Veterinary Surgical Doctor's Assistant

Cerro Alto Veterinary Hospital • San Luis Obispo, CA

4d • Onsite

About The Position

Cerro Alto Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital is seeking a dedicated Veterinary Surgical Doctor's Assistant. This role is crucial for leading daily surgery-service flow, including patient preparation, anesthetic monitoring, scrubbing in, recovery, and post-operative care. The position also involves imaging and scrub-tech duties, generating and reviewing surgical estimates and SOPs, client communication, scheduling, record maintenance, and mentoring junior staff. The ideal candidate will be adaptable, willing to cross-train across departments, and committed to maintaining a clean, safe, and organized treatment environment. This is a full-time position with a structured work week, but flexibility is required to meet hospital needs.

Requirements

• Full-time, four 10-hour shifts per week (Monday – Thursday)
• Willingness to work hours outside of regular schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as operational needs dictate.
• Willingness to help colleagues, maintain optimism under pressure, and uphold our standard of kindness.

Nice To Haves

• Self-directed learning
• Inter-departmental cross-training
• Open communication

Responsibilities

• Lead daily surgery-service flow: patient prep, anesthetic monitoring, scrub-in, recovery, and post-op care.
• Assist with radiographs, CT, fluoroscopy, and sterile instrument management.
• Generate and review surgical estimates, SOPs; communicate clearly with clients and referring veterinarians.
• Schedule procedures, diagnostics, and follow-ups; maintain accurate records and prescription refills.
• Mentor and cross-train Doctor’s Assistants and support staff; foster a positive, collaborative culture.
• Adapt to service and hospital needs—including occasional cross-coverage for other departments.
• Uphold a clean, safe, organized treatment environment and model our standards of patient care.
• Cross training within the surgery department and across services is expected. During slower periods within the surgery service it is expected that other services will be assisted.
• Additional duties reasonably related to the surgery, imaging, or other hospital services may be assigned as hospital needs grow and change.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed