Surgery Veterinary Assistant, AVS

Ethos Veterinary Health; Santa Barbara (CA); On-site; USD 29,549 - 42,085; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

3 weeks accrued paid time off

401(k)

Employee Assistance Program

Job summary

A veterinary clinic in Santa Barbara, CA is seeking a compassionate Surgical Veterinary Assistant to support the surgery team in providing excellent surgical care. The ideal candidate will have at least 1 year of clinical experience, strong communication skills, and an ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment. Benefits include health insurance, competitive wages, and opportunities for growth. This full-time position comes with a competitive hourly rate and a sign-on bonus.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a veterinary setting; surgery experience preferred.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions in a fast-paced environment.
• Must maintain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to patients before and after surgery.
• Assist with patient restraint, comfort, and monitoring.
• Prepare surgical suites and recovery areas.
• Assist with surgical prep, including shaving and scrubbing patients.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments.
• Restock surgical areas with necessary supplies.
• Maintain inventory of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support the surgery team with cleaning after procedures.
• Safely transport and position patients for surgery.
• Communicate effectively with team members.
• Provide exemplary customer service.

Skills

Communication skills

Patient care

Attention to detail

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Surgical Veterinary Assistant, AVS in Santa Barbara, CA

Compensation & Work Schedule:

• Hourly rate: Up to $26.00/hr (based on skills, qualifications, and experience)
• Up to $1,000 Sign-On Bonus
• Full-time, weekends and holiday flexibility required

Who We Are:

Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS) is home to board‑certified specialists in surgery, oncology, internal medicine, cardiology, and dentistry, alongside a highly skilled team of emergency veterinarians. We are proud to provide exceptional care to pets and their families.

AVS is accredited by the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society as a Level II Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Facility—one of only two in California to hold this distinction.

About the Role:

We are seeking a compassionate and motivated Veterinary Assistant to join our surgery team. This position plays a vital role in supporting our veterinarians and technicians in providing excellent surgical care. If you are detail-oriented, team-focused, and passionate about animal health, we encourage you to apply.

Key Responsibilities:

• Provide compassionate care to patients before and after surgery.
• Assist with patient restraint, comfort, and monitoring under the direction of an RVT or veterinarian.
• Prepare surgical suites and recovery areas, ensuring cleanliness and readiness for procedures.
• Assist with surgical prep, including shaving and scrubbing patients according to hospital protocols.
• Clean, wrap, and sterilize surgical instruments using autoclaves and gas sterilizers.
• Restock surgical and prep areas with necessary supplies and materials.
• Maintain accurate and organized labeling, storage, and inventory of surgical instruments and equipment.
• Support the surgery team by cleaning tables, equipment, and patient areas after each procedure.
• Safely transport and position patients for surgery and recovery.
• Communicate effectively with team members to ensure smooth workflow in the surgery department.
• Provide exemplary customer service while maintaining professionalism and teamwork.
• Other duties as assigned.

Basic Required Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 1 year of clinical experience in a veterinary setting; surgery experience preferred.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and maintain accuracy in a fast-paced environment.
• Must maintain California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) within 60 days of hire.

Why Join AVS?

Be part of a team that is committed to delivering the highest standard of veterinary care in a collaborative, professional, and compassionate environment.

Benefits:

• Full-time benefits include health, dental, vision, disability and life insurances, flex‑spending accounts, 401(k), Employee Assistance Program, 3 weeks accrued paid time off, and uniforms.
• Highly competitive and comparable wages based on experience and skill set.
• Competitive Vet Assistant and RVT CE allowance annually.
• VetBloom access: Race‑approved continuing education, training, and curriculum library.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.

Equal Opportunity Statement

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.