Veterinary Surgery Assistant, AERA

Ethos Veterinary Health; West Caldwell (NJ); On-site; USD 10,000 - 60,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading veterinary hospital in New Jersey is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgery Assistant to support surgeons in various procedures. The role requires a strong background in animal care, particularly in surgical environments. You will help ensure the safety and health of pets undergoing surgery, making a meaningful impact in their recovery. Join a team focused on providing compassionate care and cutting-edge veterinary services.

Benefits

401(k) with matching

Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

Professional development opportunities

Employee Assistance Program

Qualifications

• Must have at least 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant.
• Familiarity with surgical instruments is essential.
• Fluent English communication skills required.

Responsibilities

• Assist Surgeons and Technicians with surgical procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery and maintain operating rooms.
• Perform animal restraint and make appointments.

Skills

Communication

Animal Restraint

Organizational Skills

Attention to Detail

Calm Under Pressure

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Tools

Anesthetic Monitoring Equipment

Gas and Steam Sterilizers

Job description

Veterinary Surgery Assistant

The Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in West Caldwell, NJ is hiring an enthusiastic and skilled Veterinary Surgery Assistant to join our Surgery team!

Founded in 1977 by a visionary team of veterinarians, the Animal Emergency Group was created to meet the growing demand for specialized around-the-clock emergency care for pets. As one of the first hospitals in the nation dedicated exclusively to small animal emergency medicine, it set a new standard in veterinary care. Recognizing the need for expanded services, the hospital evolved into Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA) in the mid-nineties, introducing a range of veterinary specialties to better serve the local pet community. In 2016, AERA further strengthened its commitment to exceptional pet care by expanding its emergency services to operate 24/7, 365 days a year. From its humble beginnings as an after-hours clinic to its status as a premier multi-specialty veterinary hospital, AERA remains dedicated to innovation, expertise, and compassionate care for every pet it serves.

About the Role:
The Surgery Assistant supports the Surgeons and Technicians by preparing the surgery service for animals receiving surgery, proper restraint of animals for treatments, assisting in safe transportation of anesthetized patients, supporting the Surgeon with surgical procedures, and preparing surgical packs for surgery. The Surgery Assistant will also communicate with DVM’s and Technicians to coordinate equipment and procedure timelines for their patients.

Compensation:

• $20- $24 depending on experience

Anticipated Schedule:

• Full Time
  • Swing shifts

Essential Job Functions:

• Assist the Technician with induction to include assisting in intubation and placing monitoring on patients.
• Clean, organize and maintain the pack-n-prep area. Including putting together and wrapping surgical packs, cleaning and organizing instruments.
• Set up and take down OR's
• Help prepare patients for their surgical procedures
• Prep and maintain surgical equipment to include sterilizers.
• Maintain cleanliness of all operating rooms, flipping and cleaning between surgeries.
• Circulate in procedures opening instruments and packs with sterile technique.
• Performs animal restraint for blood draws, catheter placement, and pre-medicating patients.
• Assists as surgical scrub nurse in a variety of soft tissue and orthopedic procedures.
• Facilitates the appropriate stocking of pack and prep, treatment and operating rooms.
• Run an appointment column that includes taking a proper medical history, interpreting medical records and obtaining vitals.
• Perform diagnostic radiographs alongside a technician.
• Maintains cleanliness of the hospital and the department.

Qualifications: Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• High School Diploma or GED
• Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment
• Strong written and verbal communication skills
• At least 2 years of experience as a veterinary assistant with previous surgical or OR nursing experience required
• Familiar with soft tissue and orthopedic surgical instruments
• Knowledge of gas and steam sterilizers
• Knowledgeable in OR sterility protocols and patient prep
• Familiarity with anesthetic monitoring equipment
• Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure
• Excellent communication/people skills
• Good grooming and hygiene
• Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture
• Considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients affected by a variety of problems
• Ability to work with and without direct supervision
• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching
• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)
• Life and Disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays
• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)
• Professional development
• CE Allowance
• Uniform stipend
• Access to VetBloom for RACE-approved continuing education and training

Why Choose AERA?

• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.
• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.
• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.
• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.
• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

If you’re ready to take on a rewarding role that combines communication, organization, and compassion, we’d love to hear from you. Apply today and become an essential part of a team where your efforts truly make a difference—one pet and one family at a time!

For more information about our hospital, please visit https://www.aeravet.com/

Ethos Veterinary Health is at the forefront of innovation and world-class medicine. As the premier network of over 140 specialty and emergency hospitals across North America, Ethos brings together a dedicated community of more than 1,500 specialized doctors providing care for nearly 2 million pets annually. The integrated and collaborative network of veterinary professionals utilize state-of-the-art technology and a scientific, evidence-based approach to deliver compassionate, unparalleled care and rewarding careers. Committed to revolutionizing veterinary medicine, Ethos sets the standard in veterinary excellence. Discover more at EthosVet.com.
Ethos Veterinary Healthoffers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees. The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process. For positions based in Colorado, Ethos provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.
Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.
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