Veterinary Assistant – Specialty Surgery
Veterinary Surgery Specialists (VSS) is seeking a motivated, dependable, and self-driven Veterinary Assistant to join our specialty surgery team.
We're looking for someone who enjoys staying busy, takes initiative without being asked, and takes pride in seeing tasks through to completion. Our ideal team member is a self-starter who notices what needs to be done, works efficiently with minimal supervision, and contributes to a positive, team-focused culture.
If you're passionate about patient care and want to expand your skills in a fast-paced surgical environment, this is an excellent opportunity to work alongside experienced surgeons and credentialed technicians while building a rewarding career in veterinary medicine.
As a Veterinary Assistant, you'll play an essential role in delivering exceptional patient care before, during, and after surgery. You'll assist with patient preparation, anesthesia support, sterile surgical procedures, recovery, instrument care, and maintaining a clean, organized surgical environment. Whether you're an experienced veterinary assistant or looking to grow your technical skills, we're committed to providing hands-on training while encouraging independence, accountability, and professional growth.
Why Join Veterinary Surgery Specialists?
- Four-day workweek
- No weekends or holidays
- Work alongside highly skilled surgeons and credentialed technicians
- Hands-on training in specialty surgical procedures
- Opportunities for professional growth and advancement
- A collaborative team that values initiative, accountability, and individuals who take ownership of their work
What You'll Do
Surgical & Patient Care
- Assist with surgical admissions, discharges, consultations, and appointments.
- Prepare patients for surgery, including clipping, surgical site preparation, and positioning.
- Safely and compassionately handle and restrain patients for examinations and procedures.
- Monitor recovering surgical patients and promptly communicate concerns to the veterinary team.
- Assist as a sterile surgical assistant during procedures (training provided).
- Accurately obtain patient vital signs and notify the medical team of abnormalities.
- Maintain complete and accurate electronic medical records.
- Anticipate the needs of surgeons and technicians during procedures and proactively assist whenever possible.
- Work independently while communicating effectively with the surgical team to keep patient care running smoothly.
Surgical Support & Hospital Maintenance
- Prepare and break down operating rooms based on the daily surgical schedule.
- Clean, package, sterilize, and organize surgical instruments and packs.
- Operate and maintain sterilization equipment, including steam autoclaves, plasma sterilizers, and ultrasonic cleaners.
- Maintain inventory and organization of surgical supplies, restocking before shortages occur.
- Clean and disinfect surgery suites, exam rooms, recovery areas, and treatment spaces.
- Perform hospital laundry and maintain a clean, organized hospital throughout the day.
- Dispose of medical waste according to hospital protocols.
- Take initiative to identify and complete cleaning, stocking, and organizational tasks without waiting to be assigned.
- Assist with additional duties as needed to support the surgical team and overall hospital operations.
Schedule
Full-Time (30–40 hours/week)
- Monday through Thursday
- Typical hours fall between: 7:00 AM – 6:00 PM
- Because patient care always comes first, occasional extended hours may be required until daily responsibilities are completed.
Who Will Be Successful in This Role?
Our most successful Veterinary Assistants are individuals who:
- Are self-motivated and require minimal supervision once trained.
- Naturally look for the next task instead of waiting for direction.
- Take ownership of their responsibilities and consistently follow through.
- Enjoy staying productive throughout the day.
- Have strong attention to detail and maintain high standards.
- Thrive in a fast-paced environment where priorities may shift quickly.
- Communicate effectively and work well with others.
- Maintain a positive attitude while remaining dependable and accountable.
- Demonstrate initiative by identifying ways to improve efficiency and support teammates.
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- High school diploma or GED.
- 6–12 months of veterinary assistant experience preferred, but not required.
- Strong work ethic and excellent attention to detail.
- Basic knowledge of veterinary terminology.
- Familiarity with sterile technique and surgical instrumentation is a plus.
- Comfortable using computers and electronic medical records.
- Ability to multitask while maintaining accuracy.
- Professional, compassionate demeanor with clients and coworkers.
- Ability to lift up to 50 pounds and perform physical tasks including standing, bending, kneeling, and lifting throughout the day.
Successful candidates will also:
- Complete Basic Animal CPR certification upon hire and maintain certification every two years.
- Participate in ongoing education and training assigned by management.
- Demonstrate initiative, accountability, and a desire to continuously learn and improve.
- Be willing to cross-train in multiple areas to strengthen the team.
- Be trusted to complete assigned responsibilities with minimal supervision while maintaining VSS standards.
Benefits
Following a successful 90-day introductory period, full-time team members are eligible for:
- Competitive compensation
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Uniform allowance
- Employee pet care discounts
- Continuing education opportunities for credentialed team members
Grow Your Career With Us
At Veterinary Surgery Specialists, we believe exceptional patient care starts with exceptional people. We're looking for team members who don't simply complete assigned tasks—they take ownership of their work, look for ways to help without being asked, and contribute to the success of the entire hospital.
If you're someone who enjoys staying busy, values accountability, takes initiative, and wants to grow your skills in specialty veterinary surgery, we'd love to hear from you.
Pay: $15.00 - $19.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Health insurance
- Paid time off
- Professional development assistance
- Uniform allowance
- Vision insurance
Experience:
- veterinary: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Milwaukee, WI 53226 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Milwaukee, WI 53226: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
