive Pet Healthcare; St. Charles (IL); On-site; USD 38,572 - 44,083; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Paid time off

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

HSA & FSA

Pet perks

401(k)

Continuing education

Job summary

Eye Care for Animals St Charles is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant to serve as Practice Leader. This role blends hands-on veterinary technician work (70%) with leadership (30%), guiding staff, managing daily operations, budgeting, and driving service quality.

The position is full-time, with a Monday–Friday schedule, offering competitive hourly pay, a $5,000 sign-on bonus, and comprehensive benefits. Located in St.

Qualifications

• 5+ years veterinary technician experience preferred.
• CVT licensure preferred but not required; strong leaders who are veterinary assistants welcome.
• Proficiency with IV catheter placement, bloodwork, IV/IM/SQ injections.
• Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and related equipment.
• Team-player attitude and strong interpersonal skills.
• Experience with staff hiring and termination.
• Capability to lead, manage, and coach staff at all levels.
• Excellent budgeting and financial reporting skills, including reading a P&L.
• Three years of supervisory experience; 3+ years managing a veterinary practice preferred.
• Physical ability to lift up to 40 lbs and occasional overtime.

Responsibilities

• Lead and mentor staff to deliver outstanding patient and client care.
• Oversee hiring, training, and coaching of team members.
• Monitor KPIs, budgeting, and inventory control; implement safety procedures.

Skills

Team leadership

Budgeting/financial reporting

Communication

Customer service

Analytical thinking

Staff coaching

Education

CVT licensure preferred

Tools

Excel

Job description

Certified Veterinary Technician or Veterinary Assistant – Practice Lead

Eye Care for Animals – St Charles

Full-time, Monday‑Friday 7:00 A.M. – 4:30 P.M.

We’re looking for a leader to guide our team of veterinary professionals, ensuring excellent patient and customer care while managing day‑to‑day operations.

Job Overview

The Practice Leader (PL) is critical to the success of the hospital, building a positive culture, creating operational efficiencies, and driving client service and employee engagement. The role is 70 % Veterinary Assistant/Technician and 30 % Practice Leader. The PL functions as the “Integrator” on the hospital’s accountability chart, participates in Thrive Planning leadership meetings, and exercises sound judgment in decision‑making.

The PL oversees business activities: hiring and training staff; collaborating with the Eye Care for Animals Leadership team on budgeting; monitoring and analyzing key performance indicators; maintaining inventory and control systems; and implementing safety and security procedures.

Culture & Work Environment

• Communicates the practice’s values and mission to the team.
• Motivates staff and helps build and maintain morale.
• Holds regular staff meetings and mandatory training on service and care standards.
• Promotes a cooperative working environment and supports teamwork.
• Willingness to perform necessary tasks for the hospital’s unit function.
• Promotes continuous quality improvement (CQI) to achieve the vision.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of veterinary technician experience preferred.
• CVT licensure preferred but not required; we welcome strong leaders who are veterinary assistants.
• Proficiency with IV catheter placement, bloodwork, and IV/IM/SQ injections.
• Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring and related equipment.
• Team‑player attitude.
• Analytical ability to prioritize and initiate operational programs.
• Sound judgment in decision‑making.
• Capability to lead, manage, and coach staff at all levels.
• Experience with staff hiring and termination.
• Empathy toward clients and care for animals.
• Excellent interpersonal communication skills.
• Commitment to outstanding client service.
• Competence in budgeting and financial reporting, including reading and analyzing a P&L statement.
• Strong math and Excel/spreadsheet skills.
• Three years of supervisory experience.
• Preferred: three years or more managing a veterinary practice.
• Physical ability to lift objects up to 40 lbs unaided and more with assistance.
• Availability for occasional uncommon hours, overtime, and recall for emergencies.

Why Work at Eye Care for Animals St Charles?

We nurture a supportive, emotionally intelligent atmosphere that values a healthy work/life balance. Our location offers a desirable community to live and work.

Benefits – Our Care In Action

• Competitive compensation: $28–$32 /hr (subject to performance reviews).
• Practice Leader bonus in addition to hourly pay.
• Sign‑on bonus: $5,000.
• Paid time off, including 8 weeks of full‑pay parental leave, bereavement, and time off for new pet adoptions.
• Top‑quality medical, dental, and vision insurance, HSA, and FSA.
• Pet perks: free exams, discounts, etc. at all Thrive Pet Healthcare locations.
• Subsidized backup and ongoing care for children, adults, and pets.
• Mental health benefits, including coaching and therapy sessions.
• 401(k) program.
• Continuing education and development support through a library of free CE courses and 3 days PTO for completion.

Compensation is negotiable based on credentials and experience, with an hourly pay rate starting at $27–$31 /hr. The actual rate will consider skills, qualifications, experience, and location.