Veterinary Assistant Surgery

VCA Animal Hospitals

West Hartford (CT)

On-site

USD 25,000 - 28,000

Part time

12 days ago

Get more replies from employers

Send a job-specific resume in minutes.

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 looking to expand their surgery team with the addition of an experienced surgery veterinary assistant to join the specialty team at our 24-7 hybrid & specialty referral hospital in West Hartford, CT.

We have a unique culture in our hospital that values team building, connectivity, and wellness as well as strive to celebrate each person’s individual skill and career progression. We are a team with a shared devotion to providing progressive medicine with compassionate care as a driving force.

Potential Schedule:

Wed and Thursday 10a-7p and Friday 12p-5p Weekends may be needed in the future.

Compensation

$18 – $20 / hr based on skill set, and experience

Skills & Qualifications:

Strong organizational skills;
Professional, excellent interpersonal skills, and maintain a positive attitude in stressful times;
Ability to handle prioritizing multiple tasks and the willingness to adapt to changes in the moment;
Prefer a candidate with an understanding of surgical equipment and sterilization techniques; patient handling skills, and a basic knowledge of veterinary medicine.

Job Responsibilities:

Maintain a rigorous cleaning schedule of the surgical suite;
Perform inventory audits and clearly communicate supply needs to Inventory Manager;
Clean surgical instruments using surgical sterilization techniques;
Prepare surgical packs for sterilization;
Properly set up and run sterilization equipment - gas sterilizer and autoclave;
Weekly autoclave maintenance and cleaning of the ultrasonic scaler;
Decontaminating and cleaning operating rooms and equipment after surgical procedures;
Maintain proper stock of surgical supplies in pack area and surgical suites;
Patient restraint for bandage changes, catheter placement, etc.;
Running basic in-house bloodwork;
Assisting with patient pre-surgical preparations and other duties pertaining to surgical operations;
Ensure that all surgical equipment is in proper working order

Why Join our Team?

We have a dedicated leadership team who is passionate about supporting our associates, clients, and patients. We are committed to your continuing education and strive to create an environment conducive to ongoing training and development.

Please take a moment to view our video on our associates experience and their careers: https://vimeo.com/684755121/10c909cbf5

What Makes Veterinary Specialists of CT Unique?

Whether you are a seasoned veterinary professional or just starting your journey in veterinary medicine, we welcome your diverse experience and skillsets. Our hospital provides our community with an advanced General Practice, multiple boarded specialists in Internal Medicine, Critical Care, Cardiology, and Surgery. In addition, we offer endoscopy, emergency, orthopedic and soft tissue surgeries, and advanced diagnostic imaging including MRI. We aim to provide clients and their pets, with a comfortable environment that focuses on all of their diverse needs including offering plasma rich protein injections, holistic medicine, and new cutting edge treatments.

As a team we work hard, but we also find ways to celebrate our wins together and focus on self-care. We bring laughter into our practice, through field days, seasonal contests, and potlucks.

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

Some of the benefits we offer: