Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead - Clifton, NJ

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Clifton, NJ

4d•$19 - $44

About The Position

VEG is a veterinary emergency company founded in 2014 to improve the emergency experience for pets, their people, and employees. Its hospitals operate nationwide 24/7, 365 days a year, and provide emergency care in open-concept settings, including care for exotic animals. VEG describes itself as a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®. Veterinary Nursing Shift Leads keep each shift organized and supported while maintaining awareness of patient status, team capacity, and hospital needs. They coordinate workflow, shift roles, breaks, transitions, and huddles; coach team members on the floor; and help the team adapt when unexpected situations arise. They collaborate with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and coaching, and contribute to a safe, communicative, and supportive environment.

Requirements

At least one year of experience in a veterinary technician or assistant role.
Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
Confidence guiding floor operations with empathy.
Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills.
Flexibility and willingness to step in wherever needed.
Leadership instincts, an ownership mindset, and desire for professional growth.
Basic computer skills and familiarity with practice management software and electronic medical records.
Ability to communicate effectively with pet parents and team members.
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 lifting 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 according to 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 needs across the shift.
Manage daily workflow and help the team adapt to unexpected situations.
Assign and adjust shift roles, communicating expectations clearly and thoughtfully.
Provide on-the-floor assistance wherever needed.
Coordinate breaks, help resolve conflicts, and model calm under pressure.
Lead shift transitions, team huddles, and start- and end-of-day wrap-ups.
Communicate clearly, direct questions to the appropriate people, and escalate important issues.
Help turn downtime into learning opportunities or time to recharge.
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 of $18.50–$44 per hour, 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.
Clinical and leadership learning programs, unlimited emergency-care 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.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the refrigerator.