ER/ICU Relief Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Collaborative workplace

Exposure to emergency and specialty MR

San Luis Obispo community

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA, is seeking an ER/ICU Relief RVT to support our 24/7 emergency and specialty services. You will work alongside emergency doctors and support staff to triage, monitor, and care for urgent patients, while contributing to high‑quality patient outcomes.

The role emphasizes teamwork, rapid decision-making, and hands-on nursing across critical cases, with opportunities for mentorship and professional growth in a

Qualifications

• Current RVT license required.
• Experience in emergency or high-acuity settings preferred.
• Strong communication and teamwork skills.
• Ability to prioritize, multitask, and stay calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Willingness to learn, grow, and develop clinical skills.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

• Triage and intake patients and present cases to the emergency doctor.
• Perform and assist with diagnostic procedures, lab testing, and imaging.
• Provide nursing care and monitoring for hospitalized patients.
• Care for emergency/critical patients, including CPR and airway management.
• Monitor anesthesia and recovery; draw blood and place IV catheters.
• Administer medications and fluids per veterinarian instructions.
• Maintain accurate medical records and communicate with clients.

Skills

Communication

Teamwork

Prioritization

Multitasking

Calm under pressure

Continuous learning

Reliability

Education

RVT license

Job description

ER/ICU Relief 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 Relief RVT, you’ll step in where you’re needed across our ER/ICU team, working alongside our emergency doctors and support staff to care for urgent and critical patients. You’ll provide hands‑on patient care, assist with emergency cases, monitor hospitalized patients, and help keep the team moving during busy shifts. This is a great fit for an experienced RVT who enjoys variety, works well in a fast‑paced environment, and is comfortable jumping into a new team and workflow.

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 with specialty services, including surgery, internal medicine, radiology, cardiology, and oncology
• Maintain accurate and timely medical records and treatment documentation

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.
• As a relief employee, you will be offered shifts monthly and/or asked to provide availability. No consistent scheduling availability is required.

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 collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to 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)