Lead Veterinary Technician

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; San Antonio (TX); On-site; USD 55,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employee Assistance Program

Paid Vacation and Sick Time

Paid Parental Leave

Continuing Education Allowance

Tuition Reimbursement

Job summary

Ellison Drive Animal Hospital in San Antonio seeks an experienced Lead Veterinary Technician to lead daily hospital operations, assist veterinarians, and support patient care with strong surgical and anesthesia skills.

You’ll mentor technicians, ensure efficient workflow, manage records, and uphold high veterinary standards while maintaining compassionate client communication and a positive team culture.

Qualifications

• We’re seeking a Lead Veterinary Technician with surgical and anesthesia expertise.
• Experience in a lead or senior role is a plus and weekend availability is preferred.
• CVT/RVT/LVT credentials are a bonus and a strong client-service orientation is essential.

Responsibilities

• Lead and support veterinary technicians and assistants in daily hospital operations.
• Assist veterinarians with exams, procedures, and patient care.
• Prepare surgical patients and provide skilled surgical assistance.
• Monitor anesthesia and post-anesthesia recovery for procedures.
• Provide nursing care for hospitalized and complex cases.
• Collect and process samples and operate lab/diagnostic testing equipment.
• Position patients and capture radiographs, including dental radiographs when applicable.
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate treatment plans to clients.
• Coach, support, and provide feedback to team members.

Skills

Surgical experience

Anesthesia experience

Lead/senior experience

Communication skills

Weekend availability

Preventative care knowledge

Education

CVT, RVT, or LVT credentials

Tools

Laboratory equipment

Radiography equipment

Job description

Ellison Drive Animal Hospital has been caring for the pets and families of San Antonio, TX, for more than 20 years. We’re proud to provide comprehensive veterinary care in a welcoming environment where compassionate patient care and teamwork come first.

We’re looking for an experienced Lead Veterinary Technician with strong surgical and anesthesia skills to join our collaborative veterinary team. This is an excellent opportunity for a confident veterinary professional who enjoys being hands-on with patients while also helping guide the team, support hospital flow, and maintain a high standard of veterinary care.

Our hospital provides a diverse range of services, including wellness and preventative care, surgery, grooming, and boarding. As a Lead Veterinary Technician, you’ll have the opportunity to use your veterinary knowledge across a variety of cases while helping mentor and support other members of the team.

In this leadership-focused veterinary role, you’ll help keep daily patient care and hospital operations running smoothly. Responsibilities may include:

• Lead and support veterinary technicians and assistants throughout daily hospital operations
• Assist veterinarians with examinations, procedures, treatments, and patient care
• Prepare surgical patients and provide skilled surgical assistance
• Monitor anesthesia and surgical patients before, during, and after procedures
• Safely restrain patients using low-stress handling techniques
• Triage incoming patients and recognize changes in patient condition
• Provide nursing care for hospitalized and medically complex cases
• Collect, process, and evaluate blood, urine, fecal, and skin samples
• Set up and operate laboratory equipment and process diagnostic testing
• Position patients and capture quality diagnostic radiographs; dental radiography experience is a plus
• Accurately obtain medical histories, maintain medical records, and document patient care
• Communicate treatment plans and patient updates clearly and professionally with clients
• Help maintain efficient hospital flow, organization, and veterinary standards
• Provide coaching, support, and constructive feedback to veterinary team members

Qualifications

What We’re Looking For

We’re looking for a Lead Veterinary Technician who brings a strong work ethic, positive attitude, and genuine passion for veterinary medicine. The ideal candidate is confident in a fast-paced veterinary environment and comfortable taking initiative while supporting the success of the entire team.

You’ll be a great fit if you have:

• Previous veterinary technician experience, with surgical and anesthesia experiencerequired
• At least 1 year of veterinary experience; additional experience in a lead or senior role is a plus
• CVT, RVT, or LVT credentials are a bonus
• Strong knowledge of preventative care, surgical procedures, anesthesia, and hospital flow
• Proficiency with laboratory sample collection, processing, and diagnostic testing
• Experience obtaining and positioning radiographs; dental radiographs are a plus
• Excellent communication and customer service skills
• The ability to accurately interpret medical records and document client and patient histories
• A dependable, punctual, team-oriented approach and weekend availability
• A desire to continue developing your veterinary knowledge and leadership skills
• The ability to receive and provide constructive feedback professionally

Grow With Our Veterinary Team

Whether you’re already an experienced Lead Veterinary Technician or ready to take the next step in your veterinary career, we want to help you grow. We offer virtual, hands-on, and interactive training opportunities so you can continue strengthening your clinical and leadership skills.

If you’re ready to bring your surgical experience, veterinary expertise, and leadership skills to a team that values collaboration and exceptional patient care, Ellison Drive Animal Hospital would love to meet you.

Additional Information

We offer our staff:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Paid Vacation and Sick Time for ALL Employees
• Paid Bereavement Program
• Paid Parental Leave Program
• Competitive Compensation
• Continuing Education Allowance (applies to licensed/registered/certified roles)
• Tuition Reimbursement Program Available to any AVMA Accredited Veterinary Technology Program
• Referral Bonus Program for most positions!
• Additional Benefits May Also Be Available (i.e. Personal Pet Discounts, Holiday Pay, Uniform Allowance, Bonuses etc)
• Hiring eligibility may be contingent to a candidate authorizing and completing a satisfactory pre-employment screening.

*Note – some benefits may only be available to or vary slightly for full time employment status vs part time status.