Veterinary Technician - Non-Credentialed

Location: River Forest, IL
Job Type: Full‑Time
Compensation: $20.00–$24.00 per hour (based on experience)

About the Position

Are you a skilled Veterinary Technician with a passion for surgical care? River Forest Animal Hospital is seeking a Veterinary Technician to join our dedicated team and play a vital role in providing exceptional surgical support for our patients.

About Us

River Forest Animal Hospital is a well‑established, 6‑doctor, full‑service small animal hospital that has proudly served the community since 1952. We are committed to delivering comprehensive, compassionate, and personalized care through every stage of a pet’s life. Our collaborative culture values growth, innovation, and teamwork—your skills and ideas truly matter here.

Learn more about us at riverforestvet.com.

What You’ll Do

As a Veterinary Technician, your responsibilities will include:

• Assist veterinarians during exams, treatments, and surgical procedures
• Prepare animals for surgery (shaving, cleaning, positioning, monitoring anesthesia)
• Monitor patients’ vital signs before, during, and after procedures
• Administer medications, vaccines, and treatments as directed
• Collect samples (blood, urine, feces) and run basic laboratory tests
• Take and process X‑rays and other diagnostic images
• Provide nursing care: wound care, catheter placement, fluid therapy, feeding support
• Clean, sterilize, and maintain surgical instruments and exam rooms
• Care for hospitalized animals (medication schedules, comfort, observation)
• Educate clients on post‑treatment care, medications, nutrition, and preventive care
• Maintain medical records and update patient charts
• Handle patient restraint safely and humanely
• Stock supplies and assist with inventory management
• Answer phones, support appointments, and assist with client communication

What to Expect

• Supportive Environment: Opportunities for continued learning and professional development to expand your surgical and anesthesia skills
• Team Collaboration: Work alongside experienced veterinarians and technicians in a culture that values communication and teamwork
• High Standards of Care: Be part of a practice committed to exceptional patient care and client service

About You

• Minimum 2 years of veterinary technician experience (surgical and anesthesia experience preferred)
• Ability to remain calm, focused, and efficient in high‑pressure situations
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to patient safety
• Passion for advancing skills in surgery and anesthesia

Schedule

• Weekdays: 7:30 AM – 6:30 PM
• Rotating Saturdays
• Hospital hours:
  • Monday–Friday: 8:00 AM – 6:00 PM
  • Saturday: 8:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Benefits

Full‑time employees are eligible for:

• Vacation/Sick/Holiday Pay
• Employee pet discounts
• 401(k)
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Disability and life insurance

National Veterinary Associates (NVA) is a leading North American pet health care company with nearly 1,300 locations spanning general practice veterinary hospitals, Ethos emergency and specialty hospitals, and pet resorts and equine veterinary care. With approximately 40,000 team members, we care for pets and support pet families in communities across the United States and Canada. Our purpose is to give pets and the people who love them more quality years together, and our mission is to make care more personal, easy and accessible while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life. Across NVA, we support our teams with the resources, expertise and opportunities they need to deliver exceptional care and help shape the future of veterinary and pet care.

Purpose : Give pets and the people who love them more quality years together

Mission : Transform the pet family experience to be personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine and care across every stage of life.

Values : Care Deeply, Do What’s Right, One Team, Own It, Shape What’s Next

One NVA: Bringing General Practice & Ethos Together

NVA is built to make care personal, easy and accessible, while advancing medicine across every stage of a pet’s life.

At National Veterinary Associates, we want to make sure your experience connecting with us is seamless and straightforward. Here’s what to expect when interacting with us:

• NVA offers a comprehensive benefits program including medical, dental, vision, a 401k with employer match, and paid time off (including sick time) for all eligible employees.
• The team can provide more information about compensation and benefits for your specific location during the process.
• For positions based in Colorado, NVA provides eligible employees with paid sick and safe leave and public health emergency leave in accordance with the requirements of Colorado's Healthy Families and Workplaces Act.

NVA is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran or disabled status, or genetic information. Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, Los Angeles Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance, and any other state or local hiring regulations, we will consider for employment any qualified applicant, including those with arrest and conviction records, in a manner consistent with the applicable regulation.