Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Reports to: CEO

Supervises: Clinic and Shelter Medical Operations

Partners with: Clinic Coordinator and Veterinarian of Record

Status: Full-Time

Location: Sonoma, CA

The Opportunity

If you’ve ever dreamed of using your technical skills to make a direct and lasting difference in the lives of animals — this is that opportunity.

Pets Lifeline is a small but mighty private nonprofit animal shelter in the heart of Sonoma Valley. We adopt around 400 dogs and cats each year, with adoption at the center of everything we do. In 2021, we expanded our shelter to include a community clinic, offering free and low-cost spay/neuter twice a week and vaccine clinics twice monthly.

This is a hands-on, high-touch role where you’ll know every animal in your care by name. It’s also a unique opportunity to shape the future of our medical program – building protocols, developing systems, and setting the standard for compassionate, high-quality shelter medicine in Sonoma Valley.

If you love working with animals, thrive in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment, and value autonomy and collaboration in equal measure, you’ll find this role deeply rewarding.

Position Summary

The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) oversees all aspects of Pets Lifeline’s medical operations, from caring for shelter residents to supporting the veterinarians in our community clinic. This role combines hands-on animal care with program leadership and offers a rare chance to help shape a local shelter medicine program.

In the shelter, this role monitors animal health, manages treatment plans, and provides training and guidance to staff on best practices in animal care and handling. On clinic days, the Lead RVT serves as the practicing technician, supporting surgical, diagnostic, and treatment activities while maintaining medical compliance and ensuring the highest standards of care.

You’ll collaborate with the CEO, Clinic Coordinator, and Veterinarian of Record to ensure our animals — and our community pets — receive the best care possible.

Key ResponsibilitiesMedical Operations, Program Management & Direct Care

• Serve as the Lead RVT in both the shelter and on clinic days (S/N twice a week, vaccine clinics twice monthly), providing hands-on patient care and technical support during surgeries, exams, and treatments.
• Oversee anesthesia, surgical prep, post-operative recovery, and preventive care.
• Ensure compliance with all veterinary regulations, safety protocols, and controlled substance tracking.
• Support clinic scheduling, inventory, and medical record management.
• Purchase and track pharmaceuticals and medical supplies cost-effectively.
• Monitor shelter animal health and medical case progression to ensure timely care and clear communication.
• Maintain accurate and organized medical records for shelter and community clinic patients.
• Manage community medical support programs.

Medical Leadership & Protocol Development

• Create and maintain symptom-based medical protocols for shelter and clinic animals.
• In collaboration with the Veterinarian of Record, develop clear SOPs (standard operating procedures) for medical care, from intake through adoption.
• Serve as the go-to resource for medical questions and decision-making support from other staff.
• Provide ongoing training and mentorship to staff and volunteers to ensure consistency and confidence in medical practices.
• Foster an environment of compassion, learning, and teamwork across all departments.

Qualifications

• A love of animals and a commitment to providing the best care possible to those who can’t speak for themselves.
• Active California RVT license required.
• 3–5 years of veterinary experience, ideally with exposure to shelter work (but not required).
• Excellent communication and organizational skills.
• A collaborative spirit, someone who builds others up and leads with kindness and integrity.
• Ability to learn and use shelter management software (e.g., Shelterluv).

Why You’ll Love Working Here

• You’ll be part of a close-knit, passionate team that believes in what we do.
• You’ll have the freedom to help shape how shelter medicine is practiced in Sonoma Valley.
• You’ll make a tangible impact on hundreds of animals — and the families who love them — every year.
• You’ll work in a community that values compassion, connection, and care for all creatures.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $37.00 - $39.00 per hour

Expected hours: No more than 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Work Location: In person

Salary : $37 - $39