ICU Veterinary Technician - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 37,195 - 41,328; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team Member Pet Discounts

CE stipends and career development resources

Job summary

PetVet Care Centers is hiring an ICU Veterinary Technician in Santa Cruz, California. In this role, you'll monitor patients, assist in surgeries, and ensure high-quality care. The company offers a supportive environment with training for specialty areas.

Compensation ranges from $27 to $30 USD per hour, along with various benefits including medical, dental, and vision insurance. Ideal candidates should possess client service experience and exceptional communication skills.

Qualifications

• Ability to manage multiple applications and phone lines simultaneously.
• Prior veterinary referral experience is preferred.
• Prior veterinary reception experience is advantageous.

Responsibilities

• Monitor patients' charts and complete upcoming treatments.
• Track patient vitals and notify veterinarians of major changes.
• Place and monitor intravenous catheters.
• Assist veterinarians with complex procedures.

Skills

Client service experience

Exceptional communication

Problem-solving skills

Job description

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

Position Overview

Intensive Care Unit veterinary technicians work under direct guidance and supervision of the veterinarian to support clinical care, improve patient outcomes, and increase operational efficiency. The role is integral to the team’s mission of delivering high‑quality, compassionate care for animals and their owners.

Key Responsibilities

• Prepare for shift by rounding with the previous ICU tech to familiarize yourself with all ICU patients.
• Monitor patients’ charts and complete upcoming treatments, including preparing oral and injectable medications, performing diagnostics, and ensuring all information is accurately charted.
• Track patient vitals, notify veterinarians of major changes, and document progress notes for all staff.
• Place and monitor intravenous catheters (IVCs), manage IV site assessment, and maintain records of IVC longevity.
• Perform diagnostic procedures such as blood pressures (Doppler and Cardell), complete bloodwork, I‑stats, coagulation tests, snap tests, Lepto witness, blood typing, cross‑matching, urine collection, and monitor oxygen saturation.
• Calculate fluid additives, injection dosages, oral medication strengths, IV fluid boluses, and fluid rates.
• Assist veterinarians with procedures including NG/NE tube placement, long‑term catheter insertion, urinary catheter placement, nasal oxygen therapy, telemetry monitoring, and ECG placement.
• Execute CPR and code protocols with a veterinarian, including intubation, drug administration, chest compressions, and telemetry checks.
• Maintain a smooth ICU workflow by ensuring treatments are completed on time and that the ICU environment remains organized and stocked.
• Prepare patients and ICU equipment for discharge, verify medication schedules, remove IVCs, and ensure proper client instructions are given.
• Complete monthly and weekly ICU tasks and maintain a clean, organized work station for the next technician.

Advancement

Veterinary technicians receive on‑site training and may pursue specialty areas such as oncology or anesthesiology with support for continuing education.

Required Qualifications

• Client service experience.
• Ability to manage multiple applications and phone lines simultaneously.
• Exceptional communication and problem‑solving skills.

Preferred Skills

• Prior veterinary referral experience.
• Prior veterinary reception experience.

Schedule

• Three shift options: Thursday‑Saturday 6 AM–3:30 PM; Sunday 6 AM–3:30 PM and Monday‑Wednesday 10 AM–8:30 PM; Wednesday ER, Thursday‑Saturday ICU 10 AM–8:30 PM.
• Includes at least one weekend shift weekly and some holidays.

Physical Effort & Working Conditions

Work requires lifting and handling animals that may weigh up to 100 lbs, frequent walking or standing, and prolonged bent positions. Exposure to unpleasant odors, noises, bites, scratches, animal waste, and contagious diseases is expected.

Benefits

• 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 relief fund.
• Local hospital culture backed by national resources.

Pay Range

$27–$30 USD per hour.

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.