Veterinary Assistant, Surgery

Veterinary Assistant, Surgery | $18–$20/hr

Location: Natick, MA

Schedule: Full-Time | Three 12-hour shifts per week

Compensation: $18–$20/hour based on experience and skill leveling assessment

Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty in Natick, MA is hiring a Veterinary Assistant to join our Surgery team. This full-time Veterinary Assistant opportunity is ideal for someone looking to grow their skills in specialty medicine while working alongside Board-Certified Veterinary Surgeons and an experienced emergency and specialty team.

Join a collaborative animal hospital where you’ll gain hands-on experience with advanced surgical procedures, including soft tissue, emergency, and orthopedic cases while helping deliver exceptional patient care every day.

Compensation

• $18–$20/hour based on experience and skill leveling assessment

Full-Time Benefits:

• Continuing Education & Uniform Allowance + Free VetBloom access (RACE-approved CE)

• CVT/LVT/RVT license reimbursement

• RECOVER Training for advanced CPR skills

• Veterinary Technician Education Sponsorships + VTNE reimbursement + VTS Support

• 16-Week VTNE Study Group

• Professional Development Assistance

• PTO + Employee Pet Discount

• Access exclusive financial benefits to help you save on student loans, mortgages, and personal loans

• NVA Pet Resort Discount + Pet Insurance Discount

• Medical, Dental, Vision + HSA/FSA Options

• Insurance Options: Life and AD&D + Short & Long-Term Disability + Critical Illness + Accident + Hospital Indemnity

• 401(k) with employer match

• Employee Assistance Program

• Referral Bonuses + Potential for a bi-annual bonus tied to hospital performance

Schedule

• Three 12-hour shifts per week

Veterinary Assistant Responsibilities

• Support the Surgery team with patient flow, handling, positioning, and transportation throughout the hospital

• Assist Veterinary Technicians and Veterinarians with patient restraint and preparation for surgical procedures

• Prepare surgical, treatment, and recovery areas before and between procedures

• Gather, organize, and stage supplies and equipment needed for scheduled procedures

• Clean, disinfect, and reset patient care and procedure areas according to hospital protocols

• Stock surgical and treatment areas and monitor inventory of commonly used supplies

• Assist with instrument and equipment organization before and after procedures

• Help maintain patient comfort through appropriate handling, bedding, walking, feeding, and other supportive care as directed by the clinical team

• Assist with client-facing activities such as patient admission, discharge support, and general communication within the scope of the Veterinary Assistant role

• Collaborate with Surgery, ER, and Specialty team members to maintain efficient patient flow and a clean, organized clinical environment

Qualifications

• Veterinary Assistant experience preferred; candidates with animal care experience and a strong interest in growing within veterinary medicine are encouraged to apply

• Interest in surgery, specialty medicine, and learning hospital workflows strongly preferred

• Comfortable assisting with patient handling, restraint, positioning, transportation, and other supportive patient-care activities

• Ability to follow direction from veterinarians and Veterinary Technicians and work effectively within a team-based clinical environment

• Strong organizational skills with the ability to prepare, stock, clean, and reset clinical spaces while keeping the surgical workflow moving efficiently

• Willingness to learn surgical preparation, equipment, supplies, terminology, and hospital protocols

• Strong communication and client-service skills with a professional and compassionate approach

• Ability to remain organized and attentive in a fast-paced hospital environment while managing multiple support responsibilities

• Dependable, team-oriented, and willing to assist where needed to support patients and the clinical team

• Fluent English speaking and reading skills required

Why Boston West? This Is Where Technicians Thrive

You’re not here to just get through your shift—you’re here to grow, contribute, and be part of something exceptional.

At Boston West, we bring together Expert Care and Local Heart—meaning you’ll practice high-level medicine while building real connections with patients, clients, and your team.

• Medicine that challenges you – Work alongside a highly skilled team in a 10,000 sq. ft. specialty facility with CT, ultrasound, and advanced diagnostics, where your knowledge and critical thinking truly matter

• Care that goes beyond medicine – Support and guide clients through emotional moments, building trust and making a lasting impact when they need it most

• True collaboration – ER + Specialty working together, partnering across departments and with referring veterinarians to deliver seamless, thoughtful care

• Real career growth – Whether you’re pursuing VTS or expanding your skills, we invest in your future and give you the opportunity to level up

• You’re heard here – Your input matters in patient care, case management, and team decisions—you’re a valued voice, not just a role

• A team you actually want to work with – Supportive, positive, and genuinely collaborative, with people who show up for each other every day

This is a place where your clinical skills save lives—and your compassion is what clients remember. This is more than a hospital—it’s a team that shows up for each other, for our patients, and for our community every single day.

Surrounding Areas

Boston West Veterinary Emergency & Specialty is located in Natick, Massachusetts, with access to many surrounding communities where experienced Veterinary Technicians often commute from, including:

• Framingham, MA & Wellesley, MA

• Newton, MA & Needham, MA

• Westborough, MA & Marlborough, MA

• Hopkinton, MA & Sudbury, MA

• Wayland, MA & Ashland, MA

• Medfield, MA & Dedham, MA

• Worcester, MA

Many team members commute from across MetroWest Boston and Worcester County, making Natick an accessible location for technicians throughout the region.

Considering Relocating?

Great talent can come from anywhere, and we welcome candidates who are considering a move. Whether you're relocating from another city, another state, or across the country, our Talent Acquisition team is here to support you throughout the hiring process and answer questions about the role, the hospital, and the surrounding community.

About Ethos Veterinary Health

Ethos Veterinary Health, part of the NVA Group, is where you come to practice world-class medicine, and help shape what veterinary care becomes next.

Across our network of 140 specialty and emergency hospitals, science moves forward, standards are elevated, and innovation is put into practice every day. You’ll work alongside respected veterinary leaders in academic-caliber hospitals designed for learning, teaching, and discovery.

Here, mentorship is a two-way street. You’ll share your expertise, learn from others, and continue to grow, clinically, professionally, and personally.

At Ethos, you inspire hope, deliver exceptional care, and pursue veterinary medicine at its highest level, together.

Join Us

At Ethos, this isn’t just a job, it’s an opportunity to practice medicine at the highest level and help shape the future of veterinary care.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Ethos is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Ethos does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided based on qualifications, competence, merit, and business need.

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