The Veterinary Surgical Assistant is an essential member of our surgical team, providing hands-on support and working directly with our veterinary technicians while helping maintain a clean, safe, and efficient surgical hospital. This position combines hospital sanitation, patient care support, and surgical assistance to ensure every patient receives exceptional care throughout their visit.
This role is ideal for someone who enjoys staying busy, thrives in a fast-paced surgical environment, and is interested in growing their technical veterinary skills. Working alongside our experienced technicians, you'll gain valuable experience supporting orthopedic and soft tissue surgical patients while playing an important role in keeping our hospital running smoothly.
Why Join Our Team?
At Russian River Veterinary Surgical Service, you'll work alongside an experienced team dedicated to providing exceptional advanced surgical care. Every day brings opportunities to learn new skills, support advanced surgical procedures, and make a meaningful difference in the lives of pets and their families.
If you're dependable, compassionate, eager to learn, and enjoy working in a collaborative environment, we'd love to meet you and see where you can fit in with our team!
Primary Responsibilities – Surgical Technician Support
Working under the direction of our Registered Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians, you will:
- Assist technicians with patient preparation and recovery, including surgical preparation, monitoring anesthesia, and pre- and post-operative imaging
- Safely handle and restrain patients using low-stress handling techniques
- Walk, feed, clean, and provide comfort care for hospitalized patients
- Monitor patients for changes in comfort, mobility, appetite, or demeanor and immediately communicate concerns to the medical team
- Clean, organize, and restock treatment and surgical areas throughout the day
- Prepare patient care areas for admissions, recoveries, and discharges
- Restock medical supplies, surgical consumables, and treatment inventory
- Assist with moving patients throughout the hospital as needed
- Support technicians with daily hospital workflow and patient care tasks
- Help maintain an organized, efficient, and well-stocked surgical environment
Hospital Sanitation & Infection Control
- Maintain cleanliness and sanitation throughout the hospital, including treatment areas, operating rooms, recovery wards, exam rooms, kennels, and common areas
- Clean and disinfect operating rooms between procedures
- Clean, disinfect, and prepare kennels between patients
- Perform routine, terminal, and isolation cleaning according to hospital protocols
- Launder and organize hospital linens and patient bedding
- Properly dispose of medical waste, sharps, and biohazard materials in accordance with California regulations
- Maintain cleanliness of cages, equipment, and hospital furnishings
- Monitor cleaning and laundry supplies and notify leadership when inventory is low
Qualifications
- High school diploma or equivalent required
- Previous experience in a veterinary hospital required (1–2 years)
- Strong interest and experience in veterinary surgery and patient care
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail
- Ability to work efficiently in a fast-paced surgical environment
- Comfortable working with dogs and cats of all sizes
- Positive attitude, dependable work ethic, and willingness to learn
- Ability to communicate effectively with veterinarians, technicians, and fellow team members
Physical Requirements
- Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, and perform physical tasks throughout the workday
- Comfortable working around animals, cleaning products, medical equipment, and surgical environments
Pay: $23.00 - $26.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Dental insurance
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- Veterinary Assistant: 1 year (Required)
Work Location: In person
