Certified Veterinary Technician, Surgery

Ethos Discovery; Portsmouth (NH); On-site; USD 30,000 - 44,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance

Uniform allowance

License reimbursement

RECOVER training

VTS support

PD assistance

PTO + Sick Time

Referral bonuses

Pet discount

Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA

401(k) with employer match

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital in Portsmouth, NH is seeking a Certified Veterinary Technician to join the Surgery team. This full-time role provides advanced nursing care to surgical patients and supports board-certified surgeons.

The ideal candidate will hold NH CVT license, have 3-5 years of clinical experience, and strong nursing skills including venipuncture and anesthesia monitoring. We offer a comprehensive benefits package and a rotating, four 10-hour shift schedule.

Qualifications

• Current CVT license in New Hampshire required.
• 3–5 years veterinary technician experience in a clinical setting.
• Proficient in venipuncture, IV placement, and medication administration.
• Experience monitoring sedated or anesthetized patients preferred.
• Fluent English, strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and prepare patients for surgery.
• Independently place intravenous catheters and administer medications.
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative nursing care.
• Monitor recovery and manage pain; maintain surgical records.
• Assist surgeons during orthopedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Support anesthesia monitoring and patient status communication.
• Coordinate patient workflow from admission through discharge.
• Educate clients and maintain relationships with colleagues.

Skills

CVT license

Venipuncture

IV catheter placement

Medication administration

Laboratory sample collection

Patient restraint and handling

Anesthesia monitoring

Strong teamwork

English fluency

Job description

Certified Veterinary Technician, Surgery| $22-$32/hour

Location: Portsmouth, NH | Schedule: Full-Time | Four 10-hour shifts | Rotating schedule including weekend days | Compensation: $22-$32/hour based on experience and licensure

Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital is seeking a skilled and motivated Certified Veterinary Technician to join our growing Surgery team. This role provides advanced nursing care to surgical patients while supporting board-certified surgeons through pre-operative, intra-operative, and post-operative procedures.

The ideal candidate is passionate about patient advocacy, enjoys working in a fast-paced specialty environment, and thrives as part of a collaborative, high-performing team dedicated to exceptional patient outcomes.

Students currently enrolled in an accredited veterinary technology program are also encouraged to apply!

Compensation

• $22-$32/hour based on experience and licensure

Full-Time Benefits

• Annual CE Allowance: Starting at $800 for licensed technicians and incremental increases based on total years credentialed
• Uniform Allowance + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)
• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement (does not come out of your CE allowance!)
• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills
• VTS Support
• Professional Development Assistance
• PTO + Sick Time
• Employee Referral Bonuses + Employee Pet Discount
• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans
• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount
• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options
• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity
• 401(k) with employer match
• Employee Assistance Program

Schedule

• Full-Time
• Four 10-hour shifts
• Rotating schedule that includes weekend days

What You'll Do

As a Veterinary Surgery Technician, your responsibilities will include:

Surgical Nursing & Patient Care

• Perform comprehensive patient assessments and prepare patients for surgery.
• Place intravenous catheters, collect diagnostic samples, and administer medications as prescribed.
• Provide pre-operative and post-operative nursing care.
• Monitor patients throughout recovery and ensure effective pain management.
• Maintain accurate treatment records and surgical documentation.

Anesthesia & Monitoring

• Induce, monitor, and recover anesthetized patients under veterinary supervision.
• Monitor patient parameters using advanced anesthetic monitoring equipment.
• Calculate and administer anesthetic medications, CRIs, and supportive therapies.
• Communicate patient status changes promptly to the surgical team.

Surgical Support

• Prepare and maintain sterile surgical suites.
• Assist surgeons during orthopedic, soft tissue, and minimally invasive procedures.
• Prepare surgical instruments, packs, and specialized equipment.
• Support diagnostic and treatment procedures including radiography, CT, and advanced imaging as needed.

Collaboration & Client Service

• Partner with surgeons, anesthesiology staff, specialists, and nursing teams to ensure continuity of care.
• Coordinate patient workflow from admission through discharge.
• Assist with client communication, discharge instructions, and treatment plan education.
• Foster positive relationships with clients, referring veterinarians, and colleagues.

Qualifications

Required

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) license in New Hampshire required
• 3-5 years Veterinary Technician experience in a clinical veterinary setting.
• Strong technical nursing skills including Venipuncture, IV catheter placement, Medication administration, Laboratory sample collection, Patient restraint and handling
• Experience monitoring sedated or anesthetized patients during surgical procedures preferred
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced specialty and emergency environment.
• Strong organizational, communication, and teamwork skills.
• Commitment to exceptional patient care and client service.
• Willingness to participate in hospital-provided training and competency development programs
• Specialty or referral hospital experience preferred
• RECOVER BLS and/or ALS certification preferred
• Fear Free Certification preferred
• VTS candidates and Veterinary Technicians interested in advanced surgical and anesthetic development are encouraged to apply
• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

About Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital

At Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital, we’re more than a 24-hour emergency and specialty hospital—we’re a collaborative team committed to exceptional patient care, outstanding client service, and continued professional growth.

Our state-of-the-art hospital in Portsmouth is equipped with advanced technology including:

• Digital radiology
• CT
• Ultrasound
• Fluoroscopy
• Linear accelerator
• Advanced specialty and emergency care services

Our specialty teams work closely together to deliver seamless, personalized care while creating an environment where technicians are respected, supported, and empowered to contribute.

Whether you’re looking to deepen your clinical skills, pursue specialty interests, or grow into new opportunities, Port City is a place where your development is prioritized and your career can continue to evolve.

Surrounding Areas

Port City Veterinary Referral Hospital is located in Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and serves pets and families throughout the Seacoast region and beyond, including:

• Dover, NH & Exeter, NH
• Hampton, NH & Rochester, NH
• York, ME & Kittery, ME
• Kennebunk, ME & Portland, ME
• Manchester, NH & Southern Maine and Northern Massachusetts communities

Know Someone Amazing?

If this role isn’t the right fit but you know a great CVT, send them our way! Email [e-mail] — you could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if they’re hired.

Considering Relocating?

Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.