Team Leader - Vet Tech at SOUTHWEST VETERINARY SURGICAL SERVICE PC – Scottsdale, Arizona

About Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service

Southwest Veterinary Surgical Service (SVSS) is a specialty referral surgical practice built on expertise, collaboration, and compassion. Our board-certified surgeons bring over eighty years of combined surgical experience and are deeply committed to providing exceptional surgical care with a strong emphasis on pain management and patient comfort.

We proudly serve as an extension of the primary care veterinary practices in our community. Our partnerships with referring veterinarians allow us to deliver comprehensive, coordinated care while maintaining the highest standards of client service.

At SVSS, our reputation for leadership and innovation is driven by our people. We believe in supporting one another, encouraging growth, and creating an environment where team members feel valued, empowered, and inspired to do their best work.

Position Overview

The Veterinary Technician – Team Leader is both a skilled technician and a compassionate leader. This individual plays a vital role in supporting excellent patient care while fostering a positive, accountable, and collaborative team culture.

This is a hands-on leadership position. You will work alongside your team on the floor, guiding daily workflow, mentoring staff, and helping create an environment where everyone feels supported and set up for success. You will partner closely with the Hospital Supervisor and Human Resources to ensure our team members are trained, engaged, and aligned with SVSS standards and values.

We are looking for someone who leads by example, communicates with clarity and kindness, and takes pride in building strong teams.

What You’ll Do

Provide Exceptional Patient Care

• Deliver high-quality nursing care to surgical and hospitalized patients
• Assist in procedures and surgeries, including anesthesia monitoring and recovery
• Administer medications and support pain management protocols
• Maintain detailed and accurate medical records
• Educate clients with empathy and professionalism regarding procedures and aftercare
• Ensure compliance with safety, pharmacy, and controlled substance regulations
• Help maintain a clean, organized, and safe treatment environment

Your clinical excellence sets the tone for the entire team.

Lead, Mentor, and Support the Team

• Supervise and guide the technical team during daily operations
• Establish priorities and maintain smooth, efficient workflow
• Foster strong communication between front and back staff
• Support onboarding and hands-on training of new team members
• Help identify growth opportunities and encourage continued development
• Participate in interviews and hiring decisions in partnership with leadership
• Provide coaching, feedback, and accountability in a respectful and constructive manner
• Promote teamwork to maximize doctor efficiency and patient care

You are not just managing tasks — you are helping people grow.

Champion a Positive Culture

• Demonstrate professionalism, approachability, and emotional intelligence
• Maintain a calm, steady presence in a fast-paced surgical environment
• Model respect for clients, patients, and coworkers at all times
• Encourage open communication and proactive problem-solving
• Help create a workplace where people feel heard, supported, and motivated

We believe culture is built daily — through small actions, clear communication, and mutual respect.

Ensure Safety & Compliance

• Support OSHA compliance and safe handling of equipment and materials
• Ensure timely reporting of workplace incidents
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding patients and clients
• Follow legal and regulatory guidelines in client communication
• Maintain vigilance regarding patient safety and facility security

Support Operational Excellence

• Assist in maintaining efficient medical record systems
• Coordinate daily floor flow to support timely room entry and patient care
• Provide input on staffing and workflow improvements
• Assist in troubleshooting medical equipment
• Support marketing efforts and help strengthen relationships with referring veterinarians

• Meets all requirements of a Veterinary Technician and/or Client Services role.
  
• Demonstrated knowledge and skill in: adaptability, change management, decision-making, customer service, interpersonal relations, oral communication, problem-solving, systems thinking, teamwork, initiative, and attention to detail.
  
• Ability to orient and train team members as needed.
  
• Exemplifies leadership through professional appearance, punctuality, and adherence to uniform standards.
  
• Handles stress and pressure with poise and tact.
  
• Maintains a friendly, professional demeanor at all times.
  
• Upholds confidentiality and ethical standards.
  
• Effectively addresses staff and client concerns.
  
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational skills.
  
• Proficient in computers, Microsoft Office Suite, Gmail, and able to quickly learn new systems.
  
• Knowledgeable in proper medical terminology and common medical abbreviations.
  
• Fluent in reading, writing, and speaking English.
  

• Strong leadership presence with a supportive, coaching approach.
  
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
  
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and solutions-focused.
  
• Comfortable making decisions in fast-paced environments.
  
• Manages stress professionally and with poise.
  
• Proficient in medical terminology and veterinary systems.
  
• Committed to confidentiality and ethical practice.
  
• Takes pride in work, holds self-accountable, and genuinely cares about team success.

Physical Requirements: Must be able to lift up to 50 pounds without assistance, stand for long periods of time, and bend at waist and knees. Must effectively be able to read, speak, and write in English. Hearing, vision and speech at a functional level are required to meet the essential functions of the job. On occasion patients may bleed, urinate, defecate, vomit, or secrete other glandular fluids on your person, shoes, or uniform.

Working/Environmental Conditions: There is exposure to barking dogs and cleaning chemicals. This is an emotional environment due to death or illness of pets.