Emergency Veterinary Assistant - Shift Lead - Alexandria, VA

Job Description

Job Description

ABOUT VEG

In 2014, VEG was born with a mission to help people and their pets when they need it most. This meant challenging the status quo and fixing everything that was wrong with the ER experience. Since then, we've expanded rapidly, with hospitals nationwide open 24/7, 365 days a year, and created a better emergency experience—not only for people and their pets, but also for everyone who works here—our VEGgies!

At VEG we find a way to say yes to the career you want in veterinary emergency medicine. This means transforming how ER works, from our open-concept hospitals, where you can handle emergency cases of every kind (even exotics!) to our immersive, customer-focused experience, which helps us give people and their pets the care they deserve.

This also means saying yes to creating the greatest experience possible for our VEGgies. Yes to working in an environment where you can find your place and feel valued for the amazing work you do. Yes to having unparalleled opportunities for learning and mentorship so you can grow where you want to go in your career. And yes to making an impact here in ways you never thought possible.

VEG is a 2025 and 2026 certified Great Place to Work®.

 

THE JOB

Veterinary nursing Shift Leads are the glue that holds each shift together—and the spark that keeps it moving. You own the rhythm and flow of each shift, making sure patients get top-tier care and every VEGgie has what they need to thrive. From team huddles and rounds to break coverage and on-the-floor coaching, you're the steady presence keeping things smooth, safe, and supported. You don't need to know every detail, but you do keep a big picture view—anticipating what's next and jumping in wherever needed. You lead with heart, hustle, and a belief that when your team is empowered, great care follows.

 

WHAT YOU'LL DO

• 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

WHAT YOU NEED

• 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

 

WHO YOU ARE

• 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

 

HOW WE INVEST IN YOU

• 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
• Depending on your role, you may be eligible for equity after one year of full time, active employment with VEG, so you can share in our growth and success
• A BIG focus on learning and growth, from VEG-created clinical and leadership programs to unlimited ER CE + travel stipend (no really!). Full-time credentialed VEGgies receive a $2,500/year travel stipend. Full-time uncredentialed VEGgies receive a $1,000/year travel stipend.
• Clinical student loan repayment so you don't need to worry about your student debt
• 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 to support your life outside of work
• Generous employee referral program, so our awesome people can bring in more awesome people
• And the little (big) things, like comfy scrubs, cool VEG swag, and food in the fridge for when you're hungry

 

DEI

At VEG, diversity is not just a word—it's a strength that fuels innovation and kindness. Our mission is "Helping people and their pets when they need it most." And we do that better when our VEGgies (employees) feel valued, respected, and empowered to bring their authentic selves to work. That's why we're devoted to creating an environment that reflects the diverse communities we serve—where different perspectives are not only welcomed but celebrated.

We are focused on providing equitable opportunities for growth, promoting inclusive decision-making, and ensuring that everyone's perspective is considered. Saying yes to VEG means helping us build a culture where your unique experiences and background contribute to a shared vision: being the world's veterinary emergency company.