Head Veterinary Technician

Countrysidevetcare; Countryside (IL); On-site; USD 33,000 - 45,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

PTO & sick pay

7 paid holidays & 2 floating holidays

Health, dental & vision insurance

Employer-paid short-term disability, ±

Life & disability insurance

401(k) with employer match

Parental/child-bonding leave

Pet-friendly workplace

Snacks & coffee

Job summary

Countryside Veterinary Center is seeking a Head Veterinary Technician to lead the Treatment team. This hands-on leadership role combines clinical duties with supervision, training, and department organization to keep the team running smoothly.

Ideal candidates have 3+ years of veterinary technician experience, Illinois CVT certification, and a passion for teaching and mentoring others in a busy hospital setting. Evening/weekend availability is required.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of veterinary technician experience required.
• Illinois CVT certification required.
• Experience training, mentoring, or supervising others is a plus.
• Strong hands-on clinical skills with ability to stay hands-on.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support the Treatment team comprised of Veterinary Technicians, Assistants, and Treatment Assistants.
• Oversee daily workflow, organization and staffing of the Treatment Department.
• Recruit, onboard, train and develop team members.

Skills

Veterinary Technician

Education

Illinois CVT Certification

Job description

Head Veterinary Technician

Internal Position Title: Treatment Team Manager

Countryside Veterinary Center is a busy, full-service animal hospital. We see a wide variety of cases and offer everything from wellness and urgent care to surgery, dentistry, rehabilitation, and more. We’re looking for an experienced veterinary technician who is ready to take the next step into leadership and join our Treatment team as a Head Veterinary Technician.

This is a hands-on leadership position that combines clinical work with team leadership, training, scheduling, department organization, and continued development of our Treatment team. You’ll work alongside our Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Treatment Assistants while partnering with our doctors and hospital leadership to keep the department running smoothly and help our team continue to grow.

We’re looking for someone who enjoys working with people just as much as they enjoy veterinary medicine — someone who likes teaching, mentoring, organizing, and being someone their team can turn to.

The Schedule

This is a full-time position, with evening and weekend availability required. Our Treatment team typically works a 4-day work week, with schedules designed around longer shifts — generally two 12-hour shifts, one shorter weekday shift, and every other weekend. Weekend frequency may vary based on hospital needs and scheduling.

What You’ll Do

This position combines hands-on veterinary medicine with leadership and department oversight. Your responsibilities will include:

• Lead and support our Veterinary Technicians, Veterinary Assistants, and Treatment Assistants
• Help oversee the daily workflow, organization, and staffing of the Treatment Department
• Recruit, interview, onboard, train, and develop treatment team members
• Provide ongoing coaching, mentorship, feedback, and support
• Help create and maintain department SOPs, protocols, and training programs
• Work with team members to help them build their skills and reach their professional goals
• Work alongside our doctors and medical team to provide excellent patient care
• Remain hands-on with examinations, procedures, surgery, dentistry, anesthesia, laboratory work, patient monitoring, and other technical responsibilities
• Serve as a clinical and technical resource for the treatment team
• Coordinate scheduling and appropriate department coverage
• Maintain an organized, well-stocked, and efficient Treatment Department
• Foster relationships with veterinary technician schools and coordinate externship opportunities
• Collaborate with other departments to support smooth hospital operations
• Be a go-to resource for the Treatment team and help foster a positive, collaborative work environment

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for someone who:

• Has at least 3 years of veterinary technician experience
• Illinois CVT certification required
• Has previous experience training, mentoring, leading, or supervising others
• Has strong technical and clinical skills and enjoys staying hands-on
• Is organized and able to manage multiple priorities in a busy hospital
• Communicates clearly and professionally with doctors, team members, hospital leadership, and clients
• Can provide constructive feedback and hold people accountable
• Enjoys teaching and developing other team members
• Takes initiative and follows through
• Can remain calm and professional in challenging situations

Benefits & Perks

• Competitive pay
• PTO & sick pay
• 7 paid holidays & 2 floating holidays
• Health, dental & vision insurance
• Employer-paid short-term disability insurance, with buy-up option
• Life & disability insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid parental/child-bonding leave
• Generous employee discount
• Bring your pet to work with you
• Snacks & coffee always stocked

Compensation

$24–$33/hour depending on experience.

Actual compensation will be based on experience, skills, credentials, and qualifications.

Countryside Veterinary Center is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment where everyone feels welcome.