ER/ICU Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 37,000 - 48,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time

Paid vacation time

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA, seeks an ER/ICU Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team. You’ll work with emergency doctors, care for critically ill patients, and coordinate cross‑service care.

The ideal candidate holds an active RVT license, emergency or high‑acuity experience, strong teamwork, and thrives in a fast‑paced setting.

Qualifications

• Current RVT license required.
• Experience in emergency, specialty, or other high-acuity settings preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.

Responsibilities

• Triage and intake patients, obtain histories, and present cases to the emergency doctor.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures, labs, and imaging.
• Provide nursing care and monitoring for hospitalized patients.

Skills

RVT license

Emergency care

Teamwork

Multitasking

Job description

ER/ICU Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

About Us: Why Cerro Alto?

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals work collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a new, state-of-the-art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128-slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full-time boarded surgery, radiology, and oncology services, part-time cardiology and internal medicine services, and a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. We recognize the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long-term career fulfillment.

Position Overview : ER/ICU Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

As a member of our ER/ICU team, you will work alongside our emergency doctors to care for patients with a wide range of urgent and critical conditions. You’ll split your time between the ER and ICU, providing hands‑on patient care, supporting emergency cases, monitoring hospitalized patients, and coordinating care across services. This position is a great fit for an experienced RVT who enjoys a fast‑paced environment and wants to continue building their emergency and critical care skills.

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

• Triage and intake patients, obtain complete histories, and present cases to the emergency doctor
• Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Provide nursing care and ongoing monitoring for hospitalized patients with a range of medical conditions
• Provide hands‑on care for emergency and critical patients, including:
• Continuous patient monitoring and reassessment
• CPR and other emergency interventions
• Intubation and airway management
• Anesthesia monitoring and recovery
• Blood draws and sample collection
• IV catheter placement and management
• Medication administration and fluid therapy as directed
• Other patient care and treatment as directed by the veterinarian
• Recognize changes in patient condition and promptly communicate concerns to the appropriate veterinarian
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate daily with specialty services, including surgery, internal medicine, radiology, cardiology, and oncology
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records and treatment documentation
• Mentor and support junior assistants and technicians

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

Qualifications & Skills

• Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license (required)
• Previous experience in emergency, specialty, or other high‑acuity veterinary settings (preferred)
• 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 $27.50-$35.50 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!

The pay range for this role is:

27.50 - 35.50 USD per hour (Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital)