Surgical Hospital Assistant

Cerro Alto Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 30,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) with employer match

Paid sick time

Paid vacation time

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Team oriented culture

Exposure to emergency and specialty VM

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking an entry-level Surgical Hospital Assistant to care for hospitalized patients, assist with surgical rooms, and support a collaborative clinical team in a modern 24/7 facility in San Luis Obispo. No prior veterinary experience is required though interest in animal care is essential.

You will work in a fast-paced hospital with access to advanced diagnostics and imaging, receive comprehensive benefits, and participate in a growing

Qualifications

• This is an entry-level position; prior veterinary, kennel, shelter, or animal care experience is not required, but preferred.
• Genuine interest in animal care and working in a veterinary hospital environment.
• Ability to follow instructions, adhere to protocols, and work collaboratively as part of a team.
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail.
• Ability to stand for extended periods, lift and transport patients, and perform repetitive cleaning tasks.

Responsibilities

• Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarded patients, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring comfort.
• Observe patients for changes in appetite, behavior, mobility, elimination, or overall comfort and report concerns to senior staff.
• Assist with safe handling, restraint, and transport of patients as directed by Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and veterinarians.
• Maintain clean and sanitary patient housing and hospital areas in accordance with infection control and biosecurity protocols.
• Clean and disinfect kennels, runs, cages, treatment areas, exam rooms, common areas, and other hospital spaces.
• Complete routine hospital upkeep, including trash and biohazard waste removal, sweeping and mopping, laundry, dishes, and cleaning common surfaces.
• Restock cleaning, patient care, and hospital supplies as needed.
• Assist with processing blood and urine samples on in-house laboratory equipment.
• Support Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and other members of the clinical team with daily patient care and hospital operations.
• Surgical Team Specific Duties: Clean and prepare operating rooms and surgical areas following hospital protocols.
• Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including clipping and surgical site preparation.
• Clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and equipment.
• Assemble and maintain surgical packs and restock surgical areas.
• Assist with surgical patient discharges and client communication.
• Collect patient histories and assist with other client-facing tasks as directed.

Skills

Animal care

Follow instructions

Team collaboration

Reliability

Attention to detail

Physical stamina

Job description

Position Overview : Surgical Hospital Assistant

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is a privately owned specialty and emergency practice committed to both healing and education. Our team of board-certified specialists, experienced emergency doctors, registered veterinary technicians, assistants, and client service professionals work collaboratively to provide exceptional medical care while fostering a supportive, respectful, and positive workplace.

As a new, state-of-the‑art facility, we are equipped with advanced diagnostic and treatment technologies, including a 128‑slice CT scanner, fluoroscopy, digital radiology, ultrasound, arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and endoscopy. Our hospital includes full‑time boarded surgery, radiology, and oncology services, part‑time cardiology and internal medicine services, and a 24/7 emergency department supported by experienced emergency veterinarians.

At Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital, we are deeply committed to mentorship, continuing education, and professional growth. We recognize the demands of veterinary medicine and strive to balance clinical excellence with sustainability, teamwork, and long‑term career fulfillment.

Employment decisions are made without regard to protected characteristics under federal, state, or local law.

• Provide daily care for hospitalized and boarded patients, including feeding, walking, cleaning, and monitoring comfort
• Observe patients for changes in appetite, behavior, mobility, elimination, or overall comfort and report concerns to senior staff
• Assist with safe handling, restraint, and transport of patients as directed by Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and veterinarians
• Maintain clean and sanitary patient housing and hospital areas in accordance with infection control and biosecurity protocols
• Clean and disinfect kennels, runs, cages, treatment areas, exam rooms, common areas, and other hospital spaces
• Complete routine hospital upkeep, including trash and biohazard waste removal, sweeping and mopping, laundry, dishes, and cleaning common surfaces
• Restock cleaning, patient care, and hospital supplies as needed
• Assist with processing blood and urine samples on in‑house laboratory equipment
• Support Veterinary Assistants, RVTs, and other members of the clinical team with daily patient care and hospital operations

Surgical Team Specific Duties

• Clean and prepare operating rooms and surgical areas following hospital protocols
• Assist with patient preparation for surgery, including clipping and surgical site preparation
• Clean, sterilize, and prepare surgical instruments and equipment
• Assemble and maintain surgical packs and restock surgical areas
• Assist with surgical patient discharges and client communication
• Collect patient histories and assist with other client‑facing tasks as directed

These duties represent the essential functions of the position but are not intended to be an exhaustive list.

Qualifications & Skills

• This is an entry‑level position ; prior veterinary, kennel, shelter, or animal care experience is not required, but preferred
• Genuine interest in animal care and working in a veterinary hospital environment
• An interest in learning and growing your skill sets
• Ability to follow instructions, adhere to protocols, and work collaboratively as part of a team
• Strong work ethic, reliability, and attention to detail
• Ability to safely perform the essential physical functions of the role, including standing for extended periods, lifting and transporting patients, performing repetitive cleaning tasks, and working in a physically demanding environment

Scheduling & Availability Requirements

• This position is based in a 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital.
• For full‑time: reliable availability to work three to four 10‑hour shifts or four to five 8‑hour shifts
• For part‑time: reliable availability to work at least two 10‑hour shifts or two 8‑hour shifts

Requests for schedule modifications will be reviewed on a case‑by‑case basis and may be considered where reasonable and consistent with business operations and applicable law.

What We Offer

• Compensation of $18.50-$21.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• Comprehensive benefits package for eligible employees, including health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) with employer match
• Paid sick time and vacation time for eligible employees
• A yearly scrub allowance of $200 for eligible employees
• An AtDove membership to support clinical growth and development
• A collaborative, respectful workplace culture
• Exposure to emergency and specialty veterinary medicine in a modern facility
• The opportunity to live and work in San Luis Obispo, with access to outdoor recreation, wineries, and a vibrant community

Shift Differentials

We recognize the value of overnight and weekend coverage and offer additional compensation for eligible hours worked:

• Overnight Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between 8:00 PM and 6:00 AM
• Weekend Differential : +$3.00/hour for hours worked between Friday at 8:00 PM and Monday at 6:00 AM

These differentials are separate and cumulative . Team members working eligible overnight hours during the weekend differential period may earn both differentials, providing the opportunity to earn up to an additional $6.00/hour above their base rate.

For more information about Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital, visit our website at www.cerroaltovet.com. We look forward to welcoming you to the Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital team!

The pay range for this role is:

18.50 - 21.50 USD per hour (Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital)