Veterinary Technician: Animal Care & Surgery Support

NVA; Merced (CA); On-site; USD 25,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k)

Health Savings Account

Paid time off

Employee discounts

Allowances

Job summary

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is seeking a Veterinary Technician in California. The role supports veterinarians with exams, anesthesia, radiographs, medications, and routine dental work, delivering high-quality care across the hospital team.

Candidates must be certified RVT or licensed, with strong communication, the ability to handle difficult animals, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth.

Qualifications

• Certification as a Veterinary Technician or RVT license. If unlicensed technician will need to complete additional training protocols in first 90 days and obtain VACSP within first 30 days.
• Excellent communication skills and the ability to work effectively and efficiently in a fast paced environment.
• Ability to effectively handle and control aggressive animals.
• Must be able to handle the physical and emotional aspect of work in a veterinary clinic environment, including the use of euthanasia.
• Models a professional and courteous manner with staff and clients.
• Commitment to ongoing educational development and growth.
• Must have active listening, critical thinking, complex problem solving, time management, judgment and decision making skills.

Responsibilities

• Assists the veterinarian during examination of animals, providing restraint as needed.
• Prepares and administer medications, vaccines, serums, and treatments per the veterinarian.
• Performs routine dental cleanings on animals under the direction of the veterinarian.
• Administrates anesthesia to animals and monitors responses.
• Obtains radiographs of animals with proper positioning and techniques.
• Cares for and monitors animals recovering from surgery.
• Performs laboratory tests on blood, urine, and feces to assist diagnosis.
• Administers emergency first aid and resuscitation as needed.
• Collects, prepares, and labels samples for testing.
• Completes skin and ear cytology slide assessments in house.
• Completes bandages and splint applications under supervision.
• Cleans and sterilizes instruments, equipment, and materials.
• Provides the veterinarian with the correct equipment and instruments.
• Fills prescriptions, measures medications and labels containers.
• Prepares animals for surgery, shaving areas and placing IV catheters.
• Maintains clean examination rooms and treatment areas.
• Works collaboratively with veterinarians to ensure animals are cared for properly.
• Shared schedule of holidays to care for patients as needed.
• Participate weekly to monthly in care of patients after hours on an as needed basis.
• Assists with all wellness plan care.
• Assists with emergency care.
• Routine weekend shifts.
• Holiday Shifts.

Skills

RVT license

Communication skills

Handling aggressive animals

Professional demeanor

Ongoing education

Active listening / problem solving

Time management

Job description

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is seeking a Veterinary Technician in California. The role supports veterinarians with exams, anesthesia, radiographs, medications, and routine dental work, delivering high-quality care across the hospital team.

Candidates must be certified RVT or licensed, with strong communication, the ability to handle difficult animals, and a commitment to ongoing professional growth.