Surgical Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital; San Luis Obispo (CA); On-site; USD 39,000 - 50,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health Insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

401(k) with match

CE allowance

Sick leave

Vacation time

Scrub allowance

AtDove membership

Collaborative culture

Job summary

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking a Surgical Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team in San Luis Obispo. You will work with board-certified surgeons, anesthesia, and other specialists to coordinate complex cases from admission through discharge.

The role emphasizes advanced surgery, mentorship, and ongoing clinical growth, with a focus on high-acuity patients and collaborative care in a modern facility.

Qualifications

• Licensed RVT required.
• Experience in specialty or emergency settings preferred.
• Experience with patient monitoring, anesthesia recovery, and complex nursing care.
• Ability to multitask and remain calm in a fast-paced environment.
• Interest in growth and learning.
• Reliable attendance and punctuality.

Responsibilities

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

Skills

RVT license

Emergency experience

Anesthesia recovery

Patient monitoring

Multitasking

Reliable attendance

Job description

Surgical Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

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.

About Us: Why Cerro Alto?

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

• 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.

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.

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
• 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.

Join Our Team!

If you are a Registered Veterinary Technician looking to grow your career in emergency and specialty medicine, we would love to hear from you! Join us in shaping the future of veterinary medicine while making a meaningful impact on the lives of pets and their families.

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:

27.50 - 35.50 USD per hour (Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital)