Veterinary Operating Room Assistant, GCVS

Ethos Veterinary Health•Houston, TX

3d•$19

About The Position

Are you eager to make a meaningful impact in veterinary care? Do you excel in dynamic, fast-paced settings where every day brings something new? If you're a highly organized, compassionate, and energetic team player with strong collaboration skills, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is looking for you to join our team as a Veterinary Operating Room Assistant. Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists (GCVS) is a leader in specialized care for companion animals, known for excellence and collaboration with the veterinary community. Our state-of-the-art facility and expert team provide top-tier care across a range of specialties, including emergency, cardiology, oncology, neurology, surgery, and more. Join us and make a difference in the lives of pets and their families every day. Position Overview: Surgery Assistants are under the direct guidance and supervision of the Surgery Technical Staff Supervisors, surgeons and managers. Occupants of this position are required to assist the practitioners to the fullest possible extent, to help improve the quality of care given to the patients of Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists and to aid the surgeons in achieving greater effi ciency by relieving them of technical work and administrative detail. Operating Room assistants (ORAs) are individuals with a minimum of 2-year experience in general or specialty veterinary service. An ORA plays a critical and multifaceted role in the surgery department by supporting the veterinary surgeons and the entire medical team to ensure the highest quality of patient care. This role requires technical expertise, attention to detail, and a compassionate approach to both animal patients - with a focus on general preliminary exams, surgical procedure preparation, performing assistant scrub duties, circulation and post-operative recovery.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent required.
Experience: Previous experience in a surgical or specialty veterinary setting is preferred. Minimum of 2-year experience in general or specialty veterinary service.
Technical Skills: Strong technical skills are essential, including:
Venipuncture and IV catheter placement
Intubation/Extubation experience
Surgical preparation and assistance
Proficiency in diagnostic imaging and laboratory procedures
Experience handling and processing surgical instruments, including specialized equipment
Adapts positively to the ever-changing healthcare environment by supporting technology and process changes.
Must possess excellent listening and interpersonal skills and problem-solving methods.
Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a plus!

Responsibilities

Maintain operating room cleanliness, equipment, anesthesia machines, and monitors; assist with post-procedure turnover and sterilization workflows
Assist with patient care including restraint, grooming, discharge preparation, ICU/kennel support, and client service assistance
Perform preliminary diagnostics and lab work (IV catheters, vitals, ECGs, blood/urine collection, in-house lab testing)
Prepare, calculate, document, and administer medications, CRIs, blood transfusions, and controlled substances per doctor/LVT direction
Assist with anesthetic induction, monitoring, pain management, and recovery under supervision
Provide surgical support including site prep, sterile technique, scrubbing, circulating, instrumentation handling, and minor procedures
Accurately document anesthesia, surgical procedures, treatments, diagnostics, and invoicing codes
Handle reference lab submissions (histopathology, cultures, uroliths) following proper protocols
Clean, wrap, sterilize, and organize surgical instruments and suites
Operate diagnostic imaging equipment (radiography, CT, MRI) and follow all safety standards
Perform advanced technical procedures as trained (arterial lines, nerve blocks, epidurals)