Veterinary Assistant (Surgical Scrub Care Specialist) - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

Pacificsantacruzvet; Santa Cruz (CA); On-site; USD 28,929 - 34,440; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k) with discretionary contribution

Team member pet discounts

Emotional wellbeing support

CE stipends and career development resources

Grant Circle for team members facing hardship

Job summary

Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists welcomes Veterinary Assistants to support our team as Surgical Care Specialists. This role involves critical tasks like maintaining sterile conditions and assisting with patient care.

The ideal candidate will thrive in a dynamic environment, engaging with clients and ensuring quality service. We offer competitive pay ranging from $21 to $25 USD and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus paid parental leave.

Qualifications

• Knowledge of the sterile field.
• Knowledge of instrument cleaning and sterilization.
• Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Triage patients and perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication under the direction of licensed veterinary technicians.
• Maintain accurate medical records.

Skills

Knowledge of the sterile field

Knowledge of instrument cleaning and sterilization

Experience in scrub assistance

Ability to name instruments

TPR certification

Ortho and soft tissue experience

Job description

Veterinary Assistant (Surgical Scrub Care Specialist) - Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists

PetVet Care Centers' Pacific & Santa Cruz Veterinary Specialists is currently seeking Full Time Surgical Care Specialist (Veterinary Scrub Assistant) - Day Shift to join their team.

Position Overview

As a Veterinary Assistant, you will support veterinarians and technicians with cleaning and maintaining equipment, feeding, exercising, and grooming patients, preparing and sanitizing surgery suites, restraining and handling patients, and performing clerical and administrative work. Your role ensures quality care for all patients and exceptional service for all clients.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate care to all patients.
• Greet patients and their owners, take weight and vital signs upon arrival.
• Triage patients and perform physical exams, treatments, and administer medication under the direction of licensed veterinary technicians.
• Calm and soothe anxious patients.
• Assist doctors and technicians with medication administration or patient restraint.
• Perform laboratory tests and take radiographs.
• Operate and maintain hospital equipment (EKG, fluid pump, syringe pump, anesthetic monitors, etc.).
• Fill prescriptions, calculate and administer medications, maintain documentation of controlled drugs.
• Feed patients as directed, record appetites, and report abnormal conditions or behaviors.
• Communicate positively with clients to ensure comfortable leave.
• Educate clients about insurance, wellness, and medication plans.
• Maintain daily cleanliness of the hospital: clean equipment, kennels, facilities, use chemicals safely, and complete laundry.
• Bath and care for overnight patients; ensure they are groomed before release.
• Adhere to hospital safety and wellness regulations.
• Follow oral and written directions accurately.
• Maintain accurate medical records.
• Maintain regular attendance; full-time presence on each shift is essential.
• Promote hospital products and services.
• Respond respectfully and promptly to directions from DVM or LVT.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Manager, including specialty area tasks (dental, surgery, emergency, radiology, etc.).

Qualifications (Required)

• Knowledge of the sterile field.
• Knowledge of instrument cleaning and sterilization.
• Equivalent combination of education, certification, training, and/or experience may be considered.

Preferred Skills (Nice to Have)

• Experience in scrub assistance.
• Ability to name instruments.
• TPR certification.
• Ortho and soft tissue experience is a plus.

Schedule

• 4 ten‑hour shifts, Monday‑Friday (including some holidays).
• May assist in other departments as needed.

What We Offer

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Paid parental leave (birth, adoption, foster).
• 401(k) with discretionary contribution.
• Team member pet discounts.
• Emotional wellbeing support (Calm app access and 24/7 EAP).
• CE stipends and career development resources.
• Grant Circle—relief fund for team members facing hardship.
• Local hospital culture supported by national resources.

Pay Range $21 – $25 USD

PetVet is an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, age, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, marital status, pregnancy, religion, citizenship, national origin/ancestry, physical/mental disabilities, military status or any other basis prohibited by law. EOE, M/F/D/V