Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Shift Lead - Chantilly, VA

VEG ER for Pets; Chantilly (VA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 85,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Base salary + 401(k)

Health, dental, vision benefits

Learning & growth programs

Travel stipend

Student loan repayment

Parental leave

Job summary

VEG ER for Pets in Chantilly, VA, invites experienced veterinary technicians to join as Shift Leads. You will own shift rhythm, ensure top-tier patient care, and empower VEGgies to perform at their best through coaching, rounds, and floor leadership.

You will guide daily workflow, manage coverage, and support hospital leadership while maintaining a fast-paced, compassionate ER environment. This role suits proactive leaders passionate about veterinary emergency medicine.

Qualifications

• 1+ years of experience as a veterinary technician or assistant; emergency or specialty experience preferred.
• Credentialed Veterinary Technician preferred; VEG Credentialing Program enrollment welcomed.
• Strong clinical workflow understanding and team dynamics.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patient status, team bandwidth, and shift-wide needs.
• Manage daily workflow and adapt to the unexpected.
• Assign and adapt shift roles with clarity and care.
• Lead floor presence; jump in when needed.
• Coordinate breaks, resolve conflicts, and model calm.
• Lead shift transitions, huddles, and end-of-day wrap-ups.
• Communicate clearly and elevate key issues to leadership.
• Turn downtime into learning moments and growth.

Skills

CVT/RVT/LVMT

Emergency experience

Leadership

Communication

Team coaching

Education

CVT credential

VEG Credentialing Program enrollment

Tools

EMR software

Practice management software

Job description

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we've expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies! At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open‑concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer‑focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve. This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued, yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship, and yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible. VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work.

THE JOB

Veterinary nursing Shift Leads are the glue that holds each shift together—and the spark that keeps it moving. You own the rhythm and flow of each shift, making sure patients get top‑tier care and every VEGgie has what they need to thrive. From team huddles and rounds to break coverage and on‑the‑floor coaching, you’re the steady presence keeping things smooth, safe, and supported. You don’t need to know every detail, but you do keep a big picture view—anticipating what’s next and jumping in wherever needed. You lead with heart, hustle, and a belief that when your team is empowered, great care follows.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

• Keep a clear pulse on patient status, team bandwidth, and shift‑wide needs
• Manage daily workflow and help the team pivot when the unexpected hits
• Ensure shift roles are assigned and adapted as needed, with clarity and care
• Jump in on the floor when help is needed—no task is too small
• Coordinate breaks, assist with conflict resolution, and model calm under pressure
• Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start/end‑of‑day wrap‑ups
• Communicate clearly, direct questions appropriately, and elevate key issues
• Help the team turn downtime into learning time—or just a moment to breathe
• Flag incidents or notable events with a mindset of transparency and growth
• Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call‑outs, and ongoing coaching

WHAT YOU NEED

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT) or enrolled in the VEG Credentialing Support Program preferred
• 1+ years of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role; experience in emergency or specialty medicine preferred
• Strong grasp of clinical workflow and team dynamics
• Confidence in navigating floor operations while guiding others with empathy
• Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
• Flexibility and a willingness to step in wherever needed
• Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and a desire to grow professionally
• Basic computer skills, comprehension of practice management software and electronic medical record keeping
• Excellent collaborator when communicating with pet parents and the team
• Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment
• Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor; ability to lift up to 25 kg alone and support up to 40 kg with assistance
• Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors
• Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as‑needed basis based on hospital needs
• Work well in a fast‑paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types

WHO YOU ARE

• Empathetic, instinctively taking a people‑centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
• Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s accomplishments
• Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long‑term, impactful results
• Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• Competitive compensation, including base and 401(k) match
• Comprehensive health and wellness benefits that start on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, QPR training, and access to free therapy or counseling
• Depending on your role, you may be eligible for equity after one year of full‑time, active employment with VEG, so you can share in our growth and success
• Big focus on learning and growth, from VEG‑created clinical and leadership programs to unlimited ER CE and travel stipend (full‑time credentialed VEGgies receive a $2,500/year travel stipend; full‑time uncredentialed VEGgies receive a $1,000/year travel stipend)
• Clinical student loan repayment so you don’t need to worry about your student debt
• Paid parental leave; up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary and inclusive fertility and family‑building care for all types of families
• Flexible work schedules to support your life outside of work
• Generous employee referral program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• The little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, and food in the fridge for when you’re hungry

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it’s a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is “Helping people and their pets when they need it most.” We do that better when our VEGgies feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That’s why we’re devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated. We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision‑making, and ensuring that everyone’s perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world’s veterinary emergency company.