Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Ethos Veterinary Health; Concord (CA); On-site; USD 38,572 - 52,348; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, vision insurance

401(k) and Employee Assistance Program

3 weeks accrued paid time off

Uniforms provided

Monthly in-house RACE-approved courses

Job summary

Ethos Veterinary Health in Concord, California seeks a Surgical Veterinary Assistant to provide exceptional care to surgical patients. In this role, you will assist veterinarians during surgical procedures, maintain cleanliness in surgical areas, and communicate with clients regarding care instructions.

The ideal candidate has at least 2 years of veterinary experience, strong organizational skills, and a positive attitude. Benefits include health insurance, paid time off, and reimbursement for continuing education.

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years' experience in the veterinary field with strong veterinary customer service background.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Strong attention to detail for patient care and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work in a high-energy, collaborative team environment.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with patient restraint during surgical procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness in surgery suites and treatment areas.
• Sterilize and prepare surgical instruments for use.
• Communicate with clients regarding financial estimates and care instructions.

Skills

Anesthesia

Surgery

Attention to detail

Tools

Anesthesia machines

Surgical instruments

Ventilators

TPLO

Ex lap

GDV

Job description

Surgical Veterinary Assistant

Compensation: $28-$38 per hour, plus $5.50/hr differential for any hours worked between 6pm-6am

Schedule: 4/10 hr shifts per week (Mon–Fri, dates subject to surgeon availability)

$2,000 Sign-On Bonus

As a Surgical Veterinary Assistant, you will play a vital role in delivering exceptional care to surgical patients. This position is ideal for someone who thrives in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and possesses strong multitasking skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians with patient restraint during surgical procedures.
• Maintain cleanliness and organization in surgery suites, kennels, floors, and treatment areas.
• Stock and restock surgery suites and treatment areas with necessary supplies.
• Handle laundry duties, ensuring all linens and surgical materials are clean and ready for use.
• Take patients outside for walks and assist with feeding as needed.
• Maintain and clean anesthesia and surgical equipment, ensuring optimal condition.
• Sterilize and prepare surgical instruments for use.
• Communicate with clients regarding financial estimates, surgical progress updates, take‑home instructions (including medications), and follow‑up care.
• Assist with administrative tasks such as data entry, maintaining patient records, and managing schedules.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills & Equipment

• Vital Skills: Anesthesia, surgery, attention to detail
• Common Procedures/Equipment: Anesthesia machines, surgical instruments, ventilators, TPLO, ex lap, GDV

Qualifications

• Minimum of 2 years’ experience in the veterinary field, with strong veterinary customer service background.
• Excellent organizational and time management skills; ability to handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
• Strong attention to detail for patient care, surgery preparation, and equipment maintenance.
• Ability to work in a high-energy, collaborative team environment.
• Positive, proactive attitude with a passion for exceptional patient care and client service.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.

Physical Requirements

• Ability to stand for extended periods.
• Stamina to work beyond scheduled shifts as needed.
• Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and assist with patient movement.

About You

• You thrive in a collaborative, high-paced environment and are passionate about top-quality patient care.
• You are organized, reliable, and committed to excellent client service.
• You have a positive outlook and are eager to contribute to the success of the surgery team.

Benefits

• Health, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance.
• Flexible spending accounts.
• 401(k) and Employee Assistance Program.
• 3 weeks accrued paid time off.
• Uniforms provided.
• Monthly in‑house RACE‑approved courses and staff development opportunities.
• Reimbursement for eligible continuing education expenses.
• Bonuses for major career milestones (e.g., RVT or VTS certification).

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.