Surgery Veterinary Assistant

Apex Vets; Silver Spring (MD); On-site; USD 52,000 - 72,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid time off

Continuing education support

On-site gym

Wellness room

Large break space

Leadership team support

Job summary

Apex Vets in Silver Spring, MD is seeking an experienced Veterinary Technician to join our fast-paced specialty surgery team. You will collaborate as a clinical partner, supporting anesthesia induction, monitoring, recovery, and postoperative care.

You’ll perform patient assessments, manage IVs, and maintain sterile technique while documenting care and communicating with physicians, staff, and clients. Competitive benefits are offered.

Qualifications

• 3+ years of experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting preferred.
• RVT/LVT/CVT credential preferred or eligible.
• Strong technical and nursing skills with ability to multitask in a high-stress environment.

Responsibilities

• Prepare and manage patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Perform patient assessments and recognize changes in condition.
• Place and maintain IV catheters and monitor anesthesia induction, maintenance, and recovery.
• Maintain sterile technique and accurate medical records.
• Communicate effectively with doctors, teammates, and clients.

Skills

Surgical veterinary experience

Anesthesia monitoring

Teamwork and communication

Multitasking and prioritization

Education

RVT / LVT / CVT credential

Tools

Anesthesia equipment

Surgical instruments

Job description

Most hospitals say they care about culture. We designed ours.

Apex Vets is an independently owned emergency & specialty hospital built on what we call the Apex Climb— a team-first approach where no one climbs alone. We operate like a rope team: we support each other, communicate clearly, and move forward together, especially when things get hard.

We believe great medicine comes from people who feel supported, challenged, and proud of the work they do.

What Makes This Role Different

You’re not here to “just help.”

You're here to be a true clinical partner in specialty surgery.

We train, coach, and develop our assistants with intention. Growth here isn’t accidental—it’s expected. You’ll be supported, but you’ll also be challenged to step up, learn fast, and contribute to the team’s success.

What You’ll Do

You’ll help drive patient care in a fast-paced specialty surgery environment:

• Prepare and manage patients before, during, and after surgical procedures
• Perform patient assessments and recognize changes in condition
• Place and maintain IV catheters
• Administer medications and treatments
• Perform blood draws and run diagnostics
• Prepare patients for anesthesia and assist with induction and intubation
• Monitor anesthesia and recognize and communicate changes in patient status
• Manage anesthetic recovery and provide postoperative nursing care
• Calculate and administer fluids, medications, and CRIs
• Prepare patients and surgical suites for procedures
• Maintain sterile technique and assist during surgical procedures
• Provide wound care and bandaging
• Maintain accurate medical and anesthesia records
• Communicate effectively with doctors, teammates, and clients

This is hands-on, advanced specialty surgery and nursing care.

Qualifications

Who Thrives Here (The Apex Climb Mentality)

People Who

• Climb as part of a team, not as a soloist
• Stay calm and steady when the “weather shifts” (because it will)
• Take initiative and communicate early instead of waiting
• Lean into growth—even when it’s uncomfortable
• Support teammates and expect the same in return
• Handle feedback directly and use it to improve

If you want to grow into a technician role or advance your clinical skills, this is your runway.

If you prefer staying comfortable and doing the minimum, this won’t be the right fit.

What You’ll Gain

• Competitive pay
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid time off
• Continuing education support
• Structured training and skill progression
• On-site gym
• Wellness room
• Large break space
• A leadership team that teaches, supports, and climbs alongside you

We invest in assistants because they become the backbone of the hospital.

The Reality of the Role

This Job Is Physically And Mentally Demanding

• You’ll be on your feet
• You’ll lift and handle patients
• You’ll see high-stress and emotional situations

But you’ll also be part of a team that protects each other, communicates clearly, and keeps moving forward together—even on the hard days.

Requirements

• 3+ years of experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting preferred
• RVT preferred (LVT/CVT candidates welcome)
• Experience with anesthesia induction, monitoring, and recovery preferredStrong technical and nursing skills
• Ability to multitask and prioritize effectively
• Strong communication and teamwork skills
• Ability to lift 50 pounds and stand for extended periods
• Reliable attendance and transportation

Schedule

• Day shift
• Participation in the Surgery team's weekend on-call rotation required
• Full-time position

Ready to Join the Team?

If you're looking for a place where you'll be challenged, trusted, and given the opportunity to practice at a high level, we'd love to meet you.