Veterinary Technician or Assistant - Surgery

Golden State Humane Society; Marietta (GA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 58,000; Full time

Job summary

Golden State Humane Society in Marietta is seeking a skilled Veterinary Technician or Assistant specialized in surgical settings. Join a team that values expertise and compassion, providing critical care to pets in a state-of-the-art environment. With opportunities for professional development and a competitive benefits package, make a positive impact in the lives of pets and their owners.

Benefits

Competitive salary

Health, dental, and vision insurance

401(k) plan

Continuing education support

Qualifications

• 2+ years in veterinary surgery or anesthesia.
• Experience with orthopedic or neurologic surgeries is desirable.
• Strong knowledge of sterile techniques and anesthetic protocols.

Responsibilities

• Assist in surgical preparation and support for various procedures.
• Monitor anesthesia and patient vital signs during surgeries.
• Provide post-operative care and support for recovery.

Skills

Communication

Attention to detail

Surgical technique

Anesthesia monitoring

Compassionate care

Education

Graduate of an accredited Veterinary Technician program

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) certification in Georgia

Tools

Anesthesia machines

Surgical instruments

Monitoring equipment

Job description

Veterinary Technician or Assistant - Surgery

Department: Veterinary Technicians

Employment Type: Full Time

Location: Marietta, Georgia

Description

At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, we are proud to deliver top-tier veterinary care with a strong focus on specialty services and critical care. Our Surgery Department provides advanced surgical interventions, from routine soft tissue procedures to complex orthopedic and neurologic surgeries, performed by a team of highly experienced, board-certified veterinary surgeons.

Located in Marietta, GA, our hospital is equipped with state-of-the-art surgical suites, advanced anesthesia monitoring equipment, and cutting-edge diagnostic tools. We are currently seeking a Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) or a highly skilled Veterinary Assistant with a strong background in surgery and anesthesia to join our growing surgical team.

This is a unique opportunity to play an integral role in providing lifesaving and life-enhancing surgical care to pets, working alongside some of the best minds in veterinary surgery.

Key Responsibilities

As a Surgery Technician or Advanced Assistant, your role will include the following responsibilities critical to patient care and successful surgical outcomes:

Surgical Preparation & Support:

• Assist in prepping patients for surgery, including shaving, scrubbing, and sterile draping.
• Maintain aseptic technique while assisting in sterile procedures and surgeries.
• Set up and break down surgical suites and equipment, ensuring proper sterilization and compliance with hospital protocols.

Anesthesia & Monitoring:

• Induce, monitor, and recover patients under anesthesia with close attention to vital signs, anesthetic depth, and patient comfort.
• Proficiently use advanced anesthesia machines, ventilators, and patient monitoring equipment (ECG, capnography, blood pressure, pulse oximetry, etc.).
• Administer pre-anesthetic medications, induction agents, intraoperative fluids, and postoperative pain management under the direction of the DVM.

Post-Operative Care:

• Monitor patients during the recovery process, ensuring comfort, safety, and proper pain management.
• Administer medications, change bandages, monitor incisions, and provide postoperative support to ensure smooth recovery.

Diagnostic & Technical Assistance:

• Assist with pre-surgical diagnostics such as radiographs, CT scans, bloodwork, and urinalysis.
• Support the surgical team with orthopedic and neurologic procedures, including fracture repair, TPLO, spinal surgeries, and soft tissue operations.

Client Communication & Education:

• Communicate effectively with clients about surgical procedures, home care instructions, and recovery expectations.
• Provide empathetic and clear guidance to pet owners before and after surgery, ensuring a supportive client experience.

Inventory & Equipment Management:

• Maintain surgical instrument packs, manage surgical inventory, and ensure timely sterilization of equipment.
• Report maintenance needs or malfunctions of surgical equipment to ensure uninterrupted patient care.

Team Collaboration:

• Work closely with board-certified surgeons, anesthesiologists, and emergency/ICU staff for seamless patient care.
• Mentor junior technicians and assistants, contributing to a supportive and skilled surgical team.

Skills, Knowledge & Expertise to be Successful


Education & Certification:

• Graduate of an accredited Veterinary Technician program preferred.
• Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT) in the state of Georgia is strongly preferred.
• Veterinary Assistants with significant experience in emergency/surgical settings will also be considered.

Experience:

• 2+ years of experience in veterinary surgery, anesthesia, or emergency/critical care preferred.
• Experience assisting in orthopedic, neurologic, or minimally invasive surgeries is highly desirable.
• Skilled in anesthesia induction, maintenance, and recovery for critical and high-risk cases.

Technical Proficiency:

• Strong knowledge of sterile technique, surgical instrumentation, and anesthetic drugs and protocols.
• Proficiency in placing IV catheters, administering fluids, managing surgical records, and assisting with imaging procedures.
• Familiarity with emergency response protocols and CPR for intraoperative complications.

Compassionate Care & Communication:

• Excellent communication skills for interacting with clients and team members.
• Compassionate, calm, and patient-centered, even in high-stress situations.

Detail-Oriented & Reliable:

• High level of attention to detail in surgical prep, record-keeping, and patient monitoring.
• Dependable, adaptable, and ready to step into fast-paced situations with professionalism.

What We Offer

At Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency, we strive to create a culture where surgical excellence, compassion, and teamwork thrive.

Competitive Salary & Comprehensive Benefits:

• Competitive pay based on experience and credentials.
• Full benefits package including PTO, health/dental/vision insurance, and 401(k).

Professional Development:

• Continuing education and certification support in anesthesia, ECC, or surgical nursing.
• Opportunities to cross-train in other specialty departments (ICU, internal medicine, oncology).

Advanced Equipment & Techniques:

• Work with cutting-edge technology in a modern, purpose-built surgical facility.
• Exposure to complex and specialized cases to grow your surgical and anesthesia knowledge.

Supportive, Expert Team:

• Collaborate with board-certified surgeons, highly trained technicians, and a passionate emergency team.
• Be part of a workplace that values your skills, supports your goals, and recognizes your contributions.

Make an Impact:

• Play a direct role in improving the lives of pets through surgical intervention.
• Provide peace of mind and guidance to clients facing critical decisions about their pet's care.

Ready to Join Our Surgical Team?
If you're passionate about surgical veterinary care, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and want to be part of a hospital that values expertise and compassion, we want to hear from you.

Apply today to join Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency's Surgery Department - where skill meets heart.

About Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency

Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency strives to be at the forefront of veterinary emergency and specialty medicine, to offer the most effective diagnostics, and treatment options for each of our patients. We are also committed to the veterinary profession, in partnering with veterinarians and advancing the practice of veterinary medicine.
Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency is a proud partner of Innovetive Petcare. Where we believe that you are the future of veterinary medicine. Cultivate, innovate, develop, and collaborate. Excellent pet care comes from exceptional teams.

Equal Opportunity Employer Policy
Dogwood Veterinary Specialty and Emergency is an Equal Opportunity Employer and a member of E-Verify. We are proudly committed to recruiting and retaining a diverse and inclusive workforce. We do not discriminate based on age, race, gender, sexual orientation, religion, national origin, disability, or any other non-merit factor. All qualified applicants, including minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply.