About this role
- Animal Emergency & Specialty Center | Knoxville, TN Full-Time | Onsite | $60,000–$80,000 annually Lead the Team.
- Develop the Talent.
- Stay Hands-On.
Are you an experienced veterinary technician and natural leader who loves being in the middle of the action? Do you enjoy teaching advanced clinical skills, helping others grow, and being the person your team turns to when they need guidance? At Animal Emergency & Specialty Center (AESC) of Knoxville , we're looking for a Veterinary Technician Director who brings together strong clinical expertise, a passion for mentorship, and the ability to keep a busy emergency and specialty hospital running smoothly. This isn't a behind-the-desk leadership position.
You'll be an active presence on the hospital floor, working alongside your technicians, supporting complex cases, and providing hands-on education and guidance. You'll also serve as a trusted partner and right hand to our Hospital Administrator , helping manage technician operations, scheduling, team development, and the day-to-day challenges of a 24/7 hospital. We're looking for someone who can lead with confidence, teach with patience, and isn't afraid to roll up their sleeves when the team needs them.
Salary: $60,000–$80,000 annually (based on experience and credentials) Why Veterinary Technicians Love Working at AESC Knoxville At AESC Knoxville, veterinary technicians play a critical role in delivering advanced emergency and specialty care. We believe highly trained, credentialed technicians deserve opportunities for growth, leadership, and professional development.
- As our Veterinary Nursing Director, you'll have the opportunity to: Lead and mentor a talented team of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants Help recruit, train, and retain top veterinary talent Develop technician training programs and career advancement pathways Improve patient care standards and nursing protocols Collaborate directly with specialists, emergency veterinarians, and hospital leadership Influence hospital-wide clinical and operational initiatives Support and elevate the role of credentialed veterinary technicians Help shape the future growth of a rapidly expanding emergency and specialty hospital Veterinary Technician Leadership & Team Development Lead, mentor, and support Veterinary Technicians and Veterinary Assistants Foster a positive, collaborative, and accountable nursing culture Assist with recruiting, interviewing, hiring, onboarding, and retention initiatives Develop technician training programs and mentorship opportunities Create clear growth pathways for technicians at all experience levels Promote continuing education and technical skill advancement Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and development support Partner with leadership to improve employee engagement and retention Clinical Operations & Floor Leadership Maintain a strong presence on the treatment floor Provide hands-on support during emergency and critical cases Assist in overseeing Emergency, Critical Care, Swing Shift, and Overnight nursing operations Help coordinate technician scheduling and clinical staffing coverage Collaborate with veterinarians and leadership to optimize workflow and efficiency Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for technicians across all departments Support cross-training initiatives and technical skill development Nursing Standards & Patient Care Excellence Develop and maintain veterinary nursing protocols and standards of care Promote best practices in: Emergency & Critical Care nursing Anesthesia monitoring Patient assessment and triage Venipuncture and catheter placement Blood transfusion therapy Advanced patient monitoring Critical care procedures Support quality improvement initiatives and patient safety programs Ensure compliance with hospital policies, medical standards, and regulatory requirements Champion exceptional patient advocacy and client service