ICU Veterinary Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Pacificsantacruzvet; Santa Cruz (CA); Presencial; USD 37.195 - 41.328; Jornada completa

Ventajas ofrecidas por este puesto de trabajo

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Descripción de la vacante

Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California is seeking an experienced ICU Veterinary Technician to provide exceptional patient care.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a collaborative environment, playing a key role in monitoring critically ill patients while gaining advanced nursing skills.

We offer competitive pay of $27–$30 per hour and extensive benefits to foster a supportive and rewarding workplace.

Formación

• Experience handling multiple phone lines and managing client interactions.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced, team-oriented environment.
• Proficient in various veterinary procedures and monitoring.

Responsabilidades

• Monitor patient vitals and complete treatments punctually.
• Assist the doctor with various veterinary procedures.
• Prepare patients for discharge and ensure clean and stocked ICU.

Conocimientos

Exceptional communication skills

Strong problem-solving abilities

Client service experience

Educación

RVT or equivalent with 3-5 years critical care experience

Descripción del empleo

ICU Veterinary Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking an ICU Veterinary Technician to join their team!

At PetVet Care Centers, our mission is to improve the lives of animals and people—providing exceptional and compassionate care at every stage—for all the moments that matter.

Because life is better with pets.

We deliver the Ultimate Care Experience—every pet, every client, every time. That starts with a Culture of Care that supports our team members as much as the pets and clients we serve.

With more than 420 locally led hospitals and over 11,000 team members nationwide, we offer:

• Local autonomy with national support
• Career mobility and development opportunities
• A collaborative, inclusive environment where your wellbeing comes first

You care for pets. We care for you.

Position Overview

Intensive Care Unit veterinary technicians are under the direct guidance and supervision of the doctor. Incumbents of this position are required to assist the practitioners to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Santa Cruz Veterinary Hospital and to aid the practitioners in achieving greater efficiency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail.

At Pacific and Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists in Santa Cruz, California, our team shares a passion for exceptional patient care and a deep sense of teamwork. We work closely across departments to ensure every pet receives the highest quality of care and every client feels supported. Our culture is built on collaboration, respect, and learning. Team members are encouraged to grow their skills through mentorship, continuing education, and hands‑on experience in a supportive environment.

Why Join Us

We take pride in fostering a collaborative, team‑focused culture, along with a strong commitment to growth and advancement within our ICU service. Our hospital values close partnerships between doctors, technicians, assistants, and client care teams, and we are dedicated to building an environment where every team member feels supported, heard, and empowered to grow professionally.

We are seeking candidates who are passionate about delivering high‑quality patient care and thrive in a team‑oriented setting. As part of our growing ECC/ICU department, you will play a key role in shaping its future while gaining exposure to a diverse and rewarding caseload.

Our ICU team provides the opportunity to work closely with critically ill patients, allowing you to continuously develop advanced nursing and critical care skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for shift by rounding with the previous ICU tech to familiarize yourself with all ICU patients so you can properly care for, treat, assess, and monitor all ICU patients.
• Monitor patients chart and complete all upcoming treatments. This includes but is not limited to: preparing medications (oral and injectable); obtaining samples for diagnostics; checking on patients well‑being (bedding, water bowls, food); charting information promptly; monitoring mentation.
• Monitor patients vitals and alert the doctor of major changes. Input progress notes frequently and verify treatments obtained.
• Proficiently place, monitor, and document IVCs, including assessment for swelling or phlebitis.
• Perform diagnostics (blood pressures, bloodwork, urinalysis, radiographs, oxygen saturation) and record results.
• Proficient in calculations for CRIs, fluid additives, injection doses, IV fluid rates, etc.
• Assist the doctor with treatment of patients: placing NG/NE tubes, long‑term catheterization, urinary catheters, nasal oxygen, ECG pads, telemetry.
• Run CPR/code with a DVM, including intubation, drug administration, and charting.
• Maintain ICU flow, ensuring treatments are completed on time and rooms are organized.
• Ensure emergency and CPR equipment is available, prepared, and functional.
• Prepare patients for discharge, verify medications, diet, and remove IVCs as required; manage kennel cleanup.
• Complete monthly/weekly tasks and keep room stocked and clean for the next tech.

Advancement

Veterinary Technicians in this practice will be taught and trained to the limits of their potential. If, during training, an individual shows interest in a specific field—oncology or anesthesiology—continuing education will be encouraged, including subsidies for outside courses.

Qualifications (Required)

• Client service experience.
• Ability to manage multiple applications simultaneously.
• Experience handling multiple phone lines.
• Exceptional communication skills.
• Strong problem‑solving abilities.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Previous veterinary referral experience.
• Previous veterinary reception experience.

Schedule

We have 3 different schedules.

• Thursday, Friday and Saturday 6 AM – 3:30 PM
• Sunday 6 AM – 3:30 PM and Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday 10 AM – 8:30 PM
• Wednesday ER, Thursday, Friday and Saturday ICU 10 AM – 8:30 PM (including 1 weekend shift a week and some holidays)

Other Significant Facts

Knowledge

• RVT or equivalent; minimum 3‑5 years of critical care, intensive care, and emergency experience.
• Knowledge of procedures used for care and monitoring of patients, ordering supplies, laboratory requests, and CPR.
• Knowledge of use, care, and storage of veterinary instruments, materials, medications, and equipment.
• Knowledge of sterilization techniques for various instruments and materials.
• Knowledge of standardized procedures used in all treatment types to assist the DVM.

Skills

• TPR/physical assessment.
• Venipuncture.
• Catheter placement—venous and urinary.
• Cystocentesis—blind stick and ultrasound‑guided.
• CPR.
• Critical care and emergency assessment skills.
• Radiology.
• Anesthesiology.
• Post‑surgical care/monitoring.
• Perform laboratory tests: CBC, Chem, UA, viral tests, PT/PTT, Idexx/Antech labs.
• Set up and monitor equipment: Doppler, Cardell, SpO₂, ECG, IV fluid pumps, anesthesia machines, suction pumps, crash cart, O₂ cage.
• Knowledge of infectious/zoonotic disease and appropriate precautions.

Physical Effort

Work often requires lifting and carrying animals that may weigh upwards of 100 lbs. Technicians will be assisted by each other in working with larger animals. Walks or stands for extended periods; frequently works in bent position.

Working Conditions

Work often exposes the ICU Technician to unpleasant odors and noises. May be exposed to bites, scratches, and animal waste; may also be exposed to contagious diseases.

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: $27—$30 USD

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/mental disabilities, military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V.