Veterinary Surgical Assistant

NC State University; Raleigh, Northern (NC, KY); Hybrid; USD 46,000 - 49,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Childcare benefits

Wellness & Recreation Membership

Wellness Programs

Job summary

NC State University’s Veterinary Hospital seeks a skilled team member to provide critical surgical support across the Randall B. Terry Jr. Companion Animal Medical Center and the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center. This role requires advanced sterile technique, collaboration with veterinary students, interns, and residents.

The position emphasizes teamwork, safety, and agility in a fast-paced teaching hospital setting, with on-site work and a focus on patient care and equipment management.

Qualifications

• Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment.
• Some positions may require additional training, certifications, or licensure.

Responsibilities

• Surgical Prep & aseptic technique in advanced sterile suites.
• Intraoperative patient care and anesthesia support.
• Operate and maintain surgical technology and sterilization processes.
• Turnover and inventory management with OSHA compliance.

Skills

Team Players

Safety-Minded

Operational Agility

Education

Accredited training program

Tools

Sterile Processing Equipment

Surgical Instruments Handling

Job description

About the Department

Established in 1983, the NC State Veterinary Hospital (VH) is one of the nation’s highest-rated academic medical centers, serving North Carolina and the surrounding region. The VH treats nearly 35,000 patients annually across more than 20 clinical services, utilizing a team-based approach that leverages the expertise of nationally and internationally renowned board-certified specialists.

The VH is dedicated to:

• Clinical Excellence: Providing compassionate, state-of-the-art specialty healthcare at the cutting edge of veterinary medicine.
• Education: Delivering expert clinical instruction to fourth-year veterinary students from the College of Veterinary Medicine.
• Innovation: Advancing the field through the ongoing investigation of innovative techniques and medical procedures.

Wolfpack Perks and Benefits

As a Pack member, you belong here, and can enjoy exclusive perks designed to enhance your personal and professional well-being. As you consider this opportunity, we encourage you to review our Employee Value Proposition and learn more about what makes NC State the best place to learn and work for everyone.

• Childcare benefits
• Wellness & Recreation Membership
• Wellness Programs that aim to build a thriving wolfpack community.

Disclaimer: Perks and Benefit eligibility is based on Part-Time or Full-Time Employment status. Eligibility and Employer Sponsored Plans can be found within each of the links offered.

Job Location

Department CVM Teaching Hospital

This position is not eligible for visa sponsorship. Applicants must be authorized to work in the United States without the need for current or future sponsorship.

Anticipated Hiring Range

$45,500 - $49,200

Work Schedule

TBD, holidays, weekends and on call required. Mandatory on site.

Position Classification Salary Range

$ 39,000 - $ 77,109

Join a premier veterinary teaching hospital team! This position provides critical surgical support across both the Randall B. Terry Jr. Companion Animal Medical Center and the Equine and Farm Animal Veterinary Center. Our unique team of Veterinary Technicians and Assistants specializes in advanced sterile techniques for a varied array of small and large animal procedures. If you possess advanced knowledge of veterinary medicine and thrive in a fast-paced, collaborative teaching environment, we want you on our team.

What You’ll Do:

• Surgical Prep & Aseptic Technique: Set up advanced surgical suites, validate sterility, manage equipment, and prepare patients using precise aseptic techniques.
• Intraoperative & Patient Care: Maintain sterile fields, assist during complex surgeries, calculate medications, and support anesthesia and isolation protocols.
• Equipment & Sterile Processing: Operate and maintain cutting-edge surgical technology (including C-arms, drills, lasers, and microscopes) and manage instrument sterilization.
• Turnover & Inventory: Ensure rapid room readiness by disinfecting suites, restocking vital supplies, and maintaining strict OSHA compliance logs.
• Coordination & Mentorship: Streamline surgical scheduling, document critical patient data, and help train the next generation of veterinary students, interns, and residents.

What We Are Looking For:

• Team Players: Active problem-solvers who can work independently with sound judgment but know when to collaborate.
• Safety-Minded Professionals: Commitment to maintaining a clean, functional workspace in accordance with OSHA , EHS , and hospital infectious disease policies.
• Operational Agility: Ability to lift up to 50 pounds with or without reasonable accommodations, flexibility to extend hours based on patient needs, and comfort working around potential hazards (zoonotic diseases, chemicals, gases).

Other Responsibilities

• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Completion of an accredited training program in the area of assignment; or equivalent combination of training and experience.

Some positions may require additional Training, Certifications, or Licensure.

Preferred Qualifications

• Clinical OR Experience: Previous experience working in an operating room or sterile processing support role within a veterinary or human healthcare setting; experience in a teaching hospital environment preferred.
• Training & Instructional Support: Experience teaching, coaching, or mentoring veterinary students, interns, residents, or junior staff in clinical or surgical workflows.
• Surgical & Sterile Processing Expertise: Competency in sterile processing and OR support, including handling complex surgical instrumentation, maintaining sterility standards, and supporting specialty or high-volume surgical services.
• Critical Thinking & OR Workflow Management: Ability to prioritize surgical cases and instrumentation needs, troubleshoot equipment or workflow issues, and make sound decisions in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• Communication & Professionalism: Strong communication skills with the ability to support OR teams effectively, respond to instrumentation and supply needs, and maintain professionalism in high-pressure clinical settings.

Required License or Certification

N/A

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required

Valid NC Driver's License required No

Commercial Driver's License Required?

Commercial Driver's License Required? No

Notice to Applicants

Please note that the work history on your resume must also be included in your application.

EEO

NC State University is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive equal opportunities for employment without regard to age, color, disability, gender identity, genetic information, national origin, race, religion, sex (including pregnancy), sexual orientation, and veteran status. The University encourages all qualified applicants, including protected veterans and individuals with disabilities, to apply. Individuals with disabilities requiring disability-related accommodations in the application and interview process are welcome to contact 919-513-0574 to speak with a representative of the Office of Equal Opportunity.

If you have general questions about the application process, you may contact Human Resources at [phone] or [e-mail].

Final candidates are subject to criminal & sex offender background checks. Some vacancies also require credit or motor vehicle checks. Degree(s) must be obtained prior to start date in order to meet qualifications and receive credit.

NC State University participates in E-Verify. Federal law requires all employers to verify the identity and employment eligibility of all persons hired to work in the United States.