Veterinary Surgical Prep Technician

PAWS Chicago; Chicago (IL); On-site; USD 52,000 - 75,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with employer

Paid time off, vacation, sick days, &

Job summary

PAWS Chicago's Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic in Chicago seeks a Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to join our fast-paced surgical team. As Surgical Prep Technician, you will prepare, anesthetize, monitor, and care for patients throughout their surgical experience.

The ideal candidate has at least 3 years of veterinary technician experience, excellent anesthesia monitoring skills, and a calm, compassionate approach for high-pressure emergencies.

Qualifications

• Current CVT credential required.
• At least 3 years of veterinary technician experience.
• Strong anesthesia monitoring and surgical preparation skills.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery, including medications, shaving, intubation, IV catheter placement.
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and respond to abnormal conditions.
• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures with sterile technique.
• Support recovery and provide post-operative care.
• Administer vaccines and dispense medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Maintain records for medications and complete daily surgical paperwork.
• Collaborate with teammates to keep patient care safe and compassionate.

Skills

Anesthesia monitoring

Surgical prep

Communication

Education

Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential

Job description

Brief DescriptionSince 2000, the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic at PAWS Chicago has provided accessible, high-quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and wellness care to the community. Every day, our team plays a vital role in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing animals from experiencing homelessness.

Brief DescriptionSince 2000, the Lurie Spay/Neuter Clinic at PAWS Chicago has provided accessible, high-quality spay/neuter services, vaccinations, and wellness care to the community. Every day, our team plays a vital role in reducing pet overpopulation and preventing animals from experiencing homelessness. We’re looking for an experienced Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) to join our fast-paced surgical team. As a Surgical Prep Technician, you’ll work closely with veterinarians and fellow technicians to safely prepare, anesthetize, monitor, and care for patients throughout their surgical experience. This is a hands‑on role for a confident, compassionate veterinary professional who thrives in a busy environment, stays calm under pressure, and is passionate about making high‑quality veterinary care more accessible to the Chicago community. Duties And Responsibilities

• Prepare patients for surgery, including calculating, drawing up, and administering medications; shaving and prepping surgical sites; intubating; drawing blood; and placing IV catheters as directed by the veterinarian.
• Monitor patients under anesthesia and recognize and respond appropriately to abnormal conditions.
• Assist veterinarians during surgical procedures while maintaining strict sterile technique.
• Support patients through recovery and provide attentive post‑operative care.
• Administer vaccines and dispense medications as prescribed by the veterinarian.
• Intake and release surgical patients while providing professional, compassionate client service.
• Respond effectively during emergencies, following veterinary direction and helping coordinate the team while maintaining composure during CPR and other critical situations.
• Complete daily medical and surgical paperwork accurately and efficiently.
• Maintain records for controlled and non‑controlled medications.
• Clean, sterilize, organize, and prepare surgical instruments and supplies.
• Perform veterinary assistant duties as needed, including maintaining animal holding and work areas.
• Follow all departmental standard operating procedures and verbal instructions.
• Collaborate with teammates to keep patient care safe, efficient, and compassionate.
• Take on other responsibilities as assigned by management.

Requirements

• Current Certified Veterinary Technician (CVT) credential required.
• At least 3 years of veterinary technician experience required.
• Strong anesthesia monitoring and surgical preparation skills.
• Excellent organization and attention to detail, with the ability to multitask in a fast‑paced setting.
• Professional, clear, and compassionate communication skills.
• The ability to remain calm, focused, and effective during emergencies and high‑pressure situations.
• A collaborative mindset and genuine commitment to excellent animal care and client service.
• Ability to stand for up to 10 hours during a shift and lift up to 40 pounds.
• Ability to perform repetitive motions and work comfortably in small or confined spaces.

PAWS Chicago Values‑in‑Action

• Respect: for each and every life.
• Community: of people and organizations committed to helping homeless pets.
• Innovation: to constantly improve best practices and seek out new ideas and strategies to save more lives. To be a Learning Center that evolves and grows.
• Pro‑activity: to solve difficult problems and to be prepared to offer emergency and crisis support.
• Transparency: that informs the public about the fate of homeless animals.
• Education: that raises awareness about the realities that homeless animals face in the community and across the nation, providing a forum for people to get involved in effecting change, and promoting and supporting reasonable pet ownership.
• Sustainability: through financial management practices that maximize the impact and reach of our resources and ensure that PAWS Chicago will always be a resource for homeless animals.
• Compassion: towards all people and animals.

NOTE: PAWS Chicago reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description, as it desires. This job description in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying this position. This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise. The employment relationship remains “at‑will.” The job requirements may be changed to fulfill any obligation(s) to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with disabilities. Benefits

• Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance, including ancillary options and an Employee Assistance Program (EAP) through Blue Cross Blue Shield
• 403(b) retirement plan with employer match
• Paid time off, including vacation, sick days, and holidays