Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 53,000 - 60,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance $1500 per year

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time and vacation time

Scrub allowance $200 per year

AtDove membership

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA is seeking an Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS). This role provides advanced nursing care and supports complex cases within our ER/ICU and specialty teams, serving as a clinical resource for teammates and mentoring RVTs and assistants.

The ideal candidate holds a current VTS license and has emergency or high-acuity experience, with strong communication skills and a calm demeanor under

Qualifications

• Current Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) license required
• Experience in emergency or high-acuity veterinary settings required
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize, multitask in a fast-paced environment
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Responsibilities

• Provide advanced nursing care and critical care monitoring for unstable and critically ill patients
• Assess patient status and communicate concerns to the veterinary team
• Assist with stabilization and management including CPR and life support
• Perform advanced procedures such as intubation, ventilation, central line placement
• Coordinate diagnostics, laboratory testing, imaging, and point-of-care testing
• Develop and adjust treatment plans with the attending veterinarian
• Maintain detailed medical records
• Mentor RVTs and staff; support ER/ICU training
• Communicate with clients regarding status and plans

Skills

VTS license

Emergency care

Teamwork

Calm under pressure

Medical records

Education

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Job description

Position Overview: Emergency & Critical Care Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS)

As a member of our ER/ICU team, you will provide advanced nursing care for critically ill and unstable patients while working closely with our emergency doctors and specialty teams. You will take an active role in managing complex cases, supporting advanced procedures, and guiding patient care from initial stabilization through recovery. This position is ideal for an experienced ECC VTS who enjoys high-acuity medicine, advanced nursing care, and serving as a clinical resource for the team.

Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

Essential Job Duties

• Provide advanced nursing care and critical care monitoring for unstable and critically ill patients
• Assess patient status, recognize changes in condition, and communicate concerns and recommendations to the veterinary team
• Assist with stabilization and management of emergency and critical patients, including CPR and advanced life support
• Perform and assist with advanced procedures, including intubation, mechanical ventilation, central line placement, blood product administration, and other critical care interventions as appropriate
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and sedation, including those requiring advanced airway or ventilatory support
• Coordinate and perform diagnostics, laboratory testing, imaging, and point-of-care testing
• Develop, implement, and adjust patient treatment plans in collaboration with the attending veterinarian
• Manage fluid therapy, analgesia, nutritional support, and other aspects of critical care as directed by the veterinarian
• Maintain detailed and accurate medical records and treatment documentation
• Collaborate closely with ER/ICU, surgery, internal medicine, cardiology, radiology, oncology, and other specialty services
• Serve as a clinical resource and mentor for RVTs, Veterinary Assistants, Hospital Assistants, and other team members
• Support training and development of the ER/ICU team in critical care procedures and patient management
• Communicate with clients regarding patient status, treatment plans, and ongoing care as directed by the veterinarian

These duties represent the essential functions of the position but are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications & Skills

• Current Veterinary Technician Specialist (VTS) license (required)
• Previous experience in emergency, specialty, or other high-acuity veterinary settings (required)
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to learn, grow, and continue developing clinical skills
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

• This position is based in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital.
• For full-time: reliable availability to work three to four 10-hour shifts or four to five 8-hour shifts
• For part-time: reliable availability to work at least two 10-hour shifts or two 8-hour shifts

Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case-by-case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Compensation of $38.50-$43.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• A yearly CE allowance of $1500, as well as covered license renewal fees separate from this allowance for eligible employees
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid sick time and vacation time for eligible employees
• A yearly scrub allowance of $200 for eligible employees
• An AtDove membership to support clinical growth and development
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative. Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

Join Our Team!

If you are an experienced veterinary professional looking to grow your career in emergency and specialty medicine, we would love to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.

For more information about Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, visit our website at www.cerroaltovet.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital team!