Across Canada, VetStrategy is a network of veterinary practices united by a shared purpose: healthy animals, happy owners.

We Bring This To Life Through Three Promises

Our People Promise – To be a great place to work.

Our Customer Promise – To deliver world‑class veterinary care, locally.

Our Sustainability Promise – To be a force for good.

Guided by our values— We Care, We Dare, We Share —we prioritize well‑being, embrace challenges, and foster collaboration. Rooted in passion and compassion, we support our people, patients, their families, and our communities. Humble and approachable, we achieve more together.

Employer:
Vet Strategy Alberta Inc. o/a Big Rock Animal Clinic

Position:
Lead Registered Veterinary Technician

Terms of Employment:
Full-time / Permanent

Location:
Okotoks, Alberta

Employment Address:
47 McRae Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A5

Hours of Work:
40 hours/week

Language:
English

Existing Vacancy:
This posting reflects an ongoing opportunity for future openings.

Perks:
Eligible for discretionary salary increases in accordance with company policy. Eligible for Medical Insurance, Dental Insurance and RRSP Matching.

Salary:
$70,720- 81,120 per annum

Position Overview:
The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) fully assists the veterinarian(s). Reporting to the Practice or Office Manager (or to the attending veterinarian in their absence), the Lead RVT provides clarity and organization to the daily tasks of the nursing team and helps decrease the workload of practitioners allowing them to complete tasks that only they are licensed to perform. The skill and knowledge of the Lead RVT help achieve an excellent standard of care. Primary duties will be divided between providing animal care and counseling clients on best practices for animal health. The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician will also foster a positive workplace of teamwork and collaboration.

Duties:
The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician will dedicate most of their scheduled hours to the performance of RVT duties. Other tasks the Lead Technician will perform will include, but not be limited to:

Management of the veterinary technical staff
to ensure that:

The veterinarians are adequately supported (scheduling)

A high level of patient care is achieved

Adequate training has been provided for nursing staff (new and existing)

Management of the kennel help (if applicable) to ensure that the physical facilities are properly maintained and acting as a representative of nursing staff at team and site management meetings.

Animal Care- Inpatient

Preparing whiteboard, kennels, etc. for patient arrival

Providing restraint and handling of a variety of species (restraint for exotic species will be taught if needed)

Performing physical assessments and preliminary examinations on all hospitalized patients

Conducting various methods of sample collection including venipuncture, cystocentesis, FNA’s, skin scraping, etc.

Using and maintaining diagnostic equipment

Conducting fecal analysis, urinalysis, cytology, blood smear preparation and evaluation

Preparing samples for outside laboratories

Setting, positioning, taking,



and processing radiographs

Preparing surgical suites

Administering premedication, induction, and maintenance anesthetics

Closely monitoring patients under general anesthesia

Providing surgical assistance (sterile and circulating) as necessary

Conducting IV fluid and medication calculations

Preparing and administering medications via several routes

Placing and maintaining IV catheters

Performing dental cleanings and charting

Assist with dental extractions as needed

Performing maintenance on surgical and dental equipment

Performing basic wound care and bandage placement on injured patients

Ensuring patient hygiene and feeding

Maintaining detailed and accurate records of all patient data and medication logs

Recording patient data into the computer system

Animal Care- Outpatient

Collecting patient history and discussing any pertinent preventive health issues such as parasite control, grooming, etc.

Retrieving samples (blood, fecal, etc.) as necessary

Assisting veterinarian during patient examinations

Preparing medications and any necessary literature

Following patient admittance and discharge procedures

Client Care

Communicating empathetically and effectively with clients in high-stress scenarios

Familiarizing with patient/client history and anticipating their needs accordingly

Explaining and discussing surgical and medical estimates

Counselling and educating clients on products prescribed such as parasite control, diet, grooming, and behavioural tools, as well as common procedures performed such as dentals, spays, neuters, etc.

Demonstrating techniques for homecare such as administering oral or topical medications, demonstrating SQ injections and fluid administration, oral hygiene and basic grooming

Conducting patient recalls as needed and directing questions to the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) if required

Providing accepted resources for better client compliance

Supporting doctors and their recommendations to ensure best practices for patient health

Ensuring that all client needs have been met

Ensuring patient follow ups and laboratory result calls are completed in a timely manner

Housekeeping

Understanding principles of asepsis and sterility

Understanding and familiarity with appropriate cleaning products and necessary contact times

Strong understanding of zoonoses/zoonotic agents

Cleaning surgical suite and instruments

Wrapping packs to be sterilized

Keeping patient kennels always clean or alerting kennel attendant when cleaning is needed

Cleaning up after oneself and patients in all areas of the hospital

Restocking areas as needed, keeping a running list of hospital needs and alerting appropriate staff members to said needs

Following all daily, weekly, and monthly checklists put in place for hospital upkeep





Assisting with laundry as needed

Administrative & General

Entering treatments, surgeries, comments, etc. into the computer system

Assisting client care specialists with invoicing, phone inquiries, etc., as needed

Understanding billing/payment options including pet insurance, and applying such knowledge as necessary

Ensuring appointments run smoothly by helping with traffic flow

Coaching, training, and supporting the development of other technicians

Soliciting feedback of her/his peers to assist in developing a mutually respectful environment

Planning support and deployment of the team with the doctors

Overseeing inventory and performance reviews

Providing medical support to the doctors including administering pharmaceuticals, providing aid during surgery, and monitoring patients

Establishing medical protocols, working within the provincial guidelines for all medical practices

Requirements

Completion of a 2- or 3-year animal health or veterinary technology/college program is required

10+ years of experience as a Veterinary Technician/working in veterinary medicine is required

Excellent RVT – both practical and knowledge based

Proven leadership skills, including successful coaching, and mentoring skills

Great attention to detail and well organized

Excellent written and oral communication skills

Able to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high‑stress, life‑threatening situations

Excellent triage and critical care skills

Strong understanding of emergency protocols, pharmacology, and diagnostic procedures

Able to rapidly assess patient condition and communicate effectively with the medical team

Strong understanding of animal behaviour

Familiarity with ventilators, crash carts, oxygen therapy, and other emergency equipment

Comfortable with running anesthesia and managing sedated patients, with a deep understanding of common anesthetic agents, potential side effects, and appropriate protocols

Compassionate communicator with distressed or grieving clients

Prioritization and multitasking under pressure is essential

Demonstrates adaptability, attention to detail, and excellent record keeping

Approachable, motivated and dedicated to fostering a collaborative approach

Resilient, team-oriented, and emotionally intelligent

Note:
This job description may evolve as hospital protocols and case demand shifts. Veterinary Technicians must demonstrate initiative, clinical skill, and teamwork always, often under conditions of uncertainty or urgency.

AI Disclosure:
We may use artificial intelligence tools to assist with scheduling interviews and managing screening times. We do not use AI to evaluate applicants or make decisions during the interview process. All candidate assessments and hiring decisions are made by our recruitment and leadership teams.

VetStrategy is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. Accommodations are available on request for candidates taking part in all aspects of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please reach out to [email protected].

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📌 Lead Registered Veterinary Technician/Technologist - Big Rock Animal Clinic (Alberta)
🏢 VetStrategy
📍 Alberta