Veterinary Technician, Surgery

Veterinary Technician, Surgery

VTS $42 - $46/hr. | CVT/RVT/LVT/VTS $29 - $41/hr. | SIGN ON BONUS

+$5hr. overnight & $2.50/hr. weekend differentials | West Caldwell, NJ

At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), we are proud to be a leader in emergency and specialty veterinary medicine, providing exceptional care to pets and peace of mind to their families. Our team of highly skilled veterinarians, technicians, and support professionals work collaboratively to deliver advanced medical care in a compassionate, patient-centered environment. With a commitment to innovation, clinical excellence, and continuous growth, AERA offers an exciting opportunity for veterinary professionals who are passionate about making a difference every day.

Compensation

• Credentialed Veterinary Technicians: $29-$41 hourly

• Veterinary Technician Specialists: $42-$46 hourly

• We offer the highest industry-standard differentials for weekend and overnight shifts!

• $5/hr. overnight differentials (11:00pm – 7:00am)

• $2.50/hr. weekends

• These differentials are stackable!

• Sign On Bonus offered to qualified candidates!

Benefits Include:

• 401(k) with matching

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance

• Health Savings Account (HSA) / Flexible Spending Account (FSA)

• Life and Disability insurance

• Paid Time Off (PTO) and Holidays

• Employee Assistance Program and Discounts (including Pet Discount)

• Professional development

• Uniform stipend

• Student Debt Assistance

• 6 Paid Holidays

• Recover Training and Certification for qualified staff

• Fear Free Training and Certification for qualified staff

• CE Reimbursement for qualified staff

• Access to VetBloom for RACE-approved continuing education and training

Schedule

• Full-Time

• Monday - Friday

• 5x8/ 4x10 Hour Shifts available

Job Description

The purpose of the Surgery Technician position is to provide primary support to the Specialist with diagnostics, treatments, and procedures, while ensuring the best quality of care possible for our patients. The Surgery Technician must pay attention to detail and maintain very high standards of cleanliness and care. They must be able to communicate well with doctors and coworkers to ensure overall accuracy and satisfaction.

Responsibilities

• Practice “Fear Free” standards and protocols

• Understand the organization and operations of the department

• Ability to manage the daily OR schedule timely and efficiently

• Ensuring the safety and set-up of each induction station and OR scheduled for the day

• Completing pre-operative testing required for anesthesia (blood draws, radiographs, etc)

• Preparing drugs, fluids, and CRIs for the next surgery

• Pre-medicating patients, setting IVC, and preparing patients for induction

• Assisting Anesthetist with completion of pre-op checklist, induction, and intubation of patient

• Monitoring patient under good anesthetic plane during surgical preparation and local/regional block administration

• Having the knowledge and ability to identify normal vs abnormal vitals and communicating concerns to the anesthetist

• Documenting vitals, recording problems and interventions, ensuring completion of 2nd check list

• Carry out orders from the anesthetist (i.e. changes in anesthesia, drug administration, etc)

• Knowledge of proper surgical scrubbing, gowning, and gloving to assist surgeon in OR

• Instrument and equipment care: cleaning, maintenance, packing, and sterilization

• Complete post-operative diagnostics and other orders

• Recover each patient smoothly with the ability to intervene if delirium, dysphoria, and/or pain is displayed

• Ability to properly assess pain, assign pain score, and treat pain if present

• Knowing, understanding, and ensuring the surgery scheduling protocols are followed

• Ability to communicate effectively and put both clients and patients at ease

• Monitoring the appointment schedule and put appointments in rooms at their scheduled time

• Ensuring the doctors stay on time, and have ability to gently and tactfully move things along

• Assist doctors with restraint/handling, suture removals, and medication refills

• Facilitate bandage changes and radiographs for outpatient rechecks

• Provide basic client education on nutrition, home care, zoonotic diseases, medication administration, post-operative care, and all other hospital recommendations/protocols, as directed by the Specialist

• Re-stock and maintain cleanliness of specialty department area, exam rooms, and all other areas of hospital

• Train less experienced staff members on proper policies, procedures, technical skills, and medical information

• Cross-train to assist in other areas of the hospital as needed work

Qualifications

• Credentialed Veterinary Technician required (LVT,CVT, RVT)

• 2 years’ experience working as a veterinary technician in an emergency or specialty setting

• Knowledge of safety procedures and acceptable sanitation/sterilization practices

• Comprehension of commonly used medical terminology and equipment

• Strong written and verbal communication skills

• Ability to calculate accurate dosages and injections

• Familiarity with CPR and rescue breathing

• Ability to take direction from a variety of people under various situations and accurately follow instructions

• Capability of anticipating needs of Doctors and Nurses and show initiative

• Ability to react quickly and appropriately during emergency situations, and remain calm under pressure

• Excellent communication/people skills

• Good grooming and hygiene

• Must have team-oriented attitude and promote positive culture

• Considerable tact and diplomacy in dealing with clients affected by a variety of problems

• Ability to work with and without direct supervision

• Fluent English skills (speaking & reading) are required for the role; fluency in multiple languages a

Why Choose AERA?

• Work alongside a compassionate and talented team dedicated to excellence in veterinary care.

• Make a meaningful impact by being an advocate for pets and their families.

• Enjoy a dynamic, fast-paced environment that keeps you engaged and challenged.

• Be part of a workplace that values your contributions and supports your growth.

• Ongoing opportunities for continued education such as lunch and learns hosted by various vendors and entities.

About AERA

At Animal Emergency & Referral Associates (AERA), excellence isn’t just a goal—it’s who we are. As an AAHA-accredited hospital, AERA represents the gold standard in veterinary medicine and patient care. We are proud recipients of the 2024 Neighborhood Fave award, recognized by Newsweek as one of America’s Best Animal Hospitals of 2025, and honored with the dvm360 Hospital Design Merit Award for our innovative, state-of-the-art facility. In addition, AERA has been recognized as a Distinguished Kindness Workplace, reflecting our deep commitment to a supportive, respectful, and people-first culture.

With comprehensive services including 24/7 emergency care, advanced anesthesia, diagnostics and radiology, internal medicine, orthopedic and soft-tissue surgery, and radiation oncology, AERA stands at the forefront of specialty and emergency veterinary medicine—where advanced clinical expertise meets genuine compassion for patients, clients, and each other.

Nearby Communities

AERA attracts Veterinary Technicians and Clinical Professionals from throughout Northern New Jersey and the New York metropolitan area, including:

• West Orange, NJ

• Livingston, NJ

• Montclair, NJ

• Verona, NJ

• Caldwell, NJ

• Roseland, NJ

• Cedar Grove, NJ

• Parsippany, NJ

• Morristown, NJ

• East Hanover, NJ

• Jersey City, NJ

• Hoboken, NJ

• Newark, NJ

• Staten Island, NY

• Manhattan, NY

• Brooklyn, NY

Know Someone Amazing?

If this role isn't the right fit but you know a great Veterinary Leader, send them our way!

You could earn a $1,250 referral bonus if they're hired.

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.

Candidates can confidentially submit their CV to Talent Acquisition Partner Craig at View email address on click.appcast.io

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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