Surgical Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

CE allowance

Health insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k) match

Paid time off

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Team culture

ER/ICU exposure

San Luis Obispo living

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital in San Luis Obispo is seeking a Surgical RVT to join our 24/7 surgery team. You’ll care for complex surgical and medical patients from admission through recovery, coordinating with board-certified surgeons, anesthesia, and other specialties.

Ideal candidates have RVT licensure and experience in specialty, emergency, or high-acuity settings, with strong communication and multitasking skills.

Qualifications

• RVT license required (must be current).
• Experience in specialty or ER settings preferred.
• Experience with patient monitoring, anesthesia recovery, and complex nursing care.
• Strong communication and ability to multitask in fast-paced environment.
• Interest in growth and learning; reliable attendance.

Responsibilities

• Support surgical procedures, anesthesia, and imaging with the surgery and anesthesia teams.
• Manage inpatients from admission through discharge.
• Coordinate preoperative diagnostics, lab tests, and imaging.
• Monitor post-operative patients, including pain management and recovery.
• Develop and maintain treatment plans and medical records.
• Assist surgeons with case preparation and patient care.
• Communicate with clients about updates and discharge instructions.
• Collaborate with ER/ICU and other specialty services.
• Mentor junior staff and float to departments as needed.

Skills

RVT license

Specialty exp

Patient monitoring

Communication

Multitasking

Job description

Position Overview: Surgical Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

As a member of our surgery inpatient team, you will provide hands‑on care for complex surgical and medical patients from admission through recovery and discharge. You will work closely with our board-certified surgeons, anesthesia team, and other specialty services to coordinate patient care, support advanced procedures, and monitor patients throughout their stay. This position is ideal for an experienced RVT who enjoys complex cases, advanced surgery, and continued clinical growth.

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

Essential Job Duties

• Work closely with the surgery and anesthesia teams to support surgical procedures, anesthesia, and advanced imaging
• Manage surgical and complex medical inpatients from admission through discharge
• Coordinate and perform preoperative diagnostics, laboratory testing, and imaging
• Monitor post‑operative patients, including pain management, recovery, and potential complications
• Develop and maintain detailed treatment plans and medical records
• Assist surgeons with case preparation, procedures, and patient care
• Communicate with clients regarding patient updates, care plans, and discharge instructions
• Collaborate daily with other specialty services and the ER/ICU team
• Mentor and support junior Veterinary Assistants, Hospital Assistants, and other team members
• Float to other departments as needed based on daily caseload and hospital needs

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

Qualifications & Skills

• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) license (required)
• Experience in specialty, emergency, or other high‑acuity hospital settings (preferred)
• Experience with patient monitoring, anesthesia recovery, and complex nursing care
• Strong communication skills
• Ability to multitask, prioritize, and remain calm in a fast‑paced environment
• Interest in growth and learning
• Reliable attendance and punctuality

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 $27.50-$35.50 per hour based on experience and skill level
• A yearly CE allowance of $1500, as well as covered license renewal fees separate from this allowance for eligible employees
• 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!