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 PromisesOur 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 ClinicPosition:Lead Registered Veterinary TechnicianTerms of Employment:Full-time / PermanentLocation:Okotoks, AlbertaEmployment Address:47 McRae Street, Okotoks, Alberta T1S 1A5Hours of Work:40 hours/weekLanguage:EnglishExisting Vacancy:This posting reflects an ongoing opportunity for future openings.Benefits: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 annumPosition 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 setting 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 staffto ensure that:The veterinarians are adequately supported (scheduling)A high level of patient care is achievedAdequate 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- InpatientPreparing whiteboard, kennels, etc. for patient arrivalProviding 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 patientsConducting various methods of sample collection including venipuncture, cystocentesis, FNA's, skin scraping, etc.Using and maintaining diagnostic equipmentConducting fecal analysis, urinalysis, cytology, blood smear preparation and evaluationPreparing samples for outside laboratoriesSetting, positioning, taking,



and processing radiographsPreparing surgical suitesAdministering premedication, induction, and maintenance anestheticsClosely monitoring patients under general anesthesiaProviding surgical assistance (sterile and circulating) as necessaryConducting IV fluid and medication calculationsPreparing and administering medications via several routesPlacing and maintaining IV cathetersPerforming dental cleanings and chartingAssist with dental extractions as neededPerforming maintenance on surgical and dental equipmentPerforming basic wound care and bandage placement on injured patientsEnsuring patient hygiene and feedingMaintaining detailed and accurate records of all patient data and medication logsRecording patient data into the computer systemAnimal Care- OutpatientCollecting patient history and discussing any pertinent preventive health issues such as parasite control, grooming, etc.Retrieving samples (blood, fecal, etc.) as necessaryAssisting veterinarian during patient examinationsPreparing medications and any necessary literatureFollowing patient admittance and discharge proceduresClient CareCommunicating empathetically and effectively with clients in high-stress scenariosFamiliarizing with patient/client history and anticipating their needs accordinglyExplaining and discussing surgical and medical estimatesCounselling 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 groomingConducting patient recalls as needed and directing questions to the DVM (Doctor of Veterinary Medicine) if requiredProviding accepted resources for better client complianceSupporting doctors and their recommendations to ensure best practices for patient healthEnsuring that all client needs have been metEnsuring patient follow ups and laboratory result calls are completed in a timely mannerHousekeepingUnderstanding principles of asepsis and sterilityUnderstanding and familiarity with appropriate cleaning products and necessary contact timesStrong understanding of zoonoses/zoonotic agentsCleaning surgical suite and instrumentsWrapping packs to be sterilizedKeeping patient kennels always clean or alerting kennel attendant when cleaning is neededCleaning up after oneself and patients in all areas of the hospitalRestocking areas as needed, keeping a running list of hospital needs and alerting appropriate staff members to said needsFollowing all daily, weekly,



and monthly checklists put in place for hospital upkeepAssisting with laundry as neededAdministrative & GeneralEntering treatments, surgeries, comments, etc. into the computer systemAssisting client care specialists with invoicing, phone inquiries, etc., as neededUnderstanding billing/payment options including pet insurance, and applying such knowledge as necessaryEnsuring appointments run smoothly by helping with traffic flowCoaching, training, and supporting the development of other techniciansSoliciting feedback of her/his peers to assist in developing a mutually respectful environmentPlanning support and deployment of the team with the doctorsOverseeing inventory and performance reviewsProviding medical support to the doctors including administering pharmaceuticals, providing aid during surgery, and monitoring patientsEstablishing medical protocols, working within the provincial guidelines for all medical practicesRequirementsCompletion of a 2- or 3-year animal health or veterinary technology/college program is required10+ years of experience as a Veterinary Technician/working in veterinary medicine is requiredExcellent RVT – both practical and knowledge basedProven leadership skills, including successful coaching, and mentoring skillsGreat attention to detail and well organizedExcellent written and oral communication skillsAble to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high‐stress, life‐threatening situationsExcellent triage and critical care skillsStrong understanding of emergency protocols, pharmacology, and diagnostic proceduresAble to rapidly assess patient condition and communicate effectively with the medical teamStrong understanding of animal behaviourFamiliarity with ventilators, crash carts, oxygen therapy, and other emergency equipmentComfortable with running anesthesia and managing sedated patients, with a deep understanding of common anesthetic agents, potential side effects, and appropriate protocolsCompassionate communicator with distressed or grieving clientsPrioritization and multitasking under pressure is essentialDemonstrates adaptability, attention to detail, and excellent record keepingApproachable, motivated and dedicated to fostering a cooperative approachResilient, team-oriented, and emotionally intelligentNote: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].

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