Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Shift Lead - Alexandria, VA

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Alexandria, VA

3h•Onsite

About The Position

VEG was founded in 2014 with the goal of improving the emergency veterinary experience for people, their pets, and the staff. VEG operates 24/7 hospitals nationwide, offering a better emergency experience. The company emphasizes transforming the ER experience through open-concept hospitals that handle all types of emergency cases, including exotics, and a customer-focused approach. VEG also prioritizes creating a positive work environment for its employees, known as VEGgies, offering opportunities for learning, mentorship, and career growth. VEG is a certified Great Place to Work® for 2025 and 2026.

Requirements

Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, LVMT) or enrolled in the VEG Credentialing Support Program preferred
1+ years of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role; experience in emergency or specialty medicine preferred.
Strong grasp of clinical workflow and team dynamics
Confidence in navigating floor operations while guiding others with empathy
Excellent communication and conflict resolution skills
Flexibility and a willingness to step in wherever needed
Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and a desire to grow professionally
Basic computer skills, comprehension of practice management software and electronic medical record keeping
Excellent communicator when collaborating with pet parents and your team
Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment
Ability to stand for prolonged hours, kneel, and work on the floor as well as ability to lift up to 25 kg on own and able to support up to 40 kg with assistance
Must be willing to work in a noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors
Availability to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as needed basis based on hospital needs
Work well in a fast-paced environment with people from all backgrounds and different personality types
Empathetic, instinctively taking a people-centric approach, whether supporting your colleagues or making an effort to understand different perspectives
Have a sense of humility; acknowledging mistakes, sharing credit with others, and lifting up your team’s’ accomplishments
Feel a strong sense of ownership over your work, taking responsibility for outcomes and staying committed to achieving long-term, impactful results
Curious by nature; you ask insightful questions and continuously seek out opportunities to learn and grow your skills and knowledge

Responsibilities

Keep a clear pulse on patient status, team bandwidth, and shift-wide needs
Manage daily workflow and help the team pivot when the unexpected hits
Ensure shift roles are assigned and adapted as needed, with clarity and care
Jump in on the floor when help is needed—no task is too small
Coordinate breaks, assist with conflict resolution, and model calm under pressure
Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start/end-of-day wrap-ups
Communicate clearly, direct questions appropriately, and elevate key issues
Help the team turn downtime into learning time—or just a moment to breathe
Flag incidents or notable events with a mindset of transparency and growth
Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including base and 401K match
Comprehensive health and wellness benefits that start on day one, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, QPR training, and access to free therapy or counseling
Equity after one year of full time, active employment with VEG
Unlimited ER CE + travel stipend ($2,500/year for full-time credentialed VEGgies, $1,000/year for full-time uncredentialed VEGgies)
Clinical student loan repayment
Paid parental leave; up to 10 weeks at 100% of regular salary and inclusive fertility and family-building care for all types of families
Flexible work schedules
Generous employee referral program
Comfy scrubs
Cool VEG swag
Food in the fridge