Veterinary Technician - Surgery

VCA Animal Hospitals; Pittsburgh (Allegheny County); On-site; USD 28,929 - 37,195; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental & vision insurance

Paid parental leave

401(k)

Free NAVTA membership

Up to $1000 CE allowance

Job summary

VCA Animal Hospitals is looking for a full-time veterinary technician to join their Surgery team at VCA Northview Animal Hospital in Pittsburgh. The ideal candidate will assist with surgical preparations, monitor anesthesia, and ensure patient recovery. This role offers a supportive team culture and comprehensive benefits including medical and dental insurance, a CE allowance, and opportunities for career growth. Valid license or eligibility is required, with a salary range of $21-$27 per hour.

Qualifications

• Proficient in anesthetic monitoring and emergency response.
• Experience with surgical instrument care and handling.
• Ability to work independently and in teams.

Responsibilities

• Prepare patients and medical records for surgery.
• Set up and clean surgery suite.
• Monitor anesthesia during surgery.
• Assist with recovery and record-keeping.

Skills

Anesthetic monitoring

Venipuncture

IV catheter placement

Drug calculations

Sterile techniques

Education

Licensed or license eligible veterinary technician

Job description

VCA Northview Animal Hospital is seeking an enthusiastic veterinary technician to join our Surgery team full time!

What Makes Us Unique?

We are a multi‑specialty and general medicine practice with a small family feel. We have built a culture of support, kindness, and truly work together as a team. Our hospital departments include Surgery, Internal Medicine, the full circle support of General Practice and Wellness care, and Rehabilitation patients. We truly enjoy working with each other!

Please take a moment to view our hospital video below and learn more about how VCA Northview is the right choice for you!

VCA Northview Recruitment v2.0.mp4 - pCloud (https://u.pcloud.link/publink/show?code=XZC4eRVZxPbRBiEE2ofdloGkl3IQLkjfifaV)

Surgery Veterinary Technician Duties

• patient intake and medical record preparation for surgical procedure
• surgery suite set up and turnover
• premedication and induction of anesthesia
• sterile prep of surgical site
• anesthetic monitoring throughout procedure
• ensuring surgeon has necessary surgical instruments and equipment
• recovery of patient
• all recordkeeping associated with anesthetic procedures through the point of transfer to another department

The surgery technician shares paid, limited on-call responsibility with other team members. This person will also be involved with cleaning and sterilization of surgical suites, surgical packs and equipment, maintenance and quality control of anesthetic equipment, and other housekeeping responsibilities. You must be able to lift 45lb and work on feet for several hours at a time; proficiency in venipuncture; IV catheter placement; drug calculations; induction and monitoring of extended anesthetic procedures (including the use of mechanical ventilators); knowledge of surgical instrument care and sterile techniques; ability to effectively monitor anesthetized patients and communicate/respond quickly and efficiently in the event of an anesthetic emergency. Must be able to write legibly and be familiar with the forms and record-keeping protocols that are in place. This person should be familiar with AAHA standards of accreditation for anesthesia and surgery. Additionally, the candidate should be familiar with our equipment and surgical services. Candidates for this position must be able to work in a fast paced, challenging environment and have the ability to function independently with confidence as well as with a team.

Schedule

Tue/Wed/Thur 7am-7pm+ hours with potential for Monday shifts in the future.

Compensation

The pay range for this position is $21-$27/hr

The Culture at VCA Northview

We are passionate about our team’s health and wellness and continue to foster a culture where asking questions is welcome, and training is the expectation. We are committed to equity, inclusion, and diversity, and strive to be a place where a talented mix of people want to come, stay, and do their best work. We support a work environment where you can focus on your career, your happiness, and the patients you serve while supporting a work‑life balance.

The Benefits Continue to Grow!

• Leadership opportunities (career growth potential)
• Hefty discounts to VetGirl , and Fear Free Certification
• Free NAVTA membership
• Up to $1000 CE allowance for CVT/RVT
• Licensure tuition support and scholarship opportunities
• CVT license reimbursement
• Free wellness subscriptions (Head Space)
• Referral bonuses
• Competitive wage
• VTS career path financial support
• Medical, dental & vision insurance
• Life, long and short term disability insurance
• Paid parental leave
• Infertility Benefits
• Paid vacation and sick time
• 401(k)
• Free access to Plumbs, and educational platforms such as Vetfolio

Why You Should Consider Us

This role is suited for the experienced licensed or license eligible technician. The associate will cross‑train and work with both the General Medical and Surgery teams. Candidates must be positive and motivated. The hospital team meets frequently, and your ideas and suggestions are encouraged to help us continue to grow. Our team takes pride in fostering an atmosphere of mutual respect and recognition while being adaptable, goal driven and engaged. We work hard to protect our culture and assure we hire associates that are going to have the determination to rise above obstacles, wear multiple hats and work as a team.

Ready to grow with a collaborative and supportive team?

We look forward to getting to know you!

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