Description & Requirements
Description & Requirements
You will find a supportive environment where your professional goals are prioritized. We foster a culture of collaboration, working alongside dedicated teammates passionate about continuous learning. Whether you seek mentorship or opportunities to expand your expertise, this is a place where you can succeed and grow. We are committed to your success, providing the resources you need to reach your full potential while delivering exceptional care to our loyal clients.
Located in the vibrant city of Altoona, Iowa, you will enjoy a blend of charm and modern amenities. Just minutes from Des Moines, you can visit attractions like Adventureland Resort or explore beautiful local parks. This community is ideal for those seeking a high quality of life and a healthy work-life balance. By choosing Altoona, you are joining a welcoming neighborhood where you can build a fulfilling life.
Your Impact as a Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (LRVT)
The Lead Registered Veterinary Technician (LRVT) provides skilled medical care under the direction of a veterinarian while supporting hospital operations through oversight of the technical team. This role serves as a point of contact for medical support staff, helping to ensure high-quality patient care, efficient workflows, and consistent application of protocols. The LRVT provides mentorship, guidance, and technical leadership to other team members while fostering a collaborative and supportive hospital culture.
Note: The Registered Veterinary Technician title is used in the following states based on state-specific licensing and credentialing requirements: California, Colorado, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Louisiana, Maryland, Missouri, North Carolina, Ohio, and Oklahoma. Responsibilities may vary depending on the hospital and/or state. Responsibilities will be outlined by the state’s Veterinary Practice Act and/or the responsible veterinarian, where applicable.
Your Impact Will Include:
- Clinical Leadership: You will deliver high-quality patient care under DVM supervision, utilizing advanced technical skills across nursing, dental, surgical, radiology, and pharmacy areas; maintaining clear, accurate, and timely documentation in patient records.
- Client Communication: You will review and discuss medical records, estimates, and discharge instructions with clients; respond to basic care questions, assist with scheduling, payment processing, and check-ins, and escalate complex medical concerns to the veterinarian.
- Team Mentorship & Shift Leadership: You will act as shift leader by coordinating workflow, assigning tasks, and ensuring optimal staff coverage; mentor technicians and assistants through real-time coaching, onboarding support, and technical development, and provide input on performance evaluations and training opportunities.
- Operational Partnership: You will support hospital leadership by communicating changes, implementing protocols, and modeling hospital values; identify workflow gaps and partner with the hospital manager to recommend and implement improvements.
- Inventory & Equipment Oversight: You will oversee inventory of medical supplies and pharmacy items, communicate reorder needs, track usage, and ensure routine equipment maintenance is performed, documented, and troubleshot as needed.
- Hospital Safety & Team Development: You will support hospital cleanliness and safety by performing or delegating cleaning duties and identifying maintenance needs; participate in training programs, working interviews, and cross-training efforts to maintain a highly capable team.
What You'll Bring to the Team
- Graduate of an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technician program.
- Current veterinary technician license in good standing in the applicable state.
- Minimum of three years of experience as a licensed veterinary technician required, with demonstrated leadership or mentorship responsibilities preferred.
- Advanced technical proficiency in veterinary nursing, anesthesia monitoring, dentistry, radiology, lab work, and client communication.
- Strong ability to lead by example, motivate others, and maintain composure in high-pressure situations.
- Comfort and confidence in handling animals of all sizes and temperaments.
Physical Requirements: Ability to stand, walk, stoop, kneel, crouch, and climb. Ability to lift, carry, and move up to 50 pounds independently, and over 50 pounds with assistance. Capacity to sit, stand, and walk on hard surfaces for extended periods. Ability to work in noisy environments with sounds from animals and medical equipment. Routine exposure to animals that may bite or scratch, and occasional exposure to anesthesia, radiation, biological hazards, and medications/controlled substances.
Responsibilities and Benefits
How You're Supported
As part of the Mission Pet Health family, you get the stability of a local practice backed by the comprehensive benefits and resources of a larger network. The focus is on investing in you, so you can focus on the medicine.
Note: Our comprehensive benefits package is designed to support you at every stage. Eligibility for specific benefits varies based on your role and hours worked.
Competitive Compensation
A competitive hourly rate that recognizes your advanced licensure and leadership responsibilities.
Total Wellbeing
Comprehensive coverage including Health, Dental, and Vision insurance, plus access to our Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
Financial Security
Plan for your future with our 401k retirement options (with match) and additional financial protection benefits like Life Insurance and Disability coverage.
Commitment to Growth
We invest in your career with leadership development tracks, mentorship opportunities, and support for your professional licensure and continuing education.
The Power of a Network
Join a nationwide community of over 20,000 veterinary professionals who share a passion for collaboration and medical excellence.
Valuable Perks
Enjoy generous paid time off, discounted veterinary care for your own pets, and free 24/7 access to doctors through Teladoc.
About Mission Pet Health

Mission Pet Health was founded by veterinarians on the belief that local practices thrive with clinical autonomy, collaboration, and medical excellence. The organization provides world-class support to its 900+ hospital teams on a hyper-local basis so they can focus on what matters most: the medicine, their patients, and their team culture. Learn more at missionpethealth.com.
Driving the award-winning culture are the WAG values – Work Together, Amaze, and Grow. Mission Pet Health is veterinarian-led, people-focused, and on a mission to be the best place to work in veterinary medicine. We are proud to be recognized as a 2025 "Most Loved Workplace," ranked #2 in America's Top 100 and #1 in veterinary care.
Reasonable Accommodations: Applicants with disabilities may be entitled to reasonable accommodation. Please contact benefits@mvetpartners.com with your request and contact information.
EEO Statement: Mission Pet Health is an equal opportunity employer. We embrace diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.