Emergency Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead - Millburn, NJ

Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG)•Millburn, NJ

About The Position

VEG is a veterinary emergency company founded in 2014 to improve the emergency-care experience for pets, their people, and employees. Its hospitals operate 24/7, 365 days a year, and provide emergency care for a range of cases, including exotic animals. VEG describes itself as a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work. The Veterinary Nursing Shift Lead coordinates the rhythm and flow of a hospital shift, maintaining awareness of patient status, team capacity, and operational needs. The role supports patient care and staff by managing workflow, assigning and adjusting shift roles, coordinating breaks, leading huddles and transitions, coaching on the floor, and helping the team adapt when unexpected situations arise. The Shift Lead works with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching, and is expected to step in wherever needed.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience in a veterinary technician or veterinary assistant role.
Strong understanding of clinical workflow and team dynamics.
Confidence navigating floor operations and guiding others with empathy.
Excellent communication and conflict-resolution skills, including when collaborating with pet parents and colleagues.
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 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 shift-wide needs.
Manage daily workflow and help the team adapt to unexpected events.
Assign and adjust shift roles as needed, communicating expectations clearly and considerately.
Provide on-floor assistance 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 elevate important issues.
Help the team use downtime for learning or taking a breather.
Report incidents or notable events with a focus on transparency and growth.
Work with hospital leadership on coverage, call-outs, and ongoing coaching.

Benefits

Competitive compensation, including a base salary and 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-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, plus fertility and family-building care.
Flexible work schedules.
Employee referral program.
Scrubs, company merchandise, and food in the workplace.