ER/ICU Veterinary Assistant (VA)

Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 45,000 - 59,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with match

Paid time off

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Job summary

The Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo, CA seeks an ER/ICU Veterinary Assistant to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team. You will triage, coordinate diagnostics, monitor patients, assist with anesthesia, and support both ER and ICU care alongside board-certified specialists.

We value mentorship, ongoing education, and a respectful workplace. Compensation ranges with experience, robust benefits, and a chance to grow in a modern facility serving our

Qualifications

• Minimum 2-3 years experience as veterinary assistant.
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital preferred.
• Strong clinical skills including IVC placement, patient monitoring, restraint and phlebotomy.

Responsibilities

• Triage and intake patients, collect histories, and present to the emergency doctor.
• Coordinate and perform diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging.
• Monitor patients after anesthesia or sedation and report changes to the team.
• Provide hands-on care for emergency and critical patients, including monitoring and CPR.
• Assist with treatments, patient handling, restraint, and transport.
• Communicate with clients regarding updates, care plans and discharge instructions.
• Collaborate daily with specialty teams for consistent patient care.
• Mentor and support junior Veterinary Assistants and Hospital Assistants.

Skills

2-3 years experience

ER/specialty exp

IVC placement

Phlebotomy

Restraint techniques

Patient monitoring

Job description

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 Veterinary Assistant

As a member of our ER/ICU team, you will work alongside our emergency doctors and clinical support staff to care for patients with a wide range of urgent and critical conditions. You’ll support patient care in both the ER and ICU, while working closely with our specialty services to provide consistent care throughout each patient’s stay. This position is ideal for an experienced veterinary professional looking to build their clinical skills and grow in a fast-paced emergency and critical care environment.

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

• Triage and intake patients, collect histories, and present patients to the emergency doctor
• Coordinate and perform diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor patients following anesthesia or sedation and report changes in condition to the appropriate team member
• Provide hands-on care for emergency and critical patients, including critical care monitoring and CPR
• Assist with treatments, patient handling, restraint, and transport throughout the hospital
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate daily with specialty teams to provide consistent patient care
• Mentor and support junior Veterinary Assistants and Hospital Assistants

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

Qualifications & Skills

• A minimum of 2-3 years of experience as a veterinary assistant (required)
• Experience in a specialty and/or emergency veterinary hospital (preferred)
• Strong clinical skills including but not limited to: IVC placement, patient monitoring, restraint, and phlebotomy
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in a fast-paced environment
• A commitment to growth and professional development
• 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 $21.50-$28.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• 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.