Veterinary Technician - Non-Credentialed

NVA General Practice; River Forest (IL); On-site; USD 30,000 - 39,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay

Employee pet discounts

401(k)

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

Disability and life insurance

Job summary

River Forest Animal Hospital in River Forest, IL is seeking a Veterinary Technician to provide surgical support and anesthesia monitoring for our small animal patients. You will assist veterinarians during exams and procedures, prepare animals for surgery, monitor vital signs, and maintain sterile instruments.

This full-time role offers a collaborative, learning-focused environment with opportunities to grow your surgical and anesthesia skills, supervise nursing care, manage samples, and educate

Qualifications

• Minimum 2 years of veterinary technician experience, surgical and anesthesia preferred.
• Ability to stay calm and focused in busy environments.
• Attention to detail and commitment to patient safety.

Responsibilities

• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments, and surgical procedures.
• Prepare animals for surgery, including shaving, cleaning, positioning and anesthesia monitoring.
• Monitor vital signs before, during, and after procedures.
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed.
• Collect samples and run basic lab tests.
• Take X-rays and other diagnostic images.
• Provide nursing care, wound care, and catheter placement.
• Maintain sterile instruments and exam rooms.
• Educate clients on post-treatment care and preventive care.
• Maintain medical records and update patient charts.
• Handle patient restraint safely and humanely.
• Stock supplies and assist with inventory.

Skills

Surgical assistance

Anesthesia monitoring

Patient care

Medical record keeping

Tools

X-ray imaging

Laboratory equipment

Job description

About The Position

Are you a skilled Veterinary Technician with a passion for surgical care? River Forest Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in providing exceptional surgical support for our patients.

About The Position

Are you a skilled Veterinary Technician with a passion for surgical care? River Forest Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in providing exceptional surgical support for our patients.

About Us

River Forest Animal Hospital is a well‑established, 6‑doctor, full‑service small animal hospital that has proudly served the community since 1952 . We are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care through every stage of a pet’s life. Our collaborative culture values growth, innovation, and teamwork—your skills and ideas truly matter here.

Learn more about us at riverforestvet.com .

What You’ll Do

As a Veterinary Technician, your responsibilities will include:

• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments, and surgical procedures
• Prepare animals for surgery (shaving, cleaning, positioning, monitoring anesthesia)
• Monitor patients’ vital signs before, during, and after procedures
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Collect samples (blood, urine, feces) and run basic laboratory tests
• Take and process X‑rays and other diagnostic images
• Provide nursing care: wound care, catheter placement, fluid therapy, feeding support
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and exam rooms
• Care for hospitalized animals (medication schedules, comfort, observation)
• Educate clients on post‑treatment care, medications, nutrition, and preventive care
• Maintain medical records and update patient charts
• Handle patient restraint safely and humanely
• Stock supplies and assist with inventory management
• Answer phones, support appointments, and assist with client communication

What to Expect

• Supportive Environment: Opportunities for continued learning and professional development to expand your surgical and anesthesia skills
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside experienced veterinarians and technicians in a culture that values communication and teamwork
• High Standards of Care: Be part of a practice committed to exceptional patient care and client service

About You

• Minimum 2 years of veterinary technician experience (surgical and anesthesia experience preferred)
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high‑pressure situations
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Passion for advancing skills in surgery and anesthesia

Schedule

• Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Rotating Saturdays
• Hospital hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Benefits

Full‑time Employees Are Eligible For

• Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay
• Employee pet discounts
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance