Emergency Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead - Asheville, NC
About The Position
The Emergency Veterinary Assistant Shift Lead keeps veterinary hospital shifts organized and moving while supporting patient care and the team. This role monitors patient status, team capacity, and shift needs; coordinates workflow and shift responsibilities; and adapts when unexpected situations arise. The Shift Lead works on the floor as needed, coordinates breaks, supports conflict resolution, and models calm under pressure. The position leads shift transitions, team huddles, and wrap-ups; communicates and escalates important issues; helps make downtime useful for learning or rest; and reports incidents with a focus on transparency and growth. The Shift Lead works with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching. The role requires flexibility to work nights, weekends, and holidays on a rotating or as-needed basis, and to work in a fast-paced, noisy environment with strong or unpleasant odors.
Requirements
- At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role.
- Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
- Confidence navigating floor operations while guiding others with empathy.
- Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, including when collaborating with pet parents and teammates.
- Flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed.
- Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and a desire for professional growth.
- Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical records.
- Fine motor skills for handling patients and medical equipment.
- Ability to stand for prolonged periods, kneel, and work on the floor.
- Ability to lift up to 25 kg independently and support up to 40 kg with assistance.
- Willingness 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, depending on hospital needs.
- Ability to work in a fast-paced environment with people from varied backgrounds and personality types.
Nice To Haves
- Credentialed Veterinary Technician (CVT, RVT, LVT, or LVMT), or enrollment in the VEG Credentialing Support Program.
- Experience in emergency or specialty veterinary medicine.
Responsibilities
- Monitor patient status, team capacity, and shift-wide needs.
- Manage daily workflow and help the team adapt to unexpected situations.
- Assign and adjust shift roles with clarity and care.
- Provide hands-on floor support wherever needed.
- Coordinate breaks, assist with conflict resolution, and model calm under pressure.
- Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start- and end-of-day wrap-ups.
- Communicate clearly, direct questions appropriately, and escalate key issues.
- Help the team use downtime for learning or taking a moment to breathe.
- Flag incidents and notable events with a focus on transparency and growth.
- Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.
Benefits
- Competitive compensation, including base pay and a 401(k) match.
- Medical, dental, and vision coverage beginning on day one.
- QPR training and access to free therapy or counseling.
- Potential eligibility for equity after one year of full-time, active employment, depending on role.
- Clinical and leadership learning programs, unlimited emergency medicine continuing education, and a travel stipend.
- Annual travel stipend of $2,500 for full-time credentialed employees and $1,000 for full-time uncredentialed employees.
- Clinical student loan repayment.
- Paid parental leave of up to 12 weeks at 100% of regular salary.
- Fertility and family-building care for all types of families.
- Flexible work schedules.
- Employee referral program.
- Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the fridge.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Mid Level
Education Level
No Education Listed
