Locum Veterinary Technician (relief)

VCA Animal Hospitals; Carlsbad (CA); On-site; USD 71,635,000 - 97,424,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

CE reimbursements

Flexible schedules

Pet discounts

Job summary

VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad is seeking a Locum (Relief) Veterinary Technician to join our team. You will perform and assist with advanced veterinary procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

The successful candidate will have California credentialing for Veterinary Technicians and prior emergency and specialty experience. We offer strong support, flexible schedules, CE reimbursements, and a collaborative environment near the coast.

Qualifications

• Credentialed as a Veterinary Technician in California or equivalent experience.
• Emergency and specialty veterinary settings experience preferred.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills.
• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.
• Willingness to work flexible hours, including nights, weekends, and holidays.

Responsibilities

• Perform and assist with anesthesia and surgical procedures.
• Monitor and manage critically ill and injured patients under supervision.
• Obtain histories, triage, and interpret diagnostic results.
• Administer medications and document care provided.
• Maintain and sterilize equipment; ensure safety protocols.
• Educate owners on treatment plans and at-home care.
• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to manage complex cases.

Skills

Licensed Vet Tech

Emergency care

Surgical assistance

Diagnostic imaging

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Flexibility

Education

LVT/CVT license

Tools

Anesthesia equipment

Surgical instruments

CPR certification

Job description

We are seeking an Locum (Relief) Veterinary Technician to join our team at VCA California Veterinary Specialists in Carlsbad.
The successful candidate will be a believer in the possibilities of high quality veterinary medicine and patient care— with the expertise and technical know-how to make them happen.

Why we love VCA CVS Carlsbad:

• Small hospital feel with big company support

• Competitive compensation ($25-$34, hourly)

• Generous employee pet discounts

• Generous Continuing Education reimbursements, including paid “CE” days

• Flexible Schedules

• Supportive, multi-faceted, educational training program

• We are focused on your career growth; we empower you with all the knowledge and skill you need to be successful

• Great coastal community location close to the beach, food options, fitness centers and shopping

• Monthly hospital-wide activities & games, raffles, with awesome prizes

• Access to “Perkspot”- receive coupons and discounts for anything you can imagine

• We value your voice and regularly implement suggested changes from our suggestion box

• Join various hospital committees or VCA Diversity Resource Groups to further enrich your experience and involvement in the hospital & company

• In-hospital, fresh food micro-market always stocked with ever-changing array of food and drink options

• Sweet & Savory Stop - get your fix with international snacks and treats

• Referral rewards - tell your friends why they should come work for here too and if they do, receive a referral bonus

• Opportunities to get out into the community and participate in local events

• Something new every day - you’ll never be bored

Key Responsibilities:

• Perform and assist with a range of advanced veterinary procedures, including anesthesia, surgery, and diagnostic imaging.

• Monitor and manage critically ill and injured patients, providing support and care under the supervision of veterinarians.

• Conduct comprehensive assessments, including obtaining patient histories, performing triage and TPR, and understanding diagnostic results.

• Administer medications, treatments, and therapies as prescribed, and document all care provided.

• Utilize and maintain medical equipment and instruments, ensuring adherence to sterilization and safety protocols.

• Provide compassionate care and communicate effectively with pet owners, educating them on treatment plans, procedures, and at-home care.

• Collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to manage complex cases and prioritize patient needs in a high-stress environment.

Qualifications:

• Credentialed as a Veterinary Technician (LVT, RVT, or CVT) in California (or equivalent experience).

• Proven experience in emergency and specialty veterinary settings is preferred.

• Strong clinical skills with proficiency in anesthesia, surgical assistance, and critical or specialty cme very well

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work effectively

• Ability to thrive in a fast-paced, high-pressure environment while maintaining a high level of professionalism and compassion.

• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and multitasking abilities.

• Willingness to work flexible hours, potentially including nights, weekends, and holidays as required.

Benefits:

At VCA, your passion for medicine and compassion for pets and people is matched with a commitment to your professional growth.

You will enjoy exposure to a diverse and stimulating caseload, employ the most advanced imaging and monitoring tools, and tap into the expertise of more than 4,500+ doctors, including 600+ boarded specialists.

You will sharpen your skills—and even learn some new techniques—and explore career options that only VCA can offer, such as continuing education, transfer, specialization, and leadership opportunities.

VCA Animal Hospitals offers a competitive compensation and benefits package for Full-Time employees including Medical/Dental/Vision insurance, 401(k) retirement plan, pet care discounts, paid vacation, holidays and sick days, health and well-being programs that provide resources and training. Compensation is negotiable based on education, experience, and other relevant credentials. The pay range for this position is $25.00-$34.00 per hour.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.