Surgery Veterinary Assistant, AVS

Ethos Veterinary Health • Santa Barbara, CA

1d • $0 - $26 • Onsite

About The Position

Build your career in specialty veterinary medicine with the Surgery team at Advanced Veterinary Specialists (AVS). As a Surgical Veterinary Assistant, you'll work alongside board-certified veterinary surgeons, Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs), and experienced veterinary professionals supporting surgical preparation, patient care, sterilization, and post-operative recovery. This is an excellent opportunity for an experienced Veterinary Assistant looking to develop their surgical and specialty medicine skills in a collaborative, fast-paced veterinary hospital.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum of one year of clinical veterinary experience; veterinary surgery or specialty hospital experience preferred.
• Strong animal handling, patient restraint, and veterinary patient care skills.
• Excellent communication, organization, attention to detail, and teamwork skills.
• Ability to follow detailed instructions and work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment.
• California Veterinary Assistant Controlled Substance Permit (VACSP) required within 60 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

• veterinary surgery or specialty hospital experience

Responsibilities

• Provide compassionate pre-operative and post-operative patient care, including handling, restraint, positioning, transport, and monitoring under the direction of an RVT or veterinarian.
• Prepare patients, surgical suites, and recovery areas, including shaving, scrubbing, and surgical preparation according to hospital protocols.
• Clean, wrap, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and equipment using autoclaves and gas sterilizers.
• Maintain clean, organized, and well-stocked surgical, prep, and patient care areas.
• Manage proper labeling, storage, and inventory of surgical instruments, equipment, and medical supplies.
• Collaborate with veterinary surgeons, RVTs, Veterinary Assistants, and support teams to maintain efficient surgical workflow and exceptional patient care.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, and life insurance
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• 401(k)
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Three weeks of accrued paid time off
• Uniforms
• Annual Veterinary Assistant and RVT Continuing Education (CE) allowance
• VetBloom access with RACE-approved continuing education, training, and curriculum
• Professional development and career advancement opportunities within Ethos Veterinary Health

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED