Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

Mission Pet Health; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 60,000 - 90,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Discounted veterinary care for your **

Online discount platform access

Teladoc 24/7 doctor access

Job summary

Mission Pet Health in San Diego is seeking a Lead Credentialed Veterinary Technician to provide skilled medical care under a veterinarian's direction while mentoring the technical team and supporting hospital operations.

You will lead nursing, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, and dentistry, while partnering with hospital leadership to improve workflows and client education. A strong communicator with AVMA credentials and 3+ years of licensed experience is preferred.

Qualifications

• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• Current Credentialed Veterinary Technician license in good standing.
• Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed technician with leadership or mentorship.
• Proficiency in anesthesia monitoring, surgical assisting, and radiology.
• Excellent communication and ability to stay composed in a fast-paced clinic.

Responsibilities

• Provide skilled medical care under DVM supervision and mentor technicians.
• Lead a technical team and support hospital operations.
• Coordinate workflows and implement protocols to improve efficiency.
• Educate clients about treatment plans and medical records.
• Oversee inventory of medical supplies and equipment maintenance.
• Maintain clear, accurate documentation in patient records.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership experience

Mentorship

Fast-paced environment

Anesthesia monitoring

Surgical assisting

Radiology

Education

AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program

Job description

You are invited to join the passionate team at Southpaw Vet, recognized as a Top Rated San Diego Veterinarian. We are dedicated to leading the community in both veterinary medicine and customer service, providing the highest quality medical and surgical care to every patient. Our commitment to excellence is reflected in our outstanding 4.8-star Google rating, showcasing the trust the community places in our friendly and knowledgeable teammates. This is your opportunity to do your best work alongside professionals who share a deep commitment to animal welfare and client education. We believe that in order to provide the highest quality care, we must first invest in our teammates. We strive to be the best employer we can be, creating a supportive environment where you can grow and succeed professionally. You will work alongside committed professionals who value empowering and educating clients about pet health. We offer dedicated support and mentorship programs designed to help all teammates achieve their professional goals and advance their careers, whether you aspire to pursue specialization or move into a leadership role within the practice. Southpaw Vet is focused entirely on comprehensive small animal care, allowing us to specialize in providing complex diagnostics, treatments, and intensive care. We are committed to remaining at the forefront of veterinary medicine, delivering advanced medical and surgical services designed to improve patient outcomes. Our focus is on providing meticulous care, ensuring that every patient receives tailored treatment plans and thorough attention from our highly trained and committed medical team. Joining Southpaw Vet means relocating to San Diego, California, one of the nation’s most desired coastal cities. San Diego offers an exceptional quality of life, defined by its idyllic climate, stunning beaches, and rich cultural amenities. When you step away from the clinic, you will enjoy easy access to diverse neighborhoods, vast outdoor recreation opportunities, and a thriving community atmosphere. This highly sought-after location allows you to build a rewarding career while enjoying the unparalleled lifestyle California has to offer.

Your Impact as a Lead Credentialed Veterinary Technician

The Lead Credentialed Veterinary Technician provides skilled medical care under the direction of a veterinarian while supporting hospital operations through oversight of the technical team. This role serves as a vital point of contact for our medical support staff, helping to ensure high-quality patient care, efficient workflows, and the consistent application of medical protocols. As a Lead Credentialed Veterinary Technician, you will provide mentorship, guidance, and technical leadership to your teammates while fostering a collaborative and supportive hospital culture.

Note: The Credentialed Veterinary Technician title is used in various states based on state-specific licensing and credentialing requirements. Responsibilities may vary depending on the hospital and/or state and will be outlined by the state’s Veterinary Practice Act and/or the responsible veterinarian, where applicable.

Your Impact Will Include

• Technical Leadership: Deliver high-quality patient care under DVM supervision, utilizing advanced technical skills across nursing, anesthesia, surgery, radiology, and dentistry.
• Team Mentorship: Act as a shift leader and mentor, providing real-time coaching, technical development, and onboarding support to veterinary technicians and assistants.
• Operational Partnership: Collaborate with hospital leadership to coordinate workflows, assign tasks, and implement protocols that improve hospital efficiency and patient outcomes.
• Client Education: Serve as a trusted point of contact for pet owners, clearly communicating treatment plans, reviewing medical records, and empowering clients to make informed healthcare decisions.
• Inventory & Equipment Care: Oversee the inventory of medical supplies and pharmacy items while ensuring that hospital equipment is properly maintained and documented.
• Medical Documentation: Maintain clear, accurate, and timely documentation in patient records using appropriate medical terminology and formatting standards.

What You'll Bring to the Team

• Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
• Current Credentialed Veterinary Technician license in good standing in the applicable state.
• A minimum of three years of experience as a licensed technician, with demonstrated leadership or mentorship experience preferred.
• Proficiency in advanced technical skills including anesthesia monitoring, surgical assisting, and radiology.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to maintain composure in a fast-paced medical environment.

Physical Requirements:

Ability to stand, walk, stoop, and kneel for extended periods. Ability to lift and move up to 50 pounds independently. Routine exposure to animals that may bite or scratch, as well as occasional exposure to anesthesia, radiation, and biological hazards. Adequate vision and manual dexterity are required to operate medical equipment and computer systems.

How You're Supported

As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on what you love.

Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.

Competitive Compensation

A competitive hourly rate or salary based on your experience and lead technician role.

Health & Wellbeing

We offer comprehensive coverage options including Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance, along with access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).

Financial Security

Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.

Commitment to Growth

We support your career goals with leadership training, mentorship opportunities, and professional development assistance.

The Power of a Network

Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration and medical excellence.

Valuable Perks

Enjoy discounted veterinary care for your own pets, access to an online discount platform, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.

About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world‑class support to its 900+ hospital teams on a hyper‑local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com. Driving the award‑winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian‑led, people‑focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.

Reasonable Accommodations:

Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact [e-mail] with your request and contact information.

EEO Statement:

Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.