Veterinary Technician - Surgery

Innovetive Petcare•Chattanooga, TN

13d

About The Position

Are you an experienced Veterinary Technician with strong surgical and anesthesia experience looking to grow your career in a high-level specialty environment? Animal Emergency & Specialty Center (AESC) Chattanooga is seeking a skilled and clinically confident Veterinary Technician to support our Surgery Department. While licensure in Tennessee is preferred, we are open to highly experienced surgical technicians with significant anesthesia and perioperative experience. This is an excellent opportunity for a Veterinary Technician who thrives in a fast-paced specialty hospital and is eager to refine advanced surgical and anesthesia skills. Schedule Monday – Thursday (Day Shift) Rotating on-call weekend requirement once fully trained (On-call support required if a surgery case is called in) This consistent weekday schedule provides strong structure, while on-call participation supports our commitment to emergency surgical care. Animal Emergency & Specialty Center is a trusted provider of advanced veterinary emergency and specialty medicine in the Chattanooga, TN region. Our collaborative team includes experienced surgeons, emergency clinicians, and highly trained support staff dedicated to delivering exceptional patient care. We are proud to offer: A collaborative, team-oriented specialty environment Access to advanced surgical procedures and complex case management State-of-the-art monitoring and anesthesia equipment A culture that prioritizes professional growth and clinical excellence A strong, well-established referral network in the Chattanooga community

Requirements

2+ years of hands-on experience in veterinary anesthesia and surgical support
Strong working knowledge of anesthetic agents, monitoring equipment, and emergency response protocols
Experience in a high-volume general practice, emergency, or specialty hospital
Confidence managing complex surgical cases
Ability to work on-call weekend rotations once trained

Nice To Haves

Licensed Veterinary Technician (LVT/CVT/RVT) in Tennessee
Experience in specialty or referral hospital settings
Advanced anesthesia training or interest in pursuing specialty growth
Strong clinical judgment and critical thinking skills
Calm, focused demeanor during high-pressure cases
Exceptional attention to detail
Commitment to high standards of patient care
Desire to grow within a specialty surgical environment
Ability to stand for extended periods
Lift and assist with patients up to 40 pounds
Perform physical tasks associated with surgical preparation and emergency response

Responsibilities

Administer and monitor general anesthesia for soft tissue, orthopedic, and emergency surgical procedures
Perform thorough anesthetic calculations and individualized patient protocols
Monitor vital parameters including ECG, blood pressure (including invasive BP), SpO₂, ETCO₂, and anesthetic gas analysis
Operate ventilators and advanced monitoring equipment
Adjust anesthesia based on patient condition and surgeon direction
Prepare patients for surgery including catheter placement, clipping, sterile prep, and positioning
Maintain sterile technique and assist surgeons intraoperatively
Support advanced procedures including orthopedic and specialty soft tissue cases
Provide diligent patient monitoring during recovery
Recognize and respond appropriately to anesthetic complications
Assist in stabilization of emergency surgical cases
Maintain accurate anesthesia and surgical records
Ensure compliance with hospital protocols and standards of care
Work closely with surgeons, ER doctors, and fellow technicians
Participate in ongoing training and skill development

Benefits

Competitive Compensation
Competitive hourly pay based on experience and clinical skill level
Shift differentials where applicable
On-call compensation for weekend surgical support
Overtime pay in accordance with state and federal guidelines
Continuing Education & Professional Growth
Annual CE allowance to support continuing education
Paid CE days for approved professional development
Access to specialty-level mentorship and advanced surgical training
Opportunities to pursue advanced certifications (including VTS pathways)
Internal training resources through Innovetive Petcare
We are committed to supporting Licensed Veterinary Technicians who want to grow their clinical skillset in anesthesia, surgical monitoring, and specialty medicine.
Comprehensive Health & Wellness Benefits
Medical, dental, and vision insurance options
401(k) retirement plan with employer match
Paid Time Off (PTO)
Paid holidays
Company-paid life and disability insurance
Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
Veterinary Professional Perks
Generous employee pet care discounts
Discounted services and products for your pets
Access to advanced specialty care for your own animals
Career Advancement Opportunities
Growth pathways within AESC and across the Innovetive Petcare network
Leadership development opportunities
Cross-training in emergency and specialty departments
Potential advancement into lead or supervisory technician roles
Supportive, Collaborative Culture
Work alongside experienced surgeons and emergency clinicians
State-of-the-art anesthesia and surgical equipment
A team environment that values technician input and clinical autonomy
A culture that prioritizes excellence in patient care and mutual respect