Surgical Veterinary Assistant: Sterilization & OR Prep

VCA Animal Hospitals; West Hartford (CT); On-site; USD 25,000 - 28,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to large veterinary network

Tuition support

Staff discounts

Growth opportunities

Career development programs

Wellness resources

Job summary

VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT is seeking an experienced surgery veterinary assistant to support our busy surgical team in West Hartford. The role involves maintaining sterile conditions, preparing packs, and assisting with pre-surgical tasks in a 24-7 hybrid & specialty referral setting.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational and interpersonal skills, plus a working knowledge of surgical equipment and sterilization techniques.

Qualifications

• Strong organizational skills essential for fast-paced surgical tasks.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and a positive attitude under pressure.
• Ability to prioritize multiple tasks and adapt quickly to changes.
• Candidate should understand surgical equipment and sterilization techniques.
• Experience with patient handling and basic veterinary medicine knowledge.

Responsibilities

• Maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule of the surgical suite.
• Perform inventory audits and communicate supply needs to Inventory Manager.
• Clean surgical instruments using sterilization techniques.
• Prepare surgical packs for sterilization.
• Set up and run sterilization equipment (gas sterilizer, autoclave).
• Perform weekly autoclave maintenance and clean the ultrasonic scaler.
• Decontaminate and clean operating rooms and equipment after procedures.
• Maintain stock of surgical supplies in pack area and suites.
• Restrain patients for bandage changes, catheter placement, etc.
• Run basic in-house bloodwork.
• Assist with pre-surgical preparations and other surgical duties.
• Ensure surgical equipment is in proper working order.

Skills

Strong organizational skills

Interpersonal skills

Prioritization

Knowledge of surgical equipment

Sterilization techniques

Patient handling

Veterinary medicine basics

Tools

Surgical instruments handling

Autoclave operation

Job description

VCA Veterinary Specialists of CT is seeking an experienced surgery veterinary assistant to support our busy surgical team in West Hartford. The role involves maintaining sterile conditions, preparing packs, and assisting with pre-surgical tasks in a 24-7 hybrid & specialty referral setting.

The ideal candidate has strong organizational and interpersonal skills, plus a working knowledge of surgical equipment and sterilization techniques.