Veterinary Criticalist

VCA Seaside Animal Hospital; California (MO); On-site; USD 180,000 - 250,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Lead a new specialty service

Coastal lifestyle

Job summary

Horizon Veterinary Specialists in Ventura, CA is seeking a Board-Certified Veterinary Criticalist to join our growing 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital to manage critically ill patients and oversee ICU-level care. You will collaborate with other specialists, mentor team members, help shape protocols, and elevate the level of medicine across the hospital.

This is a unique opportunity to build a critical care service within a busy facility, with leadership support and a strong referral base,

Qualifications

• Board-Certified ACVECC Veterinary Criticalist.
• Passion for emergency and critical care medicine.
• Strong collaboration and communication skills.
• Interest in building and growing a specialty service.
• Commitment to high-quality, compassionate patient care.

Responsibilities

• Manage critically ill and hospitalized patients, overseeing ICU-level care.
• Collaborate with other specialists to ensure comprehensive and high-quality patient care.
• Help guide protocols, mentor team members, and elevate the level of medicine across the hospital.

Skills

Emergency & critical care

Collaboration & communication

Mentoring & leadership

Education

Board-Certified Veterinary Criticalist (ACVECC)

Job description

Company Description

Are you a dedicated and compassionate Criticalist looking for a fulfilling role alongside an exceptional emergency team?

Horizon Veterinary Specialists is seeking a Board-Certified Veterinary Criticalist to join our growing emergency and specialty team in Ventura.

Horizon Veterinary Specialists is a privately owned, rapidly growing 24/7 emergency and specialty hospital located along California’s stunning coastline. Founded in August 2018 by five board-certified veterinarians, Horizon was built with a mission to inspire positive change in the veterinary community—for patients, clients, and the dedicated professionals who make this work possible.

Our state-of-the-art facility is equipped with advanced medical technology, including endoscopic equipment and a high-quality ultrasound unit, allowing our team to deliver the highest level of care. We are equally committed to fostering a positive, inclusive, and educational culture, supported by a team of collaborative, motivated, and compassionate professionals.

As we continue to grow, we are excited to expand our specialty services and are seeking a Criticalist to help build and shape this service. This is a unique opportunity to develop a critical care service within a busy, high-volume 24/7 ER, with the autonomy to make it your own while being fully supported by leadership and a strong clinical team.

Why Ventura?

Ventura offers an exceptional quality of life with a unique blend of coastal beauty and laid-back California charm. Located between Santa Barbara and Los Angeles, Ventura provides easy access to beaches, hiking, and outdoor recreation, all while maintaining a more relaxed and approachable lifestyle compared to larger metro areas. With a vibrant downtown and strong sense of community, Ventura is an ideal place to live and work.

Job Description

As a Criticalist, you will play a key role in managing critically ill and hospitalized patients, overseeing ICU-level care, and supporting the ER team with complex and life-threatening cases.

You will collaborate closely with other specialists, including internal medicine, to ensure comprehensive and high-quality patient care, while also helping guide protocols, mentoring team members, and elevating the level of medicine across the hospital. Collaboration across specialties is a key component of modern specialty hospitals and allows for the best possible outcomes for critically ill patients.

Why This Opportunity Stands Out

• Busy, established 24/7 ER with strong and growing caseload
• Opportunity to build and lead a critical care service
• Collaborative environment with access to specialty support, including Internal Medicine
• State-of-the-art facility with advanced diagnostic and monitoring capabilities
• Ability to make a meaningful impact on hospital growth and patient care

What We Offer:

• Competitive compensation package
• Opportunity to shape and grow a new specialty service
• Access to advanced equipment and a strong referral base
• Supportive, team-oriented environment
• Work-life balance in a coastal setting

If you’re looking to join a forward-thinking, collaborative specialty hospital where you can build something meaningful and practice at the highest level, we would love to connect.

Qualifications

• Board-Certified (ACVECC) Veterinary Criticalist
• Passion for emergency and critical care medicine
• Strong collaboration and communication skills
• Interest in building and growing a specialty service
• Commitment to high-quality, compassionate patient care

Additional Information

WE ARE A DRUG-FREE, SMOKE-FREE, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Company Policy & Federal & State Laws Forbid Discrimination Because of Age, Color, Race, Religion, Sex, Disability, Sexual Orientation or National Origin