Veterinary Technician Supervisor

JOB SUMMARY

The Veterinary Technician Supervisor is responsible for the daily supervision and operations of the veterinary technician team. This position ensures consistent delivery of clinical care, adherence to protocols, and effective communication between staff and management. The Supervisor works hands-on alongside technicians and technician leads, mentors team members, and supports the Veterinarians in scheduling, training, and continuous process improvement efforts.

DUTIES/ RESPONSIBILITIESOperational Leadership

• Supervise the daily operations and workflow of the Veterinary Technician team.
• Develop daily staffing assignments and coordinate technician coverage to support examinations, procedures, surgeries, treatments, emergency response, and routine animal care.
• Manage employee schedules, PTO requests, call-offs, overtime, and staffing adjustments to ensure appropriate departmental coverage.
• Monitor productivity, workload distribution, and operational efficiency while identifying opportunities for process improvement.
• Partner with Veterinarians to establish priorities and coordinate daily clinical activities.
• Conduct performance evaluations, provide ongoing feedback, address performance concerns, and recommend corrective actions when appropriate.
• Identify employee development opportunities and support career progression within the department.
• Foster a culture of accountability, teamwork, professionalism, and continuous learning.

Clinical & Technical Support

• Perform advanced veterinary technician duties, including anesthesia monitoring, diagnostics, medication administration, sample collection, treatments, and surgical assistance as needed.
• Support Veterinarians during examinations, procedures, and emergency cases.
• Monitor patient care activities to ensure quality, consistency, and adherence to established standards.
• Assist with troubleshooting clinical and operational issues while promoting best practices throughout the department.

Compliance & Quality Assurance

• Ensure adherence to institutional policies, SOPs, IACUC protocols, USDA, AAALAC standards, and all applicable animal welfare requirements.
• Conduct routine quality reviews of medical records, treatment logs, inventory documentation, and sanitation practices
• Support internal audits and inspections.

Facility & Operational Support

• Promote proper sanitation, infection control, biosecurity practices throughout the veterinary areas.
• Participate in emergency response protocols and care during off-hour or high-priority situations.
• Work may include weekends, holidays, or on call-shifts
• Perform other duties as assigned to support business operations and continuous improvement.

EDUCATION & EXPERIENCE

• High school diploma or equivalent required
• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in veterinary technology, Animal Science, Biology, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible veterinary technician experience required.
• ALAT or LAT Certification strongly preferred.

SKILLS/ABILITIES

• Strong leadership, coaching, conflict resolution, and employee development skills.
• Thorough knowledge of laboratory animal medicine, animal welfare regulations, and veterinary best practices.
• Strong organizational and time management skills with the ability to manage competing priorities.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Demonstrated ability to make sound decisions in a fast-paced clinical environment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic medical record systems.
• Ability to analyze operational challenges and implement effective solutions.
• Bilingual English/Spanish preferred.
• Ability to lead by example while maintaining professionalism, integrity, accountability, and a commitment to exceptional animal care.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Proof of measles vaccination or updated titers prior to initial contact with animals.
• Current results of TB testing or be tested prior to initial contact with animals. Annual tuberculosis screening is required of all employees.
• Personnel must be able to carry out the essential functions of this position with reasonable accommodation if disabled.
• Prolonged periods sitting/standing; frequent walking between buildings; lift/move up to 25 lb. (supplies, boxes).

ENVIRONMENTAL WORKING CONDITIONS

• Potential exposure to disinfectants, chemicals, biologics, infectious agents (BSL1, BSL2), animal dander, and dust.
• Normal scientific laboratory conditions may work with hazardous materials and unpleasant odors.