Veterinary Surgery Technician

Animal Rescue League Of Iowa • Des Moines, IA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

The Animal Rescue League of Iowa is seeking a skilled and compassionate Veterinary Surgical Technician to support surgical care for animals in our shelter. This role is an essential part of the ARL’s shelter medical team, helping ensure animals receive safe, high-quality care before, during, and after surgical procedures. This is a great opportunity for someone with veterinary technician, surgical, shelter medicine, animal care, or hands-on medical animal handling experience who thrives in a fast-paced environment and wants to make a meaningful difference for animals in need.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Basic math skills required.
• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office Suite required.
• Passion for animal welfare and high-quality surgical care.

Nice To Haves

• Active Veterinary Technician Certification or equivalent veterinary work experience preferred but not required.
• Two or more years of animal care, animal handling, shelter, veterinary, or related experience strongly preferred.
• Experience with anesthesia, surgical support, patient monitoring, or shelter medicine preferred.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to maintain accurate records.
• Ability to work effectively in a fast-paced and sometimes stressful environment.
• Strong communication, customer service, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to use sound judgment and resolve concerns professionally.

Responsibilities

• Support surgical procedures by preparing patients, surgical spaces, instruments, equipment, and supplies.
• Administer anesthesia and monitor patients before, during, and after surgical procedures.
• Assist veterinarians during surgery and other medical procedures.
• Maintain a clean, sanitary, and organized surgical environment.
• Monitor patient comfort, safety, and recovery following procedures.
• Enter surgical data for inpatients and outpatients and maintain accurate medical records.
• Track, document, and maintain controlled substances according to established procedures.
• Assist with medical evaluations, treatments, or procedures outside of surgery as needed.
• Use purposeful and compassionate animal handling to support stress and disease reduction.
• Follow ARL policies, medical protocols, safety procedures, and sanitation standards.

Benefits

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Employer-paid long-term disability and basic life insurance
• Supplemental insurances, including short-term disability, supplemental life insurance, accident, and critical illness insurance
• 401(k) retirement plan with an employer contribution
• Veterinary benefits
• Work-life balance through our expansive holiday and paid time off policies
• Educational reimbursement opportunities for approved veterinary-related coursework
• Potential reimbursement assistance for approved Veterinary Technician/CVT education programs

What This Job Offers

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