Veterinary Hospital Manager

West Coast Animal Hospital; San Diego (CA); On-site; USD 70,000 - 80,000; Full time

Job summary

West Coast Animal Hospital in San Diego, CA seeks a Hospital Manager to lead clinical operations across two locations, overseeing RVTs, veterinary technicians, and technician assistants. You will partner with the Medical Director to uphold patient care standards and maintain a positive work culture.

The role focuses on medical operations and team leadership rather than business, with an emphasis on staffing, training, scheduling, and documentation to support high-quality care.

Qualifications

• Licensed or certified veterinary technician is required.
• Minimum of five years in a veterinary leadership role.
• Proven track record managing technician teams and daily hospital operations.

Responsibilities

• Oversee all technician staff, including RVTs, veterinary technicians, and technician assistants.
• Hire, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management of all technical staff.
• Handle discipline of employees with documentation and fair processes.
• Prepare and deliver employee evaluations and maintain personnel files.

Skills

Leadership

Interpersonal skills

Organizational skills

Communication

Problem-solving

Multitasking

Staff development

Education

Licensed or Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT)

Job description

REPORTS TO:

Regional Director

West Coast Animal Hospital opened in 2017 with the goal of rewriting the rules in veterinary medicine to ensure the highest quality of care, top quality customer service, and great work environment. Since opening, WCAH has grown to a 10-doctor practice with 2 locations and earned the reputation of being San Diego’s best place to work in veterinary medicine. As San Diego’s largest privately owned general practice, WCAH offers a great work-life balance, support structure and culture of positivity.

The Hospital Manager is responsible for providing leadership and oversight of all clinical operations at West Coast Animal Hospital. This includes management of all technician staff, including Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), veterinary technicians, and technician assistants. The Hospital Manager ensures that hospital operations run efficiently, team members are supported and trained, and patient care standards are upheld at the highest level. This position focuses on medical operations and team leadership rather than business or financial management. The Hospital Manager works closely with the Medical Director and leadership team to ensure clinical excellence, consistency, and a positive, collaborative work culture.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS

Licensed or Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT, LVT, or RVT) required.

EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS

Minimum of five (5) years of experience in a veterinary clinical or operational leadership role. Must have a proven record of successfully managing veterinary technician teams and overseeing daily hospital operations.

PERSONAL REQUIREMENTS

• Strong leadership and interpersonal skills with the ability to motivate and develop a team.
• Excellent organizational, communication, and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Commitment to upholding the hospital’s mission, values, and standards of patient care.
• Maintains professionalism, integrity, and composure in all interactions.

STAFF MANAGEMENT

• Oversees all technician staff, including RVTs, veterinary technicians, and technician assistants.
• Understand and apply the legal implications in the hiring process. Hire all staff and maintain a pool of qualified applicants to ensure optimal staffing levels at all times.
• Responsible for hiring, onboarding, training, scheduling, and performance management of all technical staff.
• Handle fair and consistent discipline of employees as necessary, maintaining appropriate documentation.
• Responsible for discharging or terminating staff members, ensuring compliance with legal requirements and sound decision-making throughout the process.
• Handle or oversee all staff scheduling, promoting the best use of staff during peak hours and adjusting for slower times.
• Prepare and deliver employee evaluations and maintain documentation in personnel files.
• Create an annual educational plan for each employee, including associated budget needs. Ensure credentialed employees meet continuing education and licensure requirements.
• Implement and oversee all training programs related to employee development, including safety, OSHA, chemotherapy, biomedical, and radiation training, ensuring all documentation is current and complete.
• Plan and conduct technician department meetings to promote communication, consistency, and alignment of goals.
  
• Lead and mentor Technician Supervisors and ensure alignment of team goals with hospital objectives.
• Handle personnel issues, provide coaching, and facilitate conflict resolution when necessary.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, and mutual respect among all team members.
• Ensure appropriate staffing levels and optimal scheduling to meet hospital needs.
• Partner with the Medical Director to ensure technicians are supported in the delivery of high-quality patient care.

PRODUCTIVITY

• Oversees daily workflow and ensures efficient utilization of technical staff.
• Develops and refines technician protocols and workflows to improve efficiency and consistency of patient care.
• Monitors productivity metrics and implements operational improvements when necessary.
• Collaborates with the Medical Director and leadership team to maintain compliance with hospital policies and medical standards.
• Assists with implementation of new procedures, technology, and equipment to enhance patient care and hospital operations.
• Promotes effective communication between veterinarians and technical staff to ensure smooth case management.

OTHER DUTIES

• Participate in leadership meetings to provide updates and collaborate on hospital initiatives.
• Assist in developing and implementing training programs for technician staff.
• Ensure compliance with safety, OSHA, and infection control protocols.
• Support hospital readiness for AAHA and other accreditation processes.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Regional Director or hospital leadership.

POSITION REQUIREMENTS

This position requires a Certified or Licensed Veterinary Technician with proven experience in hospital operations, staff management, and clinical leadership. The Hospital Manager must demonstrate exceptional communication skills, organizational ability, and a deep understanding of veterinary medical workflows.

WAGE RANGE

$70,000 – $80,000 annual salary, depending on experience and qualifications.

PERFORMANCE EXPECTATIONS

• Maintains a positive and professional work environment that supports collaboration and clinical excellence.
• Ensures that all technician staff perform duties in alignment with hospital standards and protocols.
• Promotes accountability, teamwork, and effective communication within the technical staff.
• Demonstrates strong leadership in addressing operational challenges and supporting team success.
• Consistently drives improvement in workflow efficiency, patient care quality, and staff engagement.

West Coast Animal Hospital