Veterinary Assistant (Surgical Scrub Care Specialist) - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team member pet discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Grant Circle – relief fund for team members

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is looking for a Full Time Surgical Care Specialist (Veterinary Scrub Assistant) to provide exceptional service and care to patients. Responsibilities include supporting the veterinary team, performing veterinary tasks, and maintaining medical records.

Qualified candidates should have knowledge of the sterile field and instrument sterilization. The role offers benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance, as well as paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Support veterinarians and technicians in daily tasks, including cleaning and maintaining equipment.
• Perform vital signs and record weights.
• Triage patients and administer medication under direction.

Skills

Knowledge of the sterile field

Knowledge of instrument cleaning and sterilization

Ability to name instruments

Experience in scrub assistance

Job description

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking Full Time Surgical Care Specialist (Veterinary Scrub Assistant) - Day Shift to join their team.

Position Overview

The Veterinary Assistant will support veterinarians and technicians in daily tasks, including cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising, and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and performing clerical and administrative work. The role ensures quality care for all patients and provides exceptional service.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and owners upon arrival, perform vital signs and record weights.
• Triage patients, perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication under the direction of licensed veterinary technicians.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients.
• Assist doctors and technicians with medication administration and patient restraint.
• Conduct laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment such as EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, scales, anesthetic monitors and machines.
• Prepare, calculate, administer medications, and maintain proper documentation for controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as directed, record appetites, and report any unusual conditions or abnormal behaviors.
• Communicate positively with clients, ensuring they feel comfortable leaving their pet(s).
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medicinal plans.
• Maintain daily cleanliness of the hospital, including equipment, kennels, and facilities; ensure safe use of chemicals; complete laundry.
• Provide bathing and care for patients who stay overnight, ensuring each animal is clean and groomed before release.
• Adhere to hospital safety and wellness regulations.
• Follow oral and written directions accurately.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Show up for work reliably; full‑time presence for every shift is essential.
• Promote hospital products and services and support the organization.
• Respond respectfully and promptly to directions from the DVM or LVT.
• Perform any other duties assigned by the Manager; may include specialty area responsibilities such as dentistry, surgery, emergency, radiology, cardiology, neurology, internal medicine, etc.

Qualifications (Required)

• Knowledge of the sterile field.
• Knowledge of instrument cleaning and sterilization.
• Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience in scrub assistance.
• Ability to name instruments.
• TPR certification.
• Orto and soft tissue experience is a plus.

Schedule

• 4 ten‑hour shifts, Monday to Friday, including some holidays.
• At times, may assist in other departments that need support.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution.
• Team member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support, including Calm app access and 24/7 EAP.
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle – a relief fund for team members facing personal hardship.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range

$21—$25 USD

Equal Opportunity Employer

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical or mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V.

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