Veterinary Technician

VCA Animal Hospitals, Inc; Walnut Creek (CA); On-site; USD 48,000 - 55,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

Paid time off

401(k) with employer contributions

Continuing education allowance

Annual pet care discounts

Professional liability insurance

Job summary

VCA Encina Animal Medical Center in Walnut Creek, CA is seeking an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician to join our Outpatient Department. This FT role offers $35–$40 per hour with a busy, collaborative team in a 24/7 ER, specialty, and general practice hospital.

We require a current RVT licensure and at least one year of veterinary experience, with a strong foundation in patient care, teamwork, and clinical skills. Training for newer RVTs is available in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Current RVT licensure.
• At least one year of veterinary experience preferred.
• Strong patient care and nursing skills.
• Ability to prioritize tasks and stay calm under pressure.

Responsibilities

• Triage support and vital signs collection.
• Support specialty outpatient care and GP services.
• Assist with emergency procedures and anesthesia preparation.
• Obtain radiographs and follow radiation safety protocols.
• Provide compassionate patient handling and monitoring.

Skills

Patient care

Communication

Education

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) licensure

Job description

VCA Encina Animal Medical Center is adding an experienced Registered Veterinary Technician to our Outpatient Department.

Location : 2803 Ygnacio Valley Rd, Walnut Creek, CA 94598

Compensation : $ 35 - $ 40 / hr

Schedule : FT Sunday, Monday, Thursday Friday

VCA Encina as a 24/7 Emergency, Specialty & General Practice Veterinary Hospital.

Do You Thrive in a Fast-Paced Veterinary Environment?

We’re looking for an RVT with at least one year of veterinary experience who enjoys variety, thinks well on their feet, and is excited to continue growing their clinical skills. We also welcome the right candidate who may be newer to the field but brings a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, and a genuine eagerness to learn.

Our Outpatient Department is anything but routine! Our team supports a diverse range of cases, working closely with veterinarians, Veterinary Assistants, and other departments to provide timely, compassionate care to patients with a variety of medical needs.

If you enjoy a busy environment, appreciate teamwork, and want to expand your experience across emergency medicine, specialty care, and general practice, this may be the perfect fit for you.

What You’ll Do

• Triage support: Assist with assessing incoming patients, obtaining vital signs and patient histories, recognizing changes in patient status, and communicating concerns promptly to the medical team.
• Specialty outpatient care: Support specialty appointments, treatments, diagnostics, and follow-up care across a variety of services.
• General Practice care and treatments: Support our GP doctors and their patients with routine treatments and diagnostics.
• Emergency procedures: Assist with emergency sedation procedures, patient preparation, monitoring, and recovery.
• Diagnostic imaging: Obtain hands-free radiographs using appropriate positioning aids and established radiation safety protocols.
• Emergency surgery support: Occasionally assist the surgical and emergency teams during urgent procedures as patient needs arise.
• Patient care and monitoring: Provide safe, compassionate handling and monitoring for patients ranging from stable outpatient cases to urgent and critically ill patients.
• Teamwork and communication: Work collaboratively with RVTs, Veterinary Assistants, veterinarians, and other departments to maintain efficient patient flow and excellent standards of care.
• Department organization: Help maintain a clean, safe, and well-stocked environment while balancing multiple priorities in a fast-moving hospital.

What We’re Looking For

• Current Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) licensure.
• At least one year of veterinary experience preferred.
• A strong foundation in patient care, animal handling, and technical nursing skills.
• The ability to prioritize tasks, adapt to changing circumstances, and remain composed under pressure.
• Strong communication skills and a collaborative, team-first mindset.
• A commitment to patient safety, compassionate care, and high-quality medicine.
• Curiosity, initiative, and a desire to continue learning and developing professionally.

Newer RVTs are encouraged to apply!

While experience is valuable, we are willing to train the right candidate who demonstrates a strong work ethic, a positive attitude, sound foundational skills, and a willingness to learn in a very fast-paced environment.

Why Join Our Outpatient Team?

• Variety every day: Gain exposure to emergency, specialty, and general practice cases.
• Hands-on experience: Build confidence and clinical skills through a wide range of outpatient treatments, procedures, and diagnostics.
• Collaborative culture: Work alongside VAs, RVTs, and veterinarians who rely on one another to provide exceptional patient care.
• Continued growth: Learn new techniques, strengthen your clinical judgment, and expand your knowledge in a dynamic medical environment.
• Meaningful work: Play an important role in helping patients receive timely, compassionate care when they need it most.

Why join the VCA Encina Animal Medical Center ER team :

Benefits:

VCA offers a comprehensive benefits package to support the health, well-being, and professional development of its associates.

• Mental Health: Access to the Lyra mental health platform, including up to 12 therapy sessions per year, guided self-care, and meditation resources.
• Full Healthcare: Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision insurance with HSA/FSA options, as well as fertility benefits.
• Paid Time Off: Paid vacation, sick, parental, and bereavement leave.
• Financial Support: 100% employer-paid short-term and long-
• Protection: Access to the Better Together Fund for crisis support in qualifying situations.
• Perks: Rabies prophylaxis vaccine and titer testing.
• Education: Continuing Education (CE) allowance for veterinarians and credentialed veterinary technicians, along with access to WOOF University®, which includes RACE-approved courses.
• Latest Tech & Innovation: Opportunities to work with the latest technology and programs that encourage innovation and creativity, such as VCA Next.
• Sponsorships: Penn Foster and VTNE test prep sponsorships, as well as VTNE prep courses.
• Discounts: Discounted Low-Stress Handling, Fear Free, and AAFP Cat-Friendly certifications, along with VETGirl and VIN subscriptions.
• Freebies: Free NAVTA membership and a free subscription to Plumb’s.
• Programs: Leadership development and mentorship programs.
• Retirement: 401(k) retirement savings plan with increasing employer contribution.
• Full Coverage: 100% employer-paid professional liability coverage and life insurance coverage equal to one year’s salary.
• Pet Care Perks: Generous pet care discounts and VIP programs.
• Advisory Services: Student loan advisory services, tools, and resources.
• Legal Resources: Access to legal resources for common legal services.
• Transfer Opportunities: Nationwide hospital transfer opportunities.

Benefits: We offer competitive compensation along with a comprehensive benefits package, including medical, dental, vision and paid vacation/sick days, 401(k), generous employee pet discounts and more!

The information in this position description indicates the general nature and level of work to be performed. It is not designed to be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of associates assigned to this job. Management reserves the right to revise the job description or require that other tasks be performed when the circumstances of the job change (for example, emergencies, change in personnel, workload, or technical development)

We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer - Veterans / Disabled. For a complete EEO statement please see our career page at vcacareers.com