Veterinary Nurse Supervisor, Large Animal Clinical Sciences College of Veterinary Medicine - UTIA

The College of Veterinary Medicine invites applicants to apply for the position of Veterinary Nurse Supervisor. This position serves as a working supervisor within Large Animal Clinical Sciences (LACS), responsible for both direct supervision of veterinary nursing staff and hands-on delivery of advanced clinical care to large animal patients. The role oversees daily operations, including staffing, workflow coordination, and patient care prioritization across assigned services, while actively participating in clinical duties to ensure continuity of care. The position supervises multiple personnel groups, including ECC/ICU technicians, service/rotating technicians, assistants, interns, and veterinary students, and is accountable for performance management, training, and employee development. This role functions as a front-line leader and clinical expert, balancing operational oversight with direct patient care responsibilities, while contributing to staffing decisions, clinical standards, and workflow efficiency that impact patient outcomes and hospital operations.

The Veterinary Medical Center is operational 24 hours a day, 7 days per week, and 365 days per year. Occasional weekend, evening, or holiday work may be required of this position.

Operational Leadership & Staff Supervision

Provides day-to-day supervision of veterinary nursing staff, including technicians, assistants, interns, and students across multiple service areas. Develops and adjusts staffing assignments and shift coverage in real time to meet patient care demands and maintain safe operations. Coordinates workflow and patient care priorities, ensuring efficient throughput and adherence to hospital protocols. Conducts performance management activities, including evaluations, coaching, and corrective actions, in alignment with university policies. Participates in hiring, onboarding, and training of new staff; supports retention and workforce planning efforts. Addresses routine operational and employee concerns; escalates complex issues as appropriate. Monitors scheduling, payroll, and leave usage to ensure compliance with institutional practices.

Direct Clinical Care, Training & Clinical Leadership

Provides advanced-level veterinary nursing care for large animal patients, including support for diagnostics, treatments, anesthesia, and surgical procedures. Functions as an active service technician to maintain patient care coverage and support high-demand periods. Serves as a clinical resource and mentor, teaching staff, interns, house officers, and students proper techniques and best practices. Demonstrates and reinforces proficiency in clinical procedures such as phlebotomy, catheterization, emergency response, and perioperative care. Assists with procedure setup, execution, and recovery, ensuring safety, efficiency, and adherence to protocols. Contributes to the development and implementation of clinical protocols and workflow improvements.

Required Qualifications:

• Education: Graduation from an AVMA-accredited Veterinary Technology program (Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree). Current Veterinary Technician license; eligibility for Tennessee licensure within one year of hire.
• Experience: Minimum of 3 years of progressively responsible experience at a senior veterinary nurse level in a clinical setting.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Advanced knowledge of veterinary nursing practices and large animal clinical care. Knowledge of hospital operations, including staffing models and workflow coordination. Ability to supervise and direct staff while simultaneously performing clinical duties. Ability to prioritize and manage competing demands in a fast-paced clinical environment. Skill in training, mentoring, and providing technical instruction to staff and learners. Ability to make sound clinical and operational decisions under pressure. Knowledge of safety standards, infection control, and regulatory requirements in veterinary settings. Ability to communicate effectively across clinical, academic, and support personnel. Skill in problem-solving and adapting to changing operational needs.

Applicants must be legally authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis without need now or in the future for sponsorship for employment-based visa status.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Education: Veterinary Technician Specialty (VTS) certification.
• Experience: Prior supervisory or leadership experience in a veterinary hospital or academic medical center. 6+ years of experience in a veterinary medical center or equivalent clinical environment.
• Knowledge, Skills, Abilities: Expert knowledge of large animal clinical services and specialty care areas. Ability to develop and implement clinical protocols and operational improvements. Ability to lead workflow optimization initiatives while maintaining clinical responsibilities. Skill in balancing supervisory duties with direct patient care in a team-based environment. Ability to represent the clinical program in professional or academic settings.

Work Location:

Knoxville, Tennessee       

On-Site

Compensation and Benefits: 

• UT market range: 07
• Anticipated hiring range: $63,920-74,320
• Find more information on the UT Market Range structure here
• Find more information on UT Benefits here

Application Instructions 

To express interest, please submit an application with the noted below attachments. To be assured of full consideration, completed applications with all requested materials should be submitted.

• Resume
• Cover Letter

About The College

The UT College of Veterinary Medicine (UTCVM), located in Knoxville, was established by an act of the Tennessee Legislature in 1974 and is part of the University of Tennessee Institute of Agriculture.

UTCVM is one of 33 veterinary colleges in the United States and provides opportunities for Tennessee students while serving pet owners and the livestock industry as well as protecting public health, enhancing medical knowledge and generating economic benefits to the state and nation.