Veterinary Specialist, Criticalist

About the Role

Guardian Veterinary Centre is seeking a board-certified criticalist to join a robust emergency and specialty referral hospital serving Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. This is a chance to practice the kind of collaborative, team-based medicine that actually works — in a setting where your expertise in critical care is valued and your input shapes patient outcomes.

You'll work within an established case load at a 24-hour facility that blends emergency care, surgery, internal medicine, and critical care under one roof. With over 12 years of community trust, this practice has built strong relationships with referral veterinarians across a wide region. The hospital operates with a genuine commitment to work-life balance, supported by a collaborative culture grounded in respect, compassion, and progressive thinking.

Key Responsibilities

• Manage multiple critical care caseloads in a team environment
• Provide medical leadership and collaborative decision-making with emergency, surgery, and internal medicine colleagues
• Deliver exceptional care to referral patients while maintaining strong communication with referring veterinarians
• Contribute to a positive, supportive workplace culture

Requirements

• Board certification in critical care or residency training with eligibility to sit for board certification
• Valid licensure eligibility in Alberta
• Demonstrated experience managing multiple caseloads
• Exceptional interpersonal and leadership skills with collaborative practice style
• Strong communication abilities with colleagues, clients, and the referral community

Benefits

• RRSP 5% employer group matching program
• VCA Canada RRSP Student Loan Program
• VCA Academy Mentorship Program — a tailored six-month program with ongoing support
• Medical Library Access — 2,000+ journals, 600+ textbooks, and research resources
• Continuing education allowance
• Licensing, membership dues, and conference fees covered
• Referral bonus rewards
• Paid vacation, paid sick days, and paid wellness days
• Employee assistance programs
• E-tools for wellness: meditation, sleep, exercise, and focus support
• Virtual healthcare access for quick medical support
• Professional liability insurance coverage
• Career and leadership development opportunities
• Community involvement opportunities through VCA Canada initiatives

About the Practice

Guardian Veterinary Centre is part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals committed to excellence in small animal specialty and emergency care. The Edmonton location has spent 12 years building deep trust with a referral community spanning Northern Alberta, Northern BC, Yukon, the Northwest Territories, and Nunavut. The hospital is purposefully designed to support positive work-life balance and foster a culture of compassion and collaboration.

Why Edmonton? The city offers 7,300+ hectares of urban parkland along the North Saskatchewan River, world-class festivals (Folk Fest, Fringe, Symphony under the Sky), and easy access to Jasper and Banff National Parks for hiking, camping, and skiing. Home to Rogers Place (NHL Oilers), a thriving cultural scene, and rapid growth with over 1.3 million in the metro area, Edmonton blends urban amenities with outdoor adventure. The University of Alberta adds intellectual vitality to the community.