Veterinary Criticalist

SmartRecruiters, Inc.; California, Northern (MO, KY); Hybrid; USD 180,000 - 240,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive compensation

Shape and grow a new specialty service

Access to advanced equipment

Supportive, team-oriented environment

Coastal lifestyle

Job summary

Horizon Veterinary Specialists in Ventura, CA, seeks a Board-Certified Veterinary Criticalist to join our 24/7 emergency and specialty team. You will manage ICU care, collaborate with internal medicine and other specialists, and help build a newly growing critical care service with leadership support.

This privately owned, state-of-the-art hospital offers a collaborative culture, advanced diagnostic capabilities, and a strong referral base, aiming to elevate patient care and hospital growth.

Qualifications

• Board-certified in veterinary critical care (ACVECC).
• 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 with ICU-level care.
• Support ER team with complex, life-threating cases.
• Collaborate with other specialists to ensure comprehensive care.
• Mentor and lead team members to elevate medicine across the hospital.

Skills

ACVECC Board-Certified

Emergency & Critical Care

Collaboration

Mentoring

Education

ACVECC Board Certification

Job 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