Job Description: Lead Veterinary Technician

Direct Supervisor: Practice Manager

The lead veterinary technician assist the doctors, technicians, and other support staff to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients, and to aid the doctors in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work at Hyde Park Veterinary Clinic.

The primary responsibility of a Lead Veterinary Technician is to manage a team of veterinarian technicians, and assistants. In addition to the typical duties of a veterinary technician, the Lead Technician is also responsible for driving the veterinary team towards excellence in knowledge of pharmaceutical drugs, common diseases; their symptoms, means of transmission, treatment and prevention, and other basic preventative health care recommendations, advanced treatment protocols, and new and improved methods for executing technical skills and animal care.

The Lead Veterinary Technician is under the direct guidance and supervision of the MDVM and the Practice Manager.

Primary Job Responsibilities

• Meet every 6-8 weeks with MDVM and/or HM to discuss concerns that the technicians and support staff have.
• Watch for overstaffing in the afternoon and send extra technicians home if needed.
• Adjust technician lunch schedule as needed if someone is out sick or appointments run into lunch.
• Supervise training of existing technicians, new technicians and assistants. Meet weekly with trainees to monitor progress. Meet with trainers to discuss trainee’s progress and areas that need improvement.
• Supervise emergency treatments and protocol. Make sure crash box is organized and ready for emergencies. Notify all veterinarians, veterinary technicians, and assistants of any emergencies coming into the clinic. Assign employees to each emergency case and be sure that staff is fully prepared before the patient arrives.
• If a piece of equipment is malfunctioning, needs maintenance, or is in poor condition, work to facilitate equipment repairs in a timely manner. Update HM or MDVM of equipment repairs and malfunctions. If parts need to be purchased or new equipment needs to be purchased, notify the HM or MDVM immediately. Develop a temporary plan for how to complete tasks without equipment until repair is complete.
• Supervise technical staff to ensure proper care and handling of patients using Low Stress Handling techniques.
• Ensure the cleanliness and organization of the treatment areas by confirming orphan areas are completed each month, that checklist are being completed, and that staff responsibilities are being completed.
• Meet with the technicians that were not able to attend staff meeting to update them on what was discussed and any new policy changes that are being implemented as a result.
• Fill in where needed to ensure a steady work flow.