Lead ER Veterinary Technician - VRCC Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital - Central

Position Overview

Join our team as a Lead ER Veterinary Technician who supports hospital operations by providing dedicated quality veterinary care and exceptional service to our patients and clients. Responsibilities include providing patient care by determining animal requirements, conducting examinations and diagnostic procedures, assisting during surgery and operations, providing nursing care, assisting with feeding and caring for patients, maintaining medical supplies and equipment, overseeing triage and discharging patients, and maintaining patient medical records.

VRCC Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in Englewood, Colorado, is unique because it's one of the few hospitals that brings together a full team of specialists, emergency clinicians, and compassionate support staff all under one roof—creating a collaborative environment that truly puts patient care first. It's a great place to work because every team member is valued, supported, and encouraged to grow, making a real impact on the lives of pets and their families, every day. 

Key Responsibilities

• Determine animal requirements by conducting examinations and interviews, reviewing care plans and records, completing laboratory tests and studies, and diagnostic imaging.
• Care for patients by taking vital signs, collecting samples, administering medications, drugs, and vaccines, and bandaging and wrapping wounds.
• Support patient examinations and operations by assembling required supplies and instruments, securing and bringing patients to examination rooms, and restraining patients; aids as directed by the veterinarian.
• Provide excellent pet care by applying full knowledge of anatomy, physiology, disease processes, pharmacology, specialized equipment usage, and specialized drug administration.
• Obtain and verify medications.
• Ensure that patients have food and water, clean patients' rooms, cages, and equipment; observe patients for clinical signs of disease.
• As directed, fill prescriptions and administer medications, including proper documentation, logging, and security of controlled drugs.
• Maintain a safe, secure, healthy, and humane environment by sterilizing and wrapping instruments, sanitizing and disinfecting holding and operating areas, storing sterile supplies, verifying shelf life, following standards and procedures, and in compliance with applicable legal regulations.
• Maintain medical records by documenting patients' conditions, reactions, and changes; update the database in an accurate and timely manner.
• Communicate with the pet owner about the status of the patient, as directed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain equipment by following operating instructions, troubleshooting breakdowns, maintaining equipment supplies, performing preventive maintenance, and calling for repairs.
• Maintain inventory, place orders for needed supplies, verify, and maintain receipts.
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities and reading professional journals.
• Release pets to their owners as directed; ensure that every animal released is clean and properly groomed before their release.
• Understand and carry out oral and written directions.
• Perform other duties as assigned by Manager or practice.

Qualifications (Required)

• High school diploma or GED.
• One or more years of experience with veterinary appointments, surgeries, and nursing care for hospitalized and critical patients.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) as required by State.
• Has Emergency and/or Critical Care Veterinary experience. 
• Knowledge of the preparation, monitoring, and recovery of pets receiving surgery, as well as basic pet nursing.
• Ability to demonstrate and follow correct procedures in catheter placement, phlebotomy, emergency medicine, and digital radiology.
• Understand and limit the potential exposure to bites, scratches, and potential injuries.
• Able to restrain patients according to standard procedures.
• Fill prescriptions and monitor sedation procedures as directed by the veterinarian.
• Display confidence and reassurance when dealing with pets experiencing severe stress, illness, or pain.
• Communicate and approach job duties in a professional and mature manner.
• Must be flexible with scheduling.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Has Leadership skills. 
• Care and Compassion: Displays a desire to build rapport, provide personal assistance, and emotional support.
• Team Orientation: Works cooperatively with the team to address tasks and accomplish goals.
• Dependability: Demonstrates responsibility in completing tasks and accomplishing goals.
• Initiative: Proactively looks for the opportunity to address and follow through on work activities.
• Flexibility and Multi-Tasking: Adapts quickly to changing demands and manages multiple priorities effectively.
• Communication: Uses effective and appropriate methods of interacting with others.
• Customer Services: Displays a desire to provide outstanding service and exceed customer expectations.
• Organization and Attention to Detail: Monitors and reviews information thoroughly and maintains an organized system for all documents.
• Adherence to Rules and Instructions: Consistently follows standard procedures.

What We Offer
We care deeply about supporting our team members — professionally and personally. Benefits include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Paid Parental Leave (birth, adoption, foster)
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution
• Team Member Pet Discounts
• Emotional wellbeing support — including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP
• CE stipends and career development resources
• Grant Circle — a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources