Veterinary Criticalist

National Veterinary Associates; Irvine (CA); On-site; USD 200,000 - 275,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Sign-on bonus

Relocation assistance

Health, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

Job summary

Pacific CARE Pet Emergency + Specialty in Irvine, CA, part of National Veterinary Associates, seeks a Veterinary Criticalist (DACVECC) to lead and grow our ICU and emergency critical care service. This role offers a base salary of $200,000–$275,000 with FT/PT options and access to advanced resources in a collaborative multispecialty setting.

The successful candidate will build protocols, mentor staff, and help shape the future direction of our Critical Care service within a modern,

Qualifications

• Board-certified in Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC) or residency-trained and board-eligible.
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate client-centered approach.
• Collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care.

Responsibilities

• Manage high-acuity emergency and ICU patients, including triage and stabilization.
• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary rounds and contribute to protocol development.
• Perform advanced critical care therapies and utilize CT, ultrasound, and endoscopy as available.
• Collaborate with multiple specialties to manage complex cases.
• Develop workflows, protocols, and future directions for the Critical Care service.
• Mentor technicians and support staff in daily critical care management.
• Engage in ongoing CE and mentorship opportunities.
• Communicate clearly with pet owners during stressful situations.
• Contribute to a positive, team-focused hospital culture.

Skills

DACVECC

Communication skills

Team player

Education

DVM or equivalent

Job description

Hospital Name: Pacific Care Pet Emergency + Specialty

Job Type: Veterinarian - Specialty

Employment Type: Permanent

Description & Requirements

Veterinary Criticalist (DACVECC)

Base Salary: $200,000–$275,000 based on experience and qualifications
Full-Time or Part-Time opportunity in Irvine, California
Schedule: FT/PT

Pacific CARE Pet Emergency & Specialty is expanding its specialty services and is seeking a board-certified or residency-trained Veterinary Criticalist to help establish and grow our Critical Care service in Irvine. This is a unique opportunity to build a service within a modern, growing multispecialty hospital while having the support of an established emergency team, specialty clinicians, and a strong referring community.

Pacific CARE is a 12,000-square-foot, state-of-the-art multispecialty and 24/7 emergency hospital offering Surgery, Internal Medicine, Oncology, Cardiology, and Emergency & Critical Care. The hospital's collaborative model creates opportunities to manage complex patients alongside multiple specialties, while its advanced facility provides the resources needed to deliver high-level critical care.

The hospital features ICU and isolation capabilities, high-flow oxygen, CT, ultrasound, two surgery suites, and advanced minimally invasive and scoping capabilities. This combination of emergency caseload, specialty collaboration, and modern infrastructure provides a strong foundation for developing a robust Critical Care service.

At Pacific CARE, you'll join a team that values care, collaboration, and comprehensive medicine. You'll have the autonomy to help shape the Critical Care service while working alongside clinicians who are passionate about advancing veterinary medicine and supporting one another.

Location Highlight

Located in the heart of Orange County, Irvine offers an exceptional Southern California lifestyle with easy access to beaches, trails, mountains, world‑class dining, and entertainment. With Los Angeles and San Diego within driving distance, Irvine combines a vibrant, family‑friendly community with endless opportunities to enjoy the outdoors and explore Southern California.

Benefits for this role may include health insurance (medical, dental, vision), retirement benefits, paid time off (including sick leave and vacation), short‑term and long‑term disability, and life insurance.

• Competitive compensation of $200,000–$275,000 based on experience and qualifications
• Sign‑on assistance
• Relocation assistance
• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• FSA options
• CE allowance and professional development support
• Paid time off
• 401(k) with employer match
• Professional expense support
• Employee assistance programs

In your day‑to‑day, you will:

• Manage high‑acuity emergency and ICU patients, including triage and stabilization
• Lead or participate in interdisciplinary rounds and contribute to protocol development
• Perform advanced critical care therapies based on available equipment, including mechanical ventilation and high‑flow oxygen
• Collaborate closely with Emergency, Internal Medicine, Surgery, Oncology, Cardiology, and other specialty teams on complex cases
• Utilize advanced diagnostic capabilities including CT, ultrasound, endoscopy, and other hospital resources to support critical patient management
• Help establish workflows, protocols, and the future direction of the Critical Care service
• Support program growth initiatives as the service develops
• Mentor technicians and support staff as part of daily critical care management
• Engage in ongoing CE and mentorship opportunities
• Communicate clearly and empathetically with pet owners during stressful and emotional situations
• Contribute to a positive, team‑focused hospital culture built on collaboration, mentorship, and continuous learning

What You Bring

• DVM or equivalent veterinary degree with eligibility for California veterinary licensure
• Board Certification in Emergency and Critical Care (DACVECC) or residency trained in Emergency and Critical Care and board eligible
• Strong communication skills with a compassionate, client‑centered approach
• A collaborative mindset and commitment to exceptional patient care
• A passion for continuous learning, teamwork, and advancing specialty medicine
• An interest in helping build and grow a Critical Care service

Join Us

At Pacific CARE, you'll have the rare opportunity to help establish a Critical Care service within an established and rapidly growing specialty hospital. You'll have the autonomy to shape the service while benefiting from a modern facility, advanced technology, an experienced emergency team, and collaboration with multiple specialty services.

If you're excited about building something meaningful, practicing advanced Critical Care, and joining a team where collaboration genuinely matters, we'd love to connect.