Veterinary Assistant

Vicar Operating, Inc. dba VCA; Berkeley Hills (PA); On-site; USD 21,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental insurance

Vision insurance

401(k)

Job summary

VCA Northview Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Tech Assistant Surgical Patient Care Attendant to join our fast-paced surgical team in Pittsburgh, PA. This full-time role offers opportunities to work closely with experienced technicians and veterinarians while supporting patient care from induction through recovery.

We value a friendly, people-oriented approach, strong communication skills, and the ability to multitask.

Qualifications

• Friendly and outgoing candidates with strong communication skills.
• Able to thrive in a team oriented, fast-paced veterinary setting.
• Experience with the public is a plus; prior vet hospital experience preferred but not required.

Responsibilities

• Surgery suite setup and turnover.
• Sterile preparation of the surgical site.
• Assisting surgeons with instruments and patient induction/recovery.
• Assist with patient care including radiographs, prep, and post‑op care.
• Maintain sterile instruments and assist with radiology and record keeping.

Skills

Friendly

Outgoing

People-oriented

Communication skills

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Seeking a Veterinary Tech Assistant Surgical Patient Care Attendant! Do you love animals and want to work at an exciting veterinary hospital? If so, then VCA Northview Animal Hospital Specialty Referral Center is the right place for you! We are currently looking for enthusiastic Technician Assistants to join our surgical team full time. This is a great opportunity to work with a dynamic team and expand your knowledge while working in a fast-paced environment.

Why VCA Northview?

We are passionate about our team’s health and wellness and continue to foster a culture where asking questions is welcome, and training is the expectation.

We are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, your happiness, and the patients you serve while supporting a work-life balance.

What Makes Us Unique?

We are a thriving AAHA accredited general medicine and multi-specialty hospital in Pittsburgh, PA.

Our hospital departments include Surgery, Internal Medicine, the full circle support of General Practice and Wellness care, as well as Rehabilitation patients.

We truly enjoy working with each other!

The VCA Northview Culture:

Our work can be fast-paced and demanding, and we value professionalism balanced with a positive, lighthearted attitude.

A sense of humor is always welcome and helps us support one another through busy days.

We have built a culture of support, and kindness, and mutual appreciation, reflecting our shared dedication to providing exceptional veterinary care.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The successful candidates must be friendly, outgoing, “people-oriented” and have above average communication skills.

Candidates will have the ability to thrive in a team oriented environment, be well groomed, organized, detail oriented, have the ability to take direction, handle patients compassionately and safely.

Excellent telephone and computer skills are necessary.

Candidates must possess sound decision making skills and be able to multi-task.

Surgery Veterinary Technician Assistant Duties:

• Surgery suite set up and turnover
• Sterile prep of surgical site
• Ensuring surgeon has necessary surgical instruments and equipment
• Assisting technicians with induction and recovery of patients
• Assist technicians with patient care including but not limited to; radiographs, patient prep, and post-op care blood draws, vitals
• Sterile preparation and organization of surgical instruments
• Ensure surgery prep area is clean and sterile
• Kennel and laundry duties
• Client Service
• Assist with Record Keeping
• Assist with Radiology
• Have a complete understanding of the principles of disinfection and sterilization
• Housekeeping/Maintenance
• Assist with Animal Restraint

Other General Duties include but are not limited to:

• Client Service
• Assist with Record Keeping
• Assist with Radiology
• Have a complete understanding of the principles of disinfection and sterilization
• Housekeeping/Maintenance
• Assist with Animal Restraint

Physical Requirements:

• Must be able to lift 40 lbs. several times per day
• Must be able to walk, bend, stand and reach continuously during a minimum 8 hour day
• Visual acuity sufficient to maintain accurate medical records
• Understand written and spoken directions
• Fine motor skills adequate for using common hospital equipment such as: electric clippers, syringes, radiology equipment, laboratory equipment, etc.
• Must be able to work long or irregular hours under pressure conditions
• Dependable attendance is required
• Must be able to work some evenings, weekends and holidays

Education and Experience:

High school diploma.

Must have experience working with the public.

Previous work experience in a veterinary hospital is a plus but not required.

Compensation:

• The pay range for this position is $15-$20/hr

Schedule:

• Position is primarily Mon/Tue/Wed daytime hours with potential for Monday shifts in the future.

Why VCA?

We are passionate about supporting our veterinary assistants and technicians and are committed to your continuing education and personal career development.

At VCA Animal Hospitals, we are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work.

We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, happiness, and the patients you serve.

Some of the benefits we offer:

• Access to the people and financial resources of a large veterinary community
• Growth & leadership opportunities
• Career development programs
• Veterinary Technology degree tuition support and scholarships
• Veterinary Technician license reimbursement
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Generous hospital discounts and product discounts
• Employer-paid life, long- and short-term disability insurance
• Paid vacation and sick time
• Paid parental leave
• 401(k)
• Free mental health resources and wellness subscriptions (Headspace)
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive wage
• Opportunities to give back through strong Shelter partnerships and VCA Charities

Full-time and Part-time positions available

Full-time and Part-time positions available.

Benefits:

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

Disclaimer / Legal Statements

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development).

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com.

VCA Overview:

A leader in veterinary care, VCA Animal Hospitals is committed to taking care of the future of veterinary medicine. We are a family of hometown animal hospitals determined to positively impact pets, people and our communities. From primary care to emergency, urgent and specialty care, VCA delivers world-class medicine and hometown care to more than four million pets each year. We invest in cutting-edge tools, training and technology that enable Associates across our national network of hospitals to lead the industry today and into tomorrow. Among our talented 35,000 Associates are nearly 7,000 veterinarians – including 500 who are board-certified specialists – nearly 4,000 credentialed technicians and over 10,000 veterinary assistants – all dedicated to giving pets the very best in medical care. The future of veterinary medicine is in our hands. Join us.