Team Lead Veterinarian, ER

About the Role

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre is hiring a full-time Emergency Veterinarian Team Lead to join a dynamic team of board-certified specialists and critical care professionals. This isn't just another emergency shift—it's a genuine opportunity to build a long-term career with a sustainable rotation schedule and a caseload that challenges without overwhelming you.

You'll work alongside three Criticalists and a Critical Care Resident in one of Canada's largest specialty and emergency facilities. The role blends clinical excellence with leadership: you'll mentor team members, contribute to scheduling decisions, and help shape a collaborative work environment where exceptional client service and communication are non-negotiable. Your passion for emergency medicine—especially trauma and critical care—combined with your ability to coach colleagues will be essential.

The schedule is rotational, including overnight and weekend shifts, but this structure ensures fair workload distribution across the team and genuine downtime between blocks.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide emergency and critical care to a broad range of small animal patients in a 24-hour facility
• Mentor and support junior veterinarians and clinical team members
• Participate in scheduling and operational decisions for the emergency department
• Collaborate with specialists in Cardiology, Oncology, Radiology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine on complex cases
• Contribute to a team-based medicine approach focused on world-class patient care and client communication
• Support the after-hours function alongside the specialist team

Requirements

• Valid DVM from an accredited university
• Previous emergency medicine experience
• Completion of an internship program (asset)
• Experience with scheduling and mentoring (asset)
• Genuine passion for emergency medicine with special interest in trauma and critical care
• Dedication to team-based medicine practice
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with colleagues, pet parents, and community members
• Strong passion for coaching and developing team members

Benefits

• RRSP Employer 5% Match Program
• Competitive wages and comprehensive benefits package
• Annual uniform allowance
• Employee Assistance Program
• Referral bonus rewards
• Generous personal pet care discounts
• Shopping discounts and wellness app access
• Exceptional career development and growth opportunities
• Wellness and appreciation culture
• Community involvement opportunities through VCA initiatives

About the Practice

Western Veterinary Specialist & Emergency Centre, founded in 2001, is one of Canada's largest and most comprehensive specialty and emergency facilities. The hospital is home to board-certified specialists in Cardiology, Critical Care, Medical and Radiation Oncology, Radiology, Surgery, and Internal Medicine, plus 24-hour emergency services. The facility is equipped with digital radiography, ultrasound, endoscopy, fluoroscopy, CT imaging, a linear accelerator, mechanical ventilation, and a complete on-site diagnostic laboratory.

Western is part of VCA Canada, a network of veterinary hospitals with roots in Calgary, AB, operating for nearly 45 years across the country. In 2017, VCA Canada joined the Mars Veterinary Health family, reinforcing its commitment to the profession and pet parents nationwide. The practice has been recognized as one of Alberta's Top Employers (2026) and one of Canada's Top Employers for Young People (2026), reflecting its dedication to providing an exceptional workplace for over 4,000 employees across Canada.